We both looked at each other, nodding in agreement. One big loving family. Almost like Italian families. My impatience was growing. I’d hoped to learn everything about Anastasia prior to the meeting with Carmine. Maybe it just didn’t matter at this point.
What was I saying? Everything about her mattered. I was hooked on the lady, even if she continued to lie to me. Damn it.
At least I knew she was safe, the two soldiers assigned already checking in twice.
“I don’t trust Carmine,” Alexander said quietly as he glanced into the rearview mirror.
“Neither do I. He’s hiding something. If I had to guess, I’d say Sergio is working for him, not against him.”
He glanced in my direction, nodding while yanking his phone into his hand. “Very intuitive. It’s time to lock down the Russo family and finish laying claim to their territory. I should have known better than to allow their continued operation with the leadership intact.”
“What truth do you think there is with the Russians being muscle for one of the Five Families?”
“There’s been unrest for years as businesses grow. There’s not that much territory inside Italy that can be shifted back and forth. The businesses are too set in stone. That’s why Vitelli Russo left when he did.”
“Which could mean an explosion of Italian crime syndicates in the future.”
He laughed as he headed to the interstate. “You know what they say. America is the land of opportunity. We already knew the Barishnikoff scum were eager to conquer various cities in the US. All of this sounds like a perfect opportunity to advance their kingdoms. But… That would require assistance from the Ivanov family. Possible, but we’ll need to wait and see.”
“And with an Italian princess marrying a Russian prince, imagine the worlds they could conquer.”
“This has nothing to do with Anastasia being groomed for Sergio. The one truth Carmine had stated was how much the Italian Russo Don hated his brother and likely his nephews.”
“True. But that doesn’t mean Carmine isn’t interested in sucking up to another of the Five Families.”
Alexander shook his head. “Then why not grab her in New York?”
“They tried.”
“That begs a bigger question as to whether she came here of her own accord or was lured here.”
“If I had to guess, I’d say lured. Only she’s unaware that she was.” Or at least I thought she was. Maybe I shouldn’t have said a damn thing to her.
His grin remained. “From everything you told me about her, Anastasia is a very smart girl. Maybe your idea of marriage isn’t a bad one after all.”
“Does that mean you’d enjoy a piece of the Five Families Italian pie?”
As he cocked his head, I could tell he was thinking about it. “Not a bad idea. If that girl is of importance, imagine our clout. Two mafia princesses. Oh, the power we would yield.”
“That would sound remotely greedy if I didn’t know how much in love with Catherine you are.”
My God, even his sigh was an indication. “Yeah, I am. Marriage can be life changing. Including for you, little brother. That is if you’re ready.”
“Ha. Is anyone ever ready?”
“That depends on how you feel about her.” Now his look was inquisitive.
“There’s something very special about Anastasia. I can’t lie.” She was as close to perfect as possible.
“Obviously, since you told her about Rose. You know what our mother and grandmother always said. Everything happens for a reason. Zorro. Now, the woman.”
“Isn’t it interesting how the women of our family are always right?”
We laughed together. This was as close as I’d felt to my brother in years. Since I’d needed him the most.
“Our family has been through a hell of a lot, Jax, but we’re very blessed. If she’s the one, then fight for what you want.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
