I state the obvious and he nods, appearing almost docile as he grins.
“We are all capable of removing the opposition, Joseph, if there is no other choice. But I’ve concluded over the years that it is better to work with, rather than against, your opponents, and both of you benefit. You can help us with our problem, and we can help you with yours.”
I am still failing to see the benefit to us, and then he changes the game with one sentence.
“Sometimes it’s the hand that holds the keys to Pandora’s box that wields the most power. I have something you want—you need, in fact and you have the ability to assist me with a problem. Work with me, Joseph, and the rewards will be great. If you prefer to solve this problem on your own, of course I will respect that.”
“And the keys?”
I disguise my anxiety about that, which isn’t reassured as he shrugs.
“Are useless without the locks they fit.”
He nods toward the door. “Come, I should attend to my guests, and you should attend to your latest project. I will be in touch regarding Walter once you have a chance to visit him.”
I follow him out, my mind racing because he is right. He has made me an offer I can’t refuse, and one thing is definite: it’s best to work with Club Mafia than against them, and that will probably never change.
CHAPTER 14
TIFFANY
Eliza is called over to a group of people, and as I search for Joseph, I’m slightly nervous he isn’t here. It’s only now I’m aware of how alone I am. There are many people here, but none of them are familiar to me, and part of me wonders if this is my chance to make a break for it.
Images of the silent guards shadowing our walk here tells me it would be a futile exercise and may antagonize Joseph.
Despite my aversion to being here, he is the lesser of two evils right now and so, with a sigh, I ask a nearby waiter to direct me to the restroom.
I follow him, and as I head inside the rather opulent room I gaze at my reflection in the ornate gold mirror, and for some reason, I smile.
I look good.
Probably the best I have ever looked, which reveals the power of a professional. I would never have the means to paint my face with such skill, and the dress, well, it’s perfect.
The diamonds glittering at my throat remind me of my birthright, and for a moment I dwell on the past.
My father. Enrico Zaferelli. A strong, powerful man with a short temper and a bad choice of mistresses. His wives were notup to the job obviously, and my heart is sad for Rose and Alice, whose mothers died before their time.
Alice is convinced her mom is still alive somewhere; Rose not so much. I know my mom is living and breathing, and I have no desire to find her.
She left me, and that still hurts.
My mind returns to the convent, and I’m surprised to discover I no longer feel the pain of separation. I was afraid to leave. I had a good reason. Not because I wanted to stay—to be a nun. But because of her. Morgan.
A dark shiver ripples through me, and I struggle to breathe. My memories are unpleasant and my fear is biting hard.
Just knowing she is out there, waiting for me, planning my downfall is the reason I opted to remain with the sisters. She couldn’t touch me in there. Now she could be outside the door right now, and there is nothing I can do about that.
Unless I take Joseph up on his offer.
Is he my knight in dark armor? Possibly, but will the darkness prove deadly to me? Because if you scratch the surface of my soul, I bleed black blood.
My eyes glitter as I face the woman I am inside and with a wry twist to my lips, I finish up and head outside.
The moment I open the door, I see him. Leaning against the wall as if he is waiting for a cab is the one man who is dominating my life right now.
“What are you doing?”
I’m snappy and frown as he shrugs off the wall, his dark eyes gleaming as he snatches my wrist in his strong grasp.
