The bruises on my face are still fresh and visible. I wonder if the Carvels will connect the dots or if they’re too idiotic to do even that.
I wait in the living room while Alessio greets them. Matteo and Lucas Carvel, along with three of their bodyguards and two more of their people, a woman and another man, neither of which I know their names. Frankly, I’m surprised they even have this many people left.
“Where is Carmine?” Matteo asks immediately. “I was told I would be talking directly to him.”
“He’s right over here, don’t worry,” Alessio insists, and guides the small group into the living room where all of us are sitting.
Tiberi, Carmine, Soren, Damian, and me. Cassian is with Nikolas and Beau, making sure they don’t get into any trouble while the Carvels are here. As much I’ve been training them over the last couple weeks, they aren’t ready to face these people.
“Ah, there you are,” Matteo says with his arms stretched wide out and Carmine gets up from his seat to walk over to him, kissing him on both cheeks and touching his arm lightly.
The sight makes my stomach churn. I hate the idea of even playing house with these people, much less trying to get them to agree to be on our side.
“Why are you here?” I ask point blank.
“Your brother invited us here,” Lucas says with a hint of irritation. “Why wouldn’t we come?”
“Because you’re making deals with the Bianchi,” I say frankly. “Why would you need to talk to us?”
“Tommaso,” Carmine mumbles. “What my brother means is…you’re currently engaged in conversation with one of our enemies, but we would very much like to change that.”
“That is why we are here, to hear what you have to offer,” Matteo insists with a smile on his face.
Lucas doesn’t smile though. His face remains flat and disinterested. The three guards and two other people with them stand behind them, looking prepared to do whatever they’re told to do.
“Who are the others you brought with you?” Tiberi asks from where he sits. “Why don’t they have a seat?”
“Yes, why don’t we all have a seat.” Carmine motions them toward the large couches and chairs nearby. I remain standing with my arms folded in front of one of them.
“That won’t be necessary,” Matteo insists. “I’ve brought three of my guards with me, and two of my finest inner circle. Daniella and Geoff.”
Daniella and Geoff give a slight glance at the rest of us, but don’t say anything else. “They’re here to ensure everything goes as planned.”
I bite my tongue. I want to ask them what exactly their plan is. Because it sure as hell can’t be to talk with us.
“Alright,” Carmine agrees. “First we need to know just how much money you’re expecting from the Bianchi’s and what you’re offering them in return.”
Matteo chuckles. “As if you don’t know. You’ve clearly been spying on us as much as we’ve been tailing you.” He pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket anyway.
Suddenly, I realize that Alessio didn’t insist they hand over their weapons. Do they all still have their guns? Why would he do that?
I glance toward Alessio, and he has an uncertain look on his face. He’s too far away for me to talk to me.
Does he suspect the same thing I do? That they didn’t come to talk, but to fight? If he does, why wouldn’t he take their guns?”
“By the way, thank you for trusting us enough not to strip us of our protection,” Matteo says.
Carmine nods slowly. “Of course. We would expect the same had we met at your estate.”
Now I understand…my brother is a fucking idiot, not the Carvels. Carmine believes if we show them we trust them and let them keep their weapons they might actually agree to side with us. That they might actually not take the Bianchi’s money and fight against us.
Matteo hands Carmine the paper. While he’s doing so, I get a glance at the watch on his right hand. It’s platinum, shiny, and most certainly new. In fact, Matteo’s entire outfit looks freshly pressed and there’s not a single stain, rip, tear, or sign of wear in it.
His entire little crew is wearing brand new clothing. Right down to their squeaky-clean shoes.
Motherfucker.
Carmine is looking at the piece of paper in his hand when I see Daniella reach for her side.
