Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91238 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
A head pops up. Uncle Sanzio sees me. He’s got shaggy eyebrows and thick, dark hair. He says something, and twelve sets of eyes turn in my direction. The lone guy bowling keeps on rolling, the pins smashing loudly.
My father turns to face me. He says something to the gathered men before extracting himself from the group and walks over. I hurry to meet him, getting as close to the others as I can. Their curiosity is evident, but none of them looks angry. It’s a major relief.
“Allegra.” Well, none of them, except for Daddy. He’s pissed. “What in god’s name are you doing here?”
“I wanted to talk to you.” I shift slightly and raise my voice. I’m not sure if the others can hear me, but I want them to. The loud music, the weird lighting, and the guy bowling are all designed to make this meeting as difficult to record as possible. The lights mess with cameras; the noise messes with recorders. My father learned a long time ago that paranoia pays in a line of work like the mafia. Bowling alleys are the perfect cover.
“You aren’t welcome here.” He glares down at me. “How did you even know about this meeting?”
Sophia. But I don’t say that. “I know I’m not supposed to be here right now, but I have something you want. I thought maybe we could talk about it.”
I notice more curious stares. Uncle Sanzio’s leaning forward and whispering something to the man at his elbow.
“Whatever you have to say can wait.” Dad grabs my arm. “You need to leave right now.”
“Rocco,” Uncle Sanzio calls out before Dad can drag me to the door. “Hold on a second.” He walks over with Uncle Gasparo on his tail. The two men are younger than my father, though they all share that classic Italian look. Dark skin, thick black hair, lots of jewelry. They dress like gangsters with country club memberships. Which is exactly what they are.
“Hello, Uncle Sanzio, Uncle Gasparo.” I make my tone as polite as I can, though I’m afraid. I don’t think my family will kill me, but they might ruin my plan.
“My daughter made a mistake,” Dad says, his tone hard. “She doesn’t belong here.”
“She’s also married to Gian Rossi,” Uncle Sanzio points out. “I assume that has something to do with this?” His eyebrows raise at me.
I nod once. “Yes, it does.”
“And are you here on official Rossi Famiglia business?” Uncle Gasparo asks.
“Not exactly,” I admit.
“Then you need to leave.” Dad’s grip tightens. He’s absolutely furious.
“Hold on a second.” Uncle Gasparo leans toward me. “I agree with Sanzio. We should hear her out.”
Dad’s face tightens. The other men are watching. His Capos and soldiers, all weighing his decision. Dad clearly wants to throw me out on my ass, but if his own brothers want to hear what I have to say, it’s hard for him to refuse.
“Fine,” he growls and jerks me toward the group. He gestures at them. “Speak your mind Allegra. Then you’re gone.”
I take a deep breath. The men stare at me and I meet their gazes, doing my best to summon every ounce of bravery I have in my little body. I assured Gian that this would be no big deal, but I was totally wrong.
This is a huge deal.
Yeah, I’m related to a few of these people, and I was raised to treat most of the others like family, but right now they aren’t the funny, loudmouth assholes who I remember from family parties. These are dangerous mobsters in the middle of an important secret meeting. Sophia thinks they’re discussing the war and what to do about it. Allegedly, Dad’s talking them out of the fight, but he’s having trouble bringing them all around to his side. More than a few want to kill the Irish for what they did.
I’m not a little girl running around the adult table anymore.
I’m a lot stronger than that.
“I spoke with the Rossi men, and I’m here to make you all an offer.” I speak as loudly and as clearly as I can. My voice doesn’t shake, and I’m actually pretty proud of that.
“Then you are here on Rossi business,” Dad says, practically snarling.
“Easy, Rocco,” Uncle Sanzio says, sounding amused. “Don’t forget that the girl’s your daughter.”
“The girl’s a traitor,” Dad snaps.
This tone sends a jolt of bitterness down my spine. I raise my chin higher.
“What’s the offer?” Uncle Gasparo asks.
“I’m here to offer you the men who attacked your club in exchange for your pledge that you’ll join the war against the Aslanov Bratva and the Lynch Family.”
There’s more murmuring. Uncle Sanzio’s lips pull into a tight frown, and Uncle Gasparo looks grim. Dad shakes his head rapidly, fuming.
“Not remotely worthwhile,” he says, but he trails off when he turns to look at the gathered men.