Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
“So, that is settled.” Dima picked up that notebook and wrote something down. “The Diamond Syndicate will go to war against the Coffin Cheaters, and we will also be going to a wedding this week.”
Marcelo didn’t pick up his fork. Instead, he scowled at Kashmere. “I still have not gotten an apology for your disrespect in breaking into my house and putting your fucking guns in my face.”
Kashmere leaned her head to the side. “You didn’t get my I’m sorry card? The mailman must have lost it.”
Rue loudly cleared her throat in the back.
Kashmere let out a long breath. “Marcelo, I am sorry. I thought your men took Chanel’s body to fuck with me while I was mourning. Therefore, I wasn’t thinking clearly.”
Dima swallowed down risotto. “I’m more surprised Kash didn’t kill you.”
Marcelo nodded. “The verbal apology is a great start.”
I eyed him.
He will be expecting more later.
Lei rose. “If this meeting is over, then I must go.”
Kashmere turned to him. “Where are you going?”
“I have urgent Four Aces business to handle.”
Dima sneered at him. “Still?”
“Still.” Lei bowed and headed off.
What business does Lei have?
Kashmere turned back to Dima. “I need a big favor.”
Dima looked at her. “How big?”
“Pulling many government strings big.”
Dima raised his eyebrows. “What do you want?”
“Fifteen guys set free from prison.”
Marcelo snorted. “That’s not a big favor that is a fucking gigantic one you would owe us forever favors.”
Kashmere didn’t look fazed. “Can you do it, Dima?”
“Give me the list.”
Kashmere raised her hand and snapped those fingers again.
Dane rushed over and placed a folded paper in front of Dima.
Dima took the paper and placed it inside of his jacket pocket. “They’ll be out by the evening. Just remember that part of your making this up to me is making sure I have the West’s votes in my mayoral election.”
Marcelo chuckled. “I still don’t know why you are running for mayor.”
“It is because I am a very petty man that has chosen to fuck with our current mayor.” Dima looked at Kashmere. “Can you give me the West’s vote?”
“You release those guys and all Killer Crows will not only vote for you, they’ll be fucking carrying Vote for Dimitri Ivanov banners around.”
A huge smile spread across Dima’s face. “Then, the men on that list will be out by this evening.”
Very very interesting.
As we all ate, Kashmere, Dima, and Marcelo continued with their meeting. The topic moved to Diamond Syndicate business—drug shipments and brothel prices, fencing updates and the news of recently murdered Syndicate soldiers.
To my surprise they let their guard down and discussed this in front of me.
Don Enzo would have never so easily brought anyone into the Family. However, that didn’t make me see this Diamond Syndicate as weak.
I sensed the family bond between them. Even Marcelo and Kashmere spoke friendly during the rest of the meeting like two constantly arguing siblings who truly loved and respected each other, but just didn’t know how to properly talk to each other.
To my shock, I found myself appreciating these men and the proper respect they were giving Kashmere.
Granted, Dima watched me a lot during the meeting and wrote notes, probably still assessing me. But, even that made me happy.
The Diamond Syndicate is good for my queen. . .for now.
I leaned back in my chair and considered what I would do with these men now. Kashmere had already lost so much. If the Diamond Syndicate served as a sort of crime family that provided her with real support, then I would not end them, at least not yet.
The test would be how they handled the Coffin Cheaters and stood next to Killer Crows.
We shall see.
As if hearing my thoughts, Dima watched me, placed his notebook on the table, and twisted that king chess piece.
Chapter 7
Free At Last
Kashmere
After the Diamond Syndicate meeting, Leonardo met us outside of Poseidon. Santino took him to the side for a quick update.
Then, the air laced with thick tension as Dima and Marcelo emerged from Poseidon’s entrance and spotted Santino and Leonardo talking.
I remained by my Ghost, taking in the scene.
Next, both groups of men studied each other with glares as cold as steel blades. Taut muscles twitched under their dark suits and testosterone flooded the air, creating a palpable atmosphere of hostility.
It was a wonder they didn’t have a shootout right there.
Marcelo headed off with his people and left.
Dima went off to his side, yet didn’t leave. Instead, he stood by his Phantom and scribbled in his notebook.
Santino strolled over to me. “Our men have studied the Diamond Syndicate to my satisfaction. Now we’re going to check out the Coffin Cheaters’ valley.”
I tensed. “What?”
“Apparently, there’s a Paradise City helicopter tour company that does regular journeys over their valley and around the surrounding mountains.”
I calmed. “Please, be careful.”
“I will. I plan to have a family with you. Therefore, I will be cautious.” He kissed my cheek. “I will see you for the tasting.”