Page 90 of Beautiful Ruins
“And you?”
The question was simple.Direct.It carried more weight than it should have.I felt the tightness rise in my throat before I forced it down, steadying my voice before I forged on.
“There’s a war looming,” I warned.
Marcello’s lighter stopped clicking.
Gianni leaned back slightly.
Atlas remained silent, but his attention was sharpened.
“Start at the beginning.”
“Cenk Chernov.Runs a small time Russian outfit.He’s peddling drugs in Siena.”
“Alongside Navarro Nato?”Marcello frowned.
“Nato’s out,” I informed them.“He stepped away, leaving the door wide open for all the wannabes.”
Marcello frowned faintly.
Gianni tilted his head.
Atlas took a slow sip before responding.
“I’ve heard the name.Vaguely.A Russian outfit that’s expanding their interests.I did not consider him significant enough to warrant investigation.”
“He wasn’t,” I informed them.“Until now.”
Marcello leaned forward slightly.
“What changed?”
“Ambition,” I told them.“He’s backing a desperate debtor.One who attempted to leverage someone under my protection as a financial solution.”
Gianni’s expression darkened instantly.
“Which someone?”
“A woman.Under my care.You haven’t met her.”
A merciless silence followed.Atlas set his glass down with deliberate care.
“And Chernov’s involvement?”
“Indirect.It’s more strategic.He wants repayment.He also wants regional influence.Supporting the debtor serves both purposes.”
Marcello’s jaw tightened.
“So he’s testing boundaries.”
“He is threatening our bloodline,” I explained.
That got their full attention.
All three of them leaned in, not physically, but mentally.Focused.Alert.Engaged.
Atlas’s gaze sharpened.
