Page 115 of Dark Alliance
As I inch to the edge of the bed, my t-shirt shrugs off one shoulder. Though my plan doesn’t rely on my sex appeal, I leavemy shoulder bare. It never would’ve occurred to me to use my feminine wiles to seduce if not for Connor making me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.
Still, we’ll call that plan B.
Plan A is a little more complicated. Honesty with a healthy dose of guilt, an emotion we all know quite well from our upbringing, which includes church services and parochial school. For many Italian Americans, guilt is ingrained at an early age as a way to ensure obedience.
I hate this tactic. If I live long enough to become a future leader of the organization, I promise not to make it my go-to.
“Frankie? Can I talk to you?”
He pivots from the desk and meets my eyes, however reluctantly.
As Frankie wanders over, Carlos pivots to walk away.
“No, Carlo. You too. I’d like to speak to both of you, please.”
Carlo stops and exchanges a wary glance with his cousin.
I know those looks well. Even on good days, the young men in our organization live in a state of low-level fear. Not following the boss’s orders is grounds for death, but I’m gambling with my life too.
I’m banking on Frankie and Carlo. Like me, they were raised only knowing one way of life.
They could be good guys at heart. Still, persuading them to turn their backs on everything they know and risk their lives—for me—will require a little manipulation.
So, I guess what I’m really hoping is that they were also born with a sixth sense.
And courage. Because they’re going to need large quantities.
I inhale deeply, as if I have all the time in the world, before exhaling and centering myself. “I get it. You’re terrified of Nino. But this won’t take long.” I meet the eyes of one boy, then the other. Because, really, that’s what they are. Boys.
Neither moves to get closer to me, but they don’t leave the room or demand I shut up or change into my death jammies either. This is my shot.
“For my late father, Eduardo Ricci, may I have one minute of your time?” A lump forms in my throat, but I swallow my fear.
Frankie walks over, and Carlo joins him.
I start with the obvious. “Nino’s going to kill me.”
The way they study their boots confirms that they’re well aware of why they’re in my room and what they’re doing.
I gamble on my next question. “And do you also know Nino killed my father?”
Frankie trades glances with Carlo before staring at me with wide eyes. “No, Miss Ricci. He was killed by Connor Gallagher.”
“Listen to me.”Breathe, Cat. Remain calm.“Nino killed my father because he amended his will to grant leadership of the family to me.”
Their eyebrows shoot up, and Carlo starts to shake his head.
I push on, determined not to waste my chance. “I understand it’s almost impossible to believe, but it’s true.” My gaze travels between the two men. “You know what it’s like to have only one parent in this world.”
Carlo nods, his face blanching.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Carlo.”
“Thank you. Yes, I know what it’s like, Miss Ricci.”
I can feel Carlo’s grief just as I could feel Connor’s. Even back when I knew him as Dane Ryder, I sensed a certain sadness under all that slick banter and charm. That sorrow resonated with me, just like Carlo’s does now. The ache of losing a parent young stays with you. And if I noticed Carlo’s loss, I bet he’s in tune with mine too.
I wait a beat while we maintain eye contact. “Now imagine if someone you loved took your father away too.”
