Page 66 of Bloody Savage God
Not that Riccardo repeated the marriage sentiment. Instead, his visit merely reaffirmed that our alliance was firm, though I still had to deal with Mario.
Which I am about to set into motion.
After a long sleepless night, it takes a decent amount of make-up to make myself look presentable, but as I walk into the mayor’s office the next morning, my heels clicking on the marble floor, I receive a couple of interested glances from men in suits. Apparently, I did a decent enough job.
I can feel the eyes of the secretary on me, too, but I pay her no mind, walking past to announce my arrival directly at the head administrator’s office. I’m used to this kind of attention as well. The kind that has nothing to do with physical attraction and everything to do with people wondering who that confident looking person is, and what power they might hold.
And I certainly hold power. Especially over the mayor.
When the administrator gives the mayor my name through the speaker, I can hear him telling her to bring me in. Even though his voice is quiet and muffled, I can tell he’s nervous. As he should be.
I allow a small smile to play around my lips as I follow the stout woman into the large office.
Duncan James stands up as I approach his desk. He’s a portly man with thinning hair, and his fidgeting hand confirms he is definitely nervous to see me. Good. That means he knows he’s in trouble.
“Ms. Bruno,” he greets me, his voice shaking slightly. “What can I do for you?”
I flash him a smile. “I think you know why I’m here,” I say, pulling out a folder from my bag. “I have some information that I think you’ll find very interesting.”
Taking the folder I brought out of my purse, I place it on his desk and flip it open to reveal a series of compromising photos. They show the politician in bed with a woman who is definitely not his wife.
I can see the growing panic in his eyes as he looks at the pictures, though this isn’t the first time he’s seen them. It’s the first time he’ll have to pay for my silence and discretion, though.
“I’m sure you don’t want these to go public,” I say, my voice low and gentle. “But I’m willing to make a deal with you. There is some unpleasant family business I have to take care of. Unfortunately, it appears my uncle has fabricated some information that might present me in a, well, unflattering light, let’s call it. I expect you to make use of your resources and contacts to ensure that everyone knows any allegations against me are fake and that you’ll look the other way should anything unfortunate occur.”
The politician hesitates for a moment, weighing his options. I can see the sweat on his forehead, and I know that he’s close to cracking. Some men might not sweat at the threat of having an affair exposed, after all, that’s almost too common to raise any eyebrows these days, but his situation is different. His wife is in palliative care, dying of cancer. Whether it’s the publicity nightmare of such a scandal, or the thought that the wife he married twenty-five years ago will find out he’s been unfaithful weeks before her death, I don’t really care.
“Fine,” he says finally, his voice resigned. “But if this fabricated information has anything to do with criminal activities, it’ll go directly to the police. I’ll have my contacts call me right away, but I’m not sure how much I can do to keep things contained if they’ve already opened an investigation at that point.”
“Good choice,” I say, picking up the folder and tucking it back into my bag. “You’ll find Donald Herard will be happy to assist you in containing things in the police department. And just so you know, if I don’t get regular updates from you, I will send someone to give you a little visit. If I don’t like what I hear, these photos will be all over the news.”
Duncan swallows. “I understand.”
I turn on my heels and walk out of the office, my heart pounding with adrenaline. This is just the beginning.
As if on cue, my phone vibrates with a message from Mateo.
He’s here.
Looks like it’s time to pay my uncle a visit.
Mikhail
Here in the Italian section of town, Mario Romano probably thinks he’s safe from any danger. But he’s not. Not only because the pisser is underestimating Gianna and the loyalty she inspires, but because I’ve been watching him for a full day now and I’m not willing to wait any longer. He’s prey and the hunting season has officially begun.
I refuse to accept that other men get to spend time with Gianna when she’s mine.
Time to show her who can actually deliver what she desires.
Besides my cock and body.
Which is why I decide to fuck it all to hell and walk into the Italian restaurant Mario has just entered. There will be consequences, that’s for sure, but whatever fit my father will throw, I’ll deal with it, because there is one thing he’ll have to accept. I’ll be with Gianna, which means the Bratva is losing its enforcer.
Assuming the Italians don’t make mince meat out of me, which would only sound good if Gianna was proposing it.
As soon as I step inside, I can feel the tension in the room. The aroma of garlic and basil fills my nostrils, but I push past it and look around for Mario. He’s sitting at a corner table, sipping red wine and chatting with a group of men.
I make my way towards him, ignoring the stares of the Italian men eyeing me suspiciously. I know I don’t belong here, but I don’t care. I’m here for one reason–to take Mario down. Later, the men will need to learn to accept me.
