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“Meredith and I fell in love. Her child is now a part of our family. Our world. You, Nico, are going to introduce her to this world. Guide her. You’re about to be one of the leaders in this family and I expect you to act like it. Understood?”
I grit my teeth and glare at my father. After a long moment, I sigh and nod my head.
When I glance over at Enzo, I notice his eyes are, once again, firmly on his plate.
He’s accepted this. My father’s word is law, after all. It’s in his nature to be quiet, deferential, determined, and above all, obedient to the Don.
He’ll make the best consigliere when it’s my turn. But right now, I wish his loyalty was to me, not just the family.
“In fact.” Father pauses to chew his food. “You can find her a husband. Consider it your first official act.”
I stare at him in disbelief. Surely, he must be joking.
Marry off the girl.
I roll my eyes. Great.
My thoughts spin as I consider my options. I could push her off on Alec, he’d marry anyone, but that doesn’t strengthen any relationship.
The Cossi family has had trouble recently. A marriage there could be strategic. Although come to think of it, I'm not sure if he has a son. Maybe a desperate nephew? I need more intel.
A strategic marriage there would be a great way to draw them in line, especially after the betrayal of one of their soldiers.
It’s important to keep them in debt to us further. They need to understand just how precarious their position is.
After nearly fifty years of peace in our territory, the Cossis have been the only family to step out of line. It was and continues to be a huge embarrassment. They owe us. I could make it work to my advantage.
The doorbell rings and I hate the way my father’s face lights up. Jesus. Gone is the stern, furrowed brow of the dangerous and feared Venitti Don. I don’t recognize whatever this is before me.
Is it… love?
I roll my eyes again. Pathetic.
“Go open the door for your new mother,” he snaps.
I huff as I make a show of slowly scraping back my chair.
New mother? Hardly.
I actually never knew my mother. So, there’s no sting from his words, but it's rather the tone and directive that I find grating.
I keep my head high as I walk through the foyer. None of the guards make eye contact. It’s good for them and a pity for me because the one thing that would make my evening better would be a good brawl. Maybe I should challenge Enzo later….
This Meredith lady likely has some bratty teenage daughter who will try to connive or challenge her way into gaining my father’s favor.
Knowing him and the little games he loves to play, he’ll fucking encourage it. This is the last thing I need.
I run a hand through my hair in frustration. I’ll have to make my dominance clear from the start. My father might be Don now, but soon this will be my house, and my family. Everyone will treat me with the level of respect that I’ve earned, or they will risk my wrath.
If bratty stepsister doesn’t want to behave and toe the line, fine. I’ll just marry her off faster.
There’s an answer to every level of attitude.
The doorbell rings again and I quicken my pace, irritated.
On second thought, maybe Alec will be the best option after all. Just get it over with and get her out of my house.
I smirk at the idea. Alec’s been miserable since his ex left him. This would be a boon. A way to keep my cousin happy.
