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Nico didn’t care, as long as it got done. He would have that stadium contract, and their inside man at the IOC would make it happen. “Let them question. I am merely ensuring the right decision is made.”

“You still need me.”

“Do I?” Nico swirled the wine in his glass and stared at the rich red color. “I would argue otherwise.”

“The IOC won’t be able to rush your permits or cut through your red tape. I can make things very difficult for you when it comes time to break ground.”

“I do not like being threatened, Thomas.”

“It’s a fact, Marzano. We’ll get more accomplished if we work together.”

Nico put down his wine and picked up his knife. Placing the point on the linen tablecloth, he spun the weapon in his hand. “Your wife,” he said into the phone, “she likes the house you live in? The new one you built two years ago.”

The other side of the line went silent. When O’Connell spoke, his voice was rushed, filled with what sounded like fear. “Do not touch my house.”

“New construction is unpredictable, Thomas. Any manner of things can go wrong. And how is your hand, by the way?”

A long pause, then, “I’ll handle the permits when the time comes.”

Nico put down his knife and leaned back in his chair. “Excellent. Thank you, Mayor.”

O’Connell hung up and Nico tossed his phone onto the table. “Testa di cazzo,” he murmured just as Sofia and Filippo came into the dining room.

They put their plates down. “That means dick head,” Sofia said proudly.

Nico frowned at her. “You are learning Italian curse words?”

“Duh. Those are the most fun. Then no one at school knows what I’m saying.”

Nico looked accusingly over at Filippo. “You are teaching her?”

“Of course not.” But his cousin looked guilty as fuck.

Sofia poked Nico’s arm playfully. “Don’t blame him. It’s mostly the internet.”

His phone pinged with a notification. The Reign game was over. Bennett had scored two goals and had an assist. Nico tried not to react, but clearly failed because both Sofia and Filippo were now looking at him strangely.

Filippo cut into his meat, clearly trying to smother a smile and failing. “This face, cugino. The one you are trying not to make. What does it mean?”

“It is a mind your own business face,” Nico said sharply in Italian, only to have his cousin chuckle.

Sofia tore off a piece of dinner roll and dipped it into the sauce on her plate. “I’ve decided that I’m going back to school tomorrow.”

Nico held his wine and watched her carefully. “You are sure? It has only been three weeks. You can continue online through the end of the semester, your counselor said.”

“I know, but I’ve decided I’m ready to go back. I think it’s time. I need to get some of my normal back.”

Filippo nodded and gave her a wink. “I will drive you.”

“Thanks, zio.”

“I will miss you, principessa,” Nico said. “It has been nice having you home again.”

“Aw, thanks. It’s been fun hanging with you, too. Don’t finish that reality show without me, though. I want to see your face when you realize who wins.”

“I won’t,” he promised easily.

She ate another bite of bread. “And look at the bright side. After tomorrow, you’ll be able to have your secret hookup over for sleepovers.”