Chapter 3 EVIL CARDS ON THE TABLE.

NATHANIEL – POINT OF VIEW

“The Russos are en route to the Gallery,” Silas tells me, and I nod, my jaws clenched.

The Russos are a rival Mafia Family who believe we rule New York City together. I let them believe whatever they want, but we all know who the King is. I built my Empire from scratch. My parents were taken from me at an early age, but I fought on. New York is mine. I abhor social meetings, but as the Don, I have to do things I don’t want to, which includes dancing with the enemy.

“Get the cars ready. I want just ten men with me. Put four men stationed in front of the pet’s door.” I order as I fix my cufflinks.

Silas nods and walks away. I make my way to my bedroom and gear up. I already know what the Russos want, and I have no interest in bending to anyone’s will.

Twenty minutes later, we are en route to the Gallery. I am not surprised to see an army surrounding the Gallery. The Russos are paranoid. People are coming for them, which is why they need my help. What do they have to offer? I guess we will find out.

I step out of my car and head forward. Silas is on my right, while River is on my left. They are the only ones I trust. Silas is my second in command, and River is the CFO of my legitimate businesses.

One of Russo’s thugs tries to search us. A tilt of my head reminds him he doesn’t have the right to touch us.

We walk into the Grand Gallery and see the Russos family already set up at a table. I frown when I see their daughter is present. Eve Russo is undeniably beautiful, but there’s a certain beauty stuck in my head. I knew everything about Asher Donovan. I knew he wasn’t working with the Syndicate. I also knew that his tears made my dick hard. I wonder if he can take my cock. I’ll make him choke on it.

“Nathanial, welcome.” Alex Russo smiles as we walk to the table.

We shake his hands cordially. I kiss his wife’s cheek - Lydia, and Eve’s.

“Are you famished, Nathan? The food is amazing.” Lydia gushes, and I nod.

“We can eat.” I agreed.

And so, we eat. We spend the next thirty minutes eating what can barely fill an ant. I’m glad I don’t have to make conversation because Silas and River do.

“Your fashion brand is darling, Eve.” River compliments Eve, who blushes. Silas and I share a look, but we say nothing.

Thankfully, we get to business.

“I know you are wondering why we called you here.” Alex begins.

“It wasn’t to eat and enjoy our company?” Silas smirks.

Alex shakes his head, “As much as I want to do that, we have more pressing matters.”

“We?” I frown at him and lean fully into the chair.

“Well, my family. I am sure you have heard of everything that has been happening.” He falls over his words like a child, and I shake my head, feigning oblivion.

“Please, we are here to listen,” River assures him.

“My family has been infiltrated by a rat. We believe him to be a federal agent. We still haven’t identified him, but he linked intel to the dark web, and our contacts at the FBI say they are preparing a RICO takedown. Now, here’s the thing: he leaks intel about our families, the Russos and Bianchi. My Family is panicking and turning on each other. We don’t know who to trust, and we don’t want to go to prison. Soon, our funds will be frozen, and we will be under watch. We can help each other.” Alex rambles desperately, and I stay silent.

Lydia continues, “We believe the Bratva is responsible for this. A new family is in New York, the Petrovs, and our sources all point to them. They bombed our warehouses and kidnapped our Captains. They are sending messages. They are taking us out bit by bit. They will come for you very soon. To make it worse, our legitimate forces are also falling. We have our hands full; we cannot win a turf war with a rat and a failing business on our hands. We can help each other.”

I smile, “You can help me? How? You have a rat, your money is draining, your business has fallen, and you can help me?”

“Here’s our proposal,” Eve declares, and I listen.

“A marriage alliance between you and me. The FBI is coming for you, too. The Petrovs will come for you eventually, but together, we can win. We stand a chance to win. Everyone knows not to mess with the last son of the Bianchi family. I know that the Council has also been pressuring you to get married. You’re thirty-two years old, Nathaniel, you need heirs, and you need a powerful wife. I can give you both. I am willing to accept whatever form of marriage you want. You can sleep with any woman. As long as we have the son we need, and you save my family from utter ruination.” She articulates calmly, but I can see her desperation. It's practically palpable.

I glance at Silas, at River, who has been in love with Eve for a long time.

“You’ve said what I can do for you, but what do I get back from it? I can get a wife with a flick of my fingers, but I don’t want a wife.” I state calmly, my jaws clenched, because images of Asher flash through my mind, his lips, his dainty hands, his innocent beauty. I want to stain him with my dirty ways. I want to fuck him hard.

“You are the only one powerful enough to stop the Petrovs. Together we can take them out before they grow; together, we will be unstoppable.” Eve rasps.

“And, I have information you need. I know who killed your parents. I know how to find the Syndicate.” Lydia adds slyly.