Page 68 of Crimson Fate

I consider his question for a moment. I know how my father would have handled things. There wouldn’t have been a dinner because none of the captains would have ever questioned my father’s judgment. I’m still earning that loyalty, though. “I gotta tighten my grip on this family,” I declare. “I have to make it clear that stepping out of line will cost more than they’re willing to pay.”

The unspoken words hang between us, an oath etched into the very fabric of our existence.

“And what about Gia?”

I sigh. Initially, I felt guilty about Gia because of the promises I made her that I would not be able to fulfill. Still, after discovering that Marco has feelings for her, things have become more complicated. Ultimately, I can overcome my guilt about my own failures with Gia. After all, relationships end every day. The issue I face is that I can’t allow any harm to come to Gia, now knowing how Marco feels.

“I suppose it depends on how she responds to the situation with her father,” I state firmly, trying my best not to reveal my inner struggles.

Marco opens his mouth, prepared to speak, but thinks better of it. He knows I’m in a precarious position. Marco is perceptive, perhaps too perceptive for his own good. But I trust him and need his loyalty now more than ever. If I do anything to harm Gia, I’m not sure I will always have that from him.

“I understand,” he says at last before standing. “I have a lot of preparations to make before Saturday. I better get going too.”

“Marco,” I add as he leaves the room, “I want you to look into all possibilities with Smitty. Even if it leads you to the Russians. Understand?”

“Yes, boss.”

As Marco leaves the room, I’m left alone with my thoughts. I stand and move by the window, my gaze fixed on the city. The buildings cast long shadows like sentinels watching over a kingdom of concrete and ambition. My reflection stares back at me from the glass—a ghost of the man I need to be. The upcoming dinner with the captains isn’t just another gathering; it’s a battlefield where allegiances will be tested and power reaffirmed.

My phone buzzes, and I see a message from Gia. I have avoided the discussion with her long enough.

Gia: Are you okay???

Vincent: Yeah, sorry I’ve been so busy.

Gia: We need to talk.

My heart sinks when I read her words, and I wonder if she knows more than I intended her to.

Vincent: Okay. Is everything alright?

Gia: Can you come by my apartment?

I consider her proposal, and the idea that it could be a trap is not out of the realm of possibilities.

I take a deep breath and text back.

Vincent: I’ll be there in thirty minutes.

I have no choice but to go. The best chance I have of sorting this out with Anthony is for him to go to the dinner on Saturday with his guard down.

Chapter Twenty-Five

“You sure about this boss?” Marco asks as he glances over at me from the driver’s seat.

“She’s clearly suspicious that something is going on,” I answer. “I have to put her mind at ease if we’re going to blindside Anthony.”

Marco shakes his head. “I don’t like it. What if it’s a trap?”

I scoff. “You’re fucking infatuated with this girl, and you think she’s trying to trick me? You need to work on picking a better caliber of woman if that’s what you think she’s capable of.”

“No, I didn’t mean her,” he argues. “What if her dad is manipulating her or something? I don’t like the idea of you going there alone.”

I flash him a glimpse of my gun and assure him I’m prepared for any surprises that might be waiting for me.

“Fine, but I’m sitting right here,” he answers. “If something seems off, text me, and I’ll be there.”

I pat my cousin on his shoulder. “Stop worrying, you’re starting to sound like Amelia.”