Page 39 of Captured Innocence
“Intelligence is only somewhat useful in our world, Mattia. That is something you will learn. Taming a woman is much easier if they are of weak mind.”
Anger boiled inside of me. I would enjoy killing the man myself. Perhaps one day. He moved beside me, enjoying his beverage of choice while his eyes wandered to Lucia, undressing her with his eyes.
It would seem all five Dons had a penchant for beautiful women, refusing to stay faithful. That was a weakness in my eyes. My mother had taught me that if I had a strong woman beside me, I could rule the world. That’s what I had in mind. I smirked from the thought.
“I’ve had my eye on Lucia for my son Antonio. As you mentioned, our alliance would strengthen the Five Families significantly. However, if you are interested in Sophia, I suggest you make an offer. I doubt she’ll be on the market for long.”
“She is barely nineteen. Hardly wife material at this point.”
“Not according to Franco. As a virgin, she is worth a significant amount and producing an heir quickly is of a benefit. With Lucia, she has other… benefits at this point.”
I glared at him. “Benefits?”
“Why, yes. She is making a significant amount of money for the family. My son can afford to wait. Soon, I’ll retire and can announce the wedding and his ascension to the throne at the same time. When the time is right, we’ll have a place handed to us in America.” He laughed softly as if getting one over on Roberto.
My God. A deal had already been struck between Roberto and Giuseppe. I wondered if either Lucia or Sophia had any idea? Did that mean Roberto had also selected someone else for the woman I refused to let go? Fuck.
I glanced into his face, loathing the politics and the lies that had been an integral force within the famiglia. My suspicions had been correct. Sophia had learned of her father’s plans, hence the reason for her visit. She’d used what little power she had to try to gain control. I had to give the girl credit, although if it was discovered that I’d been the one to deflower her innocence, the bad blood between the Five Families would be significant. That would allow an in for the Russians.
I couldn’t allow that to happen. I’d need to talk to Sophia. And I’d need to place a bid now versus waiting. Fuck. I didn’t like to be forced into making decisions. She’d played me, although I wondered if she’d understood what her gift could mean.
Doubtful.
When she tossed another look over her shoulder, I could see anger in her eyes. Her father was pulled away and that was my cue to try to talk with her. “If you’ll excuse me, Don Romano, I would like to wish Sophia a happy birthday.”
“Of course. I’ll be curious how this turns out.”
He laughed as I walked away, and I couldn’t help but continue thinking he had something up his sleeve. Of all the Dons, personally I trusted him the least. As usual, my father didn’t agree.
Before I had a chance to get any closer, she noticed my approach and immediately walked away. Either she’d been playing me the night before or something was wrong. I handed my drink to a passing waiter, prepared to follow her outside when Roberto stepped in front of me. He didn’t appear happy that I’d made an appearance.
“What are you doing here, Mattia? You weren’t invited. This is a private party.” He wasn’t a very good actor. He’d planned on my arrival. I shoved aside my rage. I’d deal with my father at a later time.
“I’ve come in my father’s stead, Roberto, as allowed by the rules of the famiglia.” Although I was stretching that a bit.
He smirked and glanced toward his office. “Unacceptable but I refuse to interrupt my daughter’s party.”
Fuck. I was right. Sophia had already been offered to someone else as well as tossed out to my father. I should applaud Don Lazarro. He was simply searching for a high roller. Who was the other player? I glanced at the other Dons, who were watching the exchange with fervent interest. This was getting more interesting by the minute.
“Please, Don Lazarro. You and I both know this party was carefully orchestrated not only to provide suitors a lengthy opportunity to indulge in the beauty and grace of Lucia but Sophia as well. Your current financial situation has necessitated selling off your daughters like cattle.”
“How dare you!” He made the mistake of getting in my face.
I took a deep breath as I crowded closer. “I suggest you remember who you’re talking to, Roberto. I’m no fool. I’m a businessman who has every intention of making you a proposition that I suggest you listen to.” He didn’t want to push me any further.
The sparkling lights of the festivities highlighted Sophia’s tense form. She stood with the same friend who’d been at the club, watching me intently. There was no mistaking her look of scorn.
Her father acted as if he was appalled at first then chuckled under his breath. “Touché, Mattia. You are very much your father.”
“You’ll pardon me if I don’t take that as a compliment.”
He laughed and took a step backward. “What a shame you don’t get along with your father. He was always a brilliant businessman.”
“One you sought out when attempting to drag your ass from your misfortune?” I took a sip of my drink, watching the myriad emotions crossing his face.
“Gli uomini potenti sono spesso i più deboli.” Powerful men are often the weakest.
The sentiment was one I’d heard my father say more than once.