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I know his men are watching…and if Mia acts too horrified, they may snitch on me. I’ve seen them at work…pretending to be cleaners…but I know they’re his men. Of course, they’re there for my protection…and to watch me.
Her brows furrow, but when I give a forced tight-lipped smile, she relaxes it and gives a wide smile in return. “You’re scaring the fuck out of me, Aria.”
“Just relax,” I breathe, swallowing thickly. “You were right last time. Elio is not who everyone thinks he is. He’s…” I hesitate and gulp, “He’s…a mafia don, Mia. Elio Donatelli isn’t just a businessman. He runs a criminal organization.”
For a moment, there’s nothing but silence between us. Mia blinks, processing before a disbelieving laugh escapes her lips. “You’re kidding, right? Please tell me this is some kind of an elaborate joke.”
“I wish it was,” I say, my voice trembling. “I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Mia, this is real.”
Her mouth forms an ‘o’ as shock seizes her. She most definitely had her suspicions, but I know she wasn’t expecting it to be this big.
She nods and hurriedly pulls out a small notepad from her bag, her fingers already gripping a pen. But I quickly stop her. “Act natural,” I smile.
She gently drops the pen on the table and takes a bite of her food. “Start from the beginning. Tell me everything.”
I hesitate, glancing around the restaurant to make sure no one’s listening. No one is, but I spot a man in the distance staring at me. My guard.
I lower my voice. “I know it’s all connected. This Frank Paterson case, the warehouse case…The businesses he owns are a front for money laundering, arms deals, and... other things. Elio’s at the center of New York’s worst criminal activities.”
Mia’s focus intensifies as she arches a brow furiously. “Why are you just telling me this?”
“Because I can’t keep pretending anymore,” I admit, my voice breaking. “And because you’re the only person I trust to do something about it.”
She looks up, her eyes piercing. “Does he know you’re talking to me? Does he have wires on you?”
I shake my head. “No. And he can’t find out. Mia, if he even suspects I’m de…”
“I get it,” she interrupts, a tone of firmness seizing her voice. “But, Aria, this is dangerous. You’re putting yourself at serious risk.”
“I know,” I whisper. “But you need to know the whole truth. There haven’t been any more assassination attempts on my dad because of Elio. He made it stop. He’s protecting my dad and me. That’s why I made the deal to marry him in the first place.”
She raises her lashes to stare at me. “Your engagement is a faux?”
“Yes, Mia. It’s only a means to an end.”
Mia leans back in her chair, her pen poised mid-air. “So he’s not just a monster. He has... layers.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “If you can call it that. He saved my dad, but he’s also responsible for ruining so many lives. And with the law having always been my motivator, especially after Mario’s murder, I just can’t keep my eyes closed anymore on all that he’s doing. Although I still need to somehow make sure that my dad stays safe.”
Her jaw tightens, and I can see the gears turning in her head. “This is huge, Aria. If I expose him, it could bring down his entire operation. But it’s going to take more than just your word. I need evidence of his operations. Solid, undeniable proof.”
I nod, my hands trembling. “I’ll get it. Whatever it takes. I already have some, but I’m going to try to get some information from him as well.”
“But when you expose him, what happens to your dad whom you’re trying so hard to protect? What happens to your own life, which could easily be threatened?”
My lower lip catches in between my teeth. “The deal I made with Elio is to ensure that my dad and I stay safe. As long as Elio doesn’t suspect anything, he’ll take care of that part...”
“Okay, and...?” Mia raises her brow in curiosity.
“And when I’m certain that those criminals are no longer a threat to both my dad and I, we can publish the incriminating information we have on Elio Donatelli and show the world who he truly is.”
Mia sighs heavily and reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. “We’ll do this together. But you need to be careful. I know men like Elio don’t forgive betrayal.”
Her words send a chill down my spine, but I nod. “I know. But it’s worth the risk. Someone has to stop him.”
Mia’s lips curve into a determined smile. “Then let’s take down the motherfucker.”
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