Page 123 of Beauty and the Daddy

"The Moretti family stands at a crossroads tonight. Either you're with me—all in, no reservations, complete loyalty—or you're against me."

"And if we're against you?" Romano asks, because he's too old to be afraid of death anymore.

I smile. "Then you join my brother."

No one moves. No one breathes.

"I don't give second chances," I continue. "Not after tonight. Anyone who questions my authority, undermines my decisions,or even looks at Belle or Sofia sideways... I will end you. Your wives will be widows. Your children will visit graves."

They need to understand the rules have changed.

"The men talk," Don Fiorello pushes. "They say you've gone soft for the girl and are making decisions with your heart instead of your head."

"The men should mind their fucking business." I lean forward. "My decisions about my family are not up for debate."

"The council should have a say in who becomes the next Moretti wife," Vittorio argues. "Tradition?—"

"Tradition?" I laugh, hollow and cold. "Was it tradition for the underboss to try to kill his own brother? Tell me more about these traditions I should respect."

Vittorio shrinks back.

"Here's what happens now." I spread my hands on the mahogany like I'm claiming territory. "You have one choice. Pledge absolute loyalty to me as head of this family, or watch me burn everything to ash and build something new from the rubble."

Romano starts to object. "You can't simply?—"

"Can't I?" I smile, all teeth. "While you were racing here to save your own skins, my men took control of every operation we run. Every warehouse, every club, every dollar that flows through this family now flows through me."

Their faces pale as they realize I've outmaneuvered them.

"So, vote. But understand this isn't a negotiation. It's a courtesy."

Salvatore speaks first. "I'm with you."

Smart man.

One by one, they fall in line.

"It's unanimous, then." I nod, satisfied. "Good choice."

"What about the americana?" Don Fiorello asks, testing boundaries one last time. "She caused quite a scene at dinner."

I straighten my cufflinks, letting the silence stretch until it becomes uncomfortable.

When I speak, my voice carries the weight of absolute authority.

"Her name is Belle. She's carrying my child. And she's my wife." I meet each man's eyes in turn. "Anyone who has a problem with that can discuss it with my brother."

30

BELLE

"Fuck!"

Luca curses when something hisses and spits on the stove.

He jerks the pan off the burner, and whatever was inside sizzles like it's giving up the will to live.

I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud.