Page 18 of Malicious Claim (Dark Inheritance #1)

Can't Kill My Confidence

The hallway leading to Don Matteo Crete's chambers was blanketed with a peaceful stillness. The low humming of a violin played, its pensive tune filling the space with a tranquil calm.

Makros didn't hesitate as he approached the heavy double doors, pushing them open without waiting for permission.

The Don sat in his leather chair, swirling a glass of brandy. His sharp gaze locked on Makros the moment he entered.

"Sit," the Don ordered.

Makros obeyed, settling into the chair across from him. There was no emotional connection between them, only an unspoken understanding that they both knew their responsibilities in this underworld of crime.

The Don set his glass down with a soft clink and studied his son with an intent gaze. "You went too far as usual."

Makros arched his brow. "I didn't realize we had boundaries."

"The ambassador's daughter," Matteo continued, ignoring the sarcasm in Makros's tone. "It was reckless."

Makros smirked. "Actually, it was effective."

Don Matteo leaned forward with a slight movement.

"I didn't come this far without control and precision.

But you Makros, you're like wildfire. This is loud.

Too desperate." His gaze narrowed. "Do you know what happens if this falls apart?

If the ambassador finds out about our involvement in his daughter's abduction? "

Makros didn't break a sweat. "It won't fall apart."

Matteo exhaled, rubbing his temple as if the mere act of speaking with his son was a very tedious task. "You've always been bold, but boldness without clairvoyance is a huge liability."

Makros leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed. "We're getting our man out of prison. The ambassador is too preoccupied with his daughter to worry about anything else, and the police are chasing ghosts. It's all going according to what I planned."

Matteo shook his head. "You're blinded by your own confidence."

Makros met his father's gaze, unwavering. "And you're subdued by your own paranoia. That's the difference between you and I."

A tense silence stretched between them before Matteo finally leaned back, conceding the argument.

"After this mission," Don Matteo said, finally changing the subject, "I need you to handle something in Naples. Our partners there are getting... too ambitious."

Makros gave a small nod. "Consider it done."

Matteo swirled his drink once more before speaking again, his voice quieter this time. "You've killed three people since the Crawford massacre."

Makros didn't say a word, he waited for the continuation.

"The maid, the thief, and the agent," he mused. "Truly some unnecessary losses."

Makros let out an amused snort. "You say that as if their lives mattered."

The Don took a close look at him. "Did they deserve to die?"

A faint smile crossed his lips. "They earned it."

Matteo sighed, downing the rest of his drink. "Make sure you don't lose sight of why we do this."

Makros stood, taking that as his cue to leave. "I never do."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving his father in the dimly lit room.

Makros shut the door, making his way back down the long corridor. The violin sound served as a backdrop as his father's words replayed in his mind. His father was an old school Sicilian Mafioso, he would never be able to fully grasp the weight of the new world he was carving out for the Cretes.

He rounded the corner into his personal quarters and paused abruptly. The door to his office was slightly ajar and he frowned.

Someone was inside.

He instinctively reached for his gun tucked behind his waistband and aimed it as he stepped inside but lowered it upon seeing that it was Leila.

"Damn it Leila, who the hell let you in here? Hope you didn't mess with my things?"

Makros thought to himself that he needed better security as he tucked the gun away.

"So," she said coolly, her arms folded. "This was the business you had with Vanessa?"

Makros tilted his head, offering a small smirk. "That's the business of the Mafia, dolcezza ."

Leila scoffed. "You kidnapped a politician's daughter. I should've known you were scheming and probably warned her. What on earth did she do to you?"

He didn't bother with an answer, instead he said, "Vanessa is safe. My men won't harm her."

Leila stepped closer, placing something in his breast pocket. The diamond wedding ring.

"It's over Makros." Her voice was steady. "I'm breaking free from this forced union. I'm done being manipulated."

He regarded her with quiet amusement. "You can't be serious."

Leila exhaled harshly, her fingers curling into fists. "I'm dead serious, Makros. And you can't force me to stay."

"What if I do?"

The corners of Leila's lips curled into a half smile. "Then I'll tell the ambassador everything. That you're behind this. That it was you who orchestrated Vanessa's kidnapping."

Makros chuckled deeply. "What makes you so confident that I won't shoot you where you stand?"

Leila's jaw clenched, yet she didn't show fear. "If you wanted me dead, I'd have been dead, Makros. And if you kill me, I'll be reunited with my family. I don't fear for my life. However, I'm warning you, I'll end your miserable life someday if you don't kill me."

Makros exhaled through his nose, amusement flickering in his gaze. "Cunning." He circled her slowly. "But let's say you do leave me. You think the world outside will welcome you with open arms?"

Leila stiffened.

"The Babros have been waiting for an opportunity. When your family died, they took over America as the number one criminal organization. And believe me, cara mia , they have not forgotten about you."

A dash of doubt crossed her face.

"They are going to find you," Makros said casually, sweeping his fingers over her shoulder. "And they are going to ensure your death is slow. But if you stay with me you'll never have to fear them."

A brief silence stretched between them.

"I don't fear them," she whispered. "I fear becoming like you."

Then she turned and walked away.