Page 41 of Shattered King

Fiorella

T he bulletproof vest is itchy and way too tight. It binds against my breasts and makes it hard to breathe.

“I’m sweating like a freaking pig in this thing,” I grumble as we walk toward Filippo Benedetti’s house. It’s a little row home deep in South Philly. About as Italian as it gets.

“I’d rather you be sweaty and alive than dead.

” Luca’s walking very close to me and looking around like a maniac.

Enzo’s shadowing us across the street, and Stefano’s in a parked car nearby.

One of Davide’s drones buzzes overhead. Leo would be here if I hadn’t insisted on him staying behind to watch Raf and Elisa.

“And I’d rather be pretty and demure for this meeting, not a stinking mess.” I lightly elbow him in the ribs. “It’s going to be okay, you know.”

“It will, because I’m making sure of it.” He seems grim. “Filippo didn’t draw on your brother, but that doesn’t mean he’s an ally.”

“He’s an accountant. He’s not stupid. I’ve known him all my life, and if there’s anyone in this Famiglia who makes decisions based on logic and reason instead of raw emotion, it’ll be him.”

“And you think his logic says he should back us?”

“I think he knows the Famiglia is doomed if Corrado takes over. Without Marino money, they’re fucked.”

“Trust an accountant to follow the cash.”

“Exactly.” I kiss my husband’s cheek and beam at him. “Besides, Filippo likes me.”

His expression darkens. “If that motherfucker so much as looks at you?—”

“Oh, stop it. I’ve known him since I was a child. He’s been managing the Famiglia’s books forever.”

“Doesn’t change anything.”

“Don’t let your jealousy ruin a good meeting.” We walk up the stoop together, and I step ahead of him to knock on the door. “Best behavior, alright?”

“No fucking promises.”

“An ape, as per usual.”

“More like a bloodthirsty wolf.”

“Nah, that sounds too cool. I’m thinking you’re more of a territorial hippo.”

His reply is cut short when the door opens. A woman smiles out at me, older and round, with graying hair cut short around her ears. “Fiorella, my dear, it’s so good to see you. Filippo said you were visiting, but I couldn’t believe it.”

“Hello, Mrs. Benedetti. It’s nice to see you too.”

“Please, please, you’re not a little girl anymore. Call me Marta.” She gives me a warm hug and ushers me inside. “This must be your husband?”

“Luca Marino,” he says and politely shakes her hand. “Lovely home you have, Marta. Something smells incredible.”

“Ah, just a little something I whipped up for your visit.” Marta grins, eyes gleaming. “Come, my husband is like a little rat, afraid of the sunlight. He hides in his office all day before creeping out after sundown.”

It really does smell incredible, and I make sure to compliment her as well.

Marta’s a nice woman, and we’ve met a few times over the years, but I don’t know her well.

Some wives are deep in the Famiglia while others like to keep their hands clean.

I suspect she’s one of the latter. She likely knows what her husband does in broad strokes but not the details.

We’re taken to a cramped and simple office in the back of the house. Filippo’s sitting behind a basic desk, frowning at a laptop as he types away. He holds up a finger for one moment while Marta leaves us alone.

There isn’t much decoration in his office. Just a few statues on the bookcase and an old family photo probably showing his parents.

Otherwise, it’s austere.

Filippo clicks twice and looks up. “Sorry about that. Some clients expect me to drop everything and email back the instant they send a message.” He stands and shakes our hands. “Please, come in. It’s good to see you both again. The last time we met, circumstances weren’t ideal.”

“You mean Carmine and Rocco murdering each other and nearly killing my brother?” I beam at him when he grimaces. “I’d say that was definitely unfortunate.”

“We have to deal with certain personalities in this line of business. Would either of you like a drink?”

I politely decline. Luca asks for some water. Filippo calls out to Marta, and she returns a moment later with a glass and a tray with several dishes. “Lemon shrimp in garlic and good olive oil. Just dip the bread and enjoy.” She places it all down on Filippo’s desk.

“Thank you, dear.” Filippo eats first, looking happy. I join him more out of politeness than anything else. Luca sits back and watches, saying nothing.

“So good,” I say, which is true. But I’m too nervous to keep eating.

“Marta’s an excellent cook.” Filippo seems very proud as he looks toward the door. “But we should keep our voices down. Who knows who might be listening?”

I nod and speak softly. “You can probably guess why we’re here.”

“I heard that your brother checked himself out of the hospital.”

“Only to keep ahead of the killers Corrado sent.” I lean forward and eat a little more shrimp. It helps calm me down a little bit. “But Raf is doing better. He’s awake and improving.”

“That’s good news.” Filippo doesn’t look happy, but he doesn’t seem sad either. His eyes narrow, and he studies me carefully. “I take it your brother is set on his new position.”

“His rightful position,” I correct. “And yes, with the backing of the Marino Famiglia—” I gesture at Luca, who continues to loom beside me. “—he plans on making sure his claim sticks permanently.”

Filippo lets out a sigh. “Fighting is always bad for business. That’s what I’ve always counseled whenever your father would ask. I do numbers, and the numbers always tell the truth.”

“Then your numbers understand the situation we’re in. Even if my uncle solidifies his hold on the business, we’re finished. He can’t turn it around without Marino help.”

“That’s why I told your father to marry you off.” Filippo doesn’t smile. He barely shows emotion as he speaks. “He didn’t want to do that to you, but I walked him through the accounts and made him understand. This is a matter of survival for us now.”

“We need your backing, Filippo.” I stare at him but do my best to keep myself as calm and emotionless as possible.

“You saw what we’re against. You saw those other two—” Luca starts, but I put a hand on his thigh. This is a man who makes decisions with logic and facts. He won’t respond well if Luca starts trying to talk about revenge or anything like that.

Lucky for me, my husband isn’t stupid. He goes quiet and lets me take the lead.

“Raf has the Marino Famiglia’s support,” I continue as Filippo sits back and listens.

“That means muscle and money. You’re aware our relationship with them will be complicated, but they’ll cover our debts, and we’ll continue to run our businesses as we see fit.

Corrado will have none of that. Even if he gets creative, it’s unlikely he’ll be able to dig us out of our hole. ”

Filippo nods slowly and glances at Luca. “You can guarantee what she’s saying?”

“Absolutely. I have my Don’s full backing.”

“We need you to tell us where Corrado’s hiding.

” I stare at Luca. My stomach’s a wreck with worry.

If he turns us down, I don’t know where else we’ll go.

There are other Capos we can try, but Filippo’s by far our best bet.

But if he thinks we’re a bad decision, then I can’t imagine any of the others will want to take the risk.

Filippo slowly stands. He walks over to a side table and pours himself a glass of liquor.

He swirls it around, staring at the window as he takes a long and thoughtful drink.

“I’ve been in this business a long time,” he says, sounding strangely sad.

“I respected your father, but he made some questionable choices. Those choices led us here, to this situation. How can I be sure your brother is going to be a better fiscal steward of the Famiglia?”

“I’m going to make sure of it.” I surprise myself with how sure I am. Barely a few weeks ago, I was thinking about running away and never coming back, but now that feels like an entirely different lifetime.

The Famiglia is my future. Luca and the baby are everything. If that means keeping Raf in line, then so be it. I can do that much for my family at least.

Filippo frowns slightly. “I need more than that. And please, don’t insult me like Corrado did by offering money. I’m plenty rich. This is about stability.”

“Any large business expenditure will require your approval. We’ll have a three-tiered voting system. You, Raf, and Luca, each to represent different stakeholders.”

He looks interested in the idea. “Can we put this in writing?”

“I’d prefer if she didn’t, at least for now,” Luca cuts in. “After things are settled, we can deal with the legalities.”

“Which means I have to trust you.” Filippo tilts his head, considering. “You understand this means you’re giving me a lot of power?”

“I understand.” But what’s the fucking alternative? Raf will be pissed, but I’ll handle him. “It’s for the good of the family.”

“Then I accept.” He holds out a hand. I stand and go to him. His grip is tight, and he stares into my eyes. “He’s at the old firehouse.”

It takes a moment for that to sink in. “You mean, that’s where Corrado’s hiding?”

“With about a dozen of his best men, but yes. You’ll find him there.”

I look back at Luca. He seems thoughtful. “We found an address the other day. I think I know exactly where you’re talking about. You’re sure he’s there?”

“He’s there.” Filippo releases my hand. “Be careful, Fiorella. I’m putting a lot of faith in you and your husband. I believe your brother will be a decent Don, but he’ll need some steering at first.”

“I hope you can provide him with all your experience.”

Filippo walks us to the door. He seems much warmer now that the deal is finished. “I wish you both the best of luck,” he says, smiling and clapping Luca on the back as they shake hands. When the door closes, Luca’s smirk entirely fades.

“That fucking rat,” he mutters and stalks away.

“What’s wrong?”

“You do realize we just gave him more power than any Capo should ever have? A vote on all business expenditures is like calling him the second Don.”

“What else should we have done?”

“Absolutely nothing. He’s just a clever bastard, that’s all.” Luca glances at me and pulls me against his side. “You did well in there. I’m proud of you.”

Warmth fills my belly. “Really?”

“You negotiated. You did the deal. Even when it looked uncomfortable, you didn’t back down.” He stops walking and faces me. He kisses me lightly, and the brush of his lips sends a fire into my spine. “You’re in the business now.”

“I am,” I agree, kissing him again, getting a little greedy.

“It suits you.”

“You think so?”

“Absolutely.” He pulls me in tighter. “Nothing is more beautiful than a powerful woman. Especially when she’s all fucking mine.”

He buries his mouth with mine. I whimper into him, feeling strong and soft all at once, like I’ve finally found my place in the world. I’m not the Don. I don’t run the Famiglia.

But I have a role now. I can play a part and be important.

I don’t have to be afraid of getting trapped, not anymore, because this is where I want to be.

A loud buzzing sound makes Luca pull back. He frowns and squints upward.

A drone hovers ten feet above our heads.

“Fuck off, Davide,” Luca says, flipping it off, and kisses me again. This time twice as hard.