Page 14 of The Bonventi Rise

I glance at my watch. Ten minutes left to decide.

Prison or marriage to a possible mobster.

When did this become my life?

8

MARCO

Iwalk away, leaving Alina to sit with her thoughts. In truth, I don’t have to make a call, but I didn’t want her to be the one to leave. I need to keep her sitting right where she is.

I head to the bar and see a familiar face, a member of our family.

I slide onto the barstool next to Gabriel, nodding to Stefano behind the bar. He sets my usual drink in front of me without a word.

“How’s your little negotiation going?” Gabriel asks, his eyes sharp, giving away his hitman past.

I take a slow sip from my glass. “About as expected.”

“You think she’s going to take the job?”

“She’ll negotiate my terms, which I expect, but ultimately, she doesn’t have a choice. The Harrison situation has her backed into a corner. Besides,” I smile, “she’s smart enough to recognize an opportunity when she sees one.”

My phone buzzes. One of our enforcers is reporting about that skimming problem we’ve been dealing with. At least that’s taken care of.

I show Gabriel the message. His eyebrow lifts slightly, and he gives a subtle nod of approval.

“One thing I will say, she’s standing at a crossroads. One path leads to disgrace, possibly prison. The other…” I trail off, my eyes focusing on the liquid in my glass. “The other leads to power beyond her wildest dreams. And make no mistake, Alina craves power. She may dress it up in noble intentions, but at her core, she’s just like us.”

“Like us, huh? So you think she knows what she’s getting into?” Gabriel asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear.

I slip the phone back into my pocket, thinking of Alina sitting at our table, probably wrestling with her conscience right now. “She will.”

Gabriel laughs, shaking his head. “She’s got quite the reputation. You sure you can handle her?”

“Handle her?” I repeat. “Gabriel, I’m not looking to ‘handle’ her. I’m looking to fucking unleash her.”

I take another sip, letting the statement hang in the air.

Gabriel leans in, intrigued. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

I turn to face him fully. “Alina Carter is a force of nature. She’s brilliant, beautiful, ruthless, and entirely too principled for her own good.”

Gabriel nods. “You know, since the beginning, part of you talks about her like there’s more there than just using her for yourpolitical gains. Admiration has a tricky way of fucking with your head. I’d be careful with that.”

I scoff. “Trust me, nothing’s there. I just want to win.”

Gabriel leans back, looking at me. “Well, you’ve really thought this through, haven’t you?”

“Of course I have,” I reply. “This isn’t just about winning a Senate seat. This is about reshaping the political landscape of this city, of this state, for the Bonventis. And Alina? She’s the key to all of it.”

“Oh, I have no doubt you’ll do it. I’ve known you a long time. You’re born for politics, friend, whether she helps or not.”

We cheers.

“On that note,” I stand and nod to the bartender, then turn to Gabriel. “Time to go find out her fate.”

I stick out my hand, and Gabriel shakes it. “Give my best to the Mrs. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon,” I say.