Page 149 of The Devil's Heir

I remain hidden in a connected room where the meeting occurs. I can hear everything being said, and from the sounds of it, all five bosses are on our side so far. However, Joey hasn't gotten to the part where I'm still alive.

We discussed this beforehand, and on cue, I enter the room. Five pairs of eyes fall on me, and instantly, I feel the air shift. They think I'm a threat. Joey feels it, too, and rushes over to me.

"Before you jump to any conclusions and draw your weapons, she's not an enemy," Joey states.

"Who is this donna?" A short, stout man with a balding head asks, scowling. "And why was she spying on us from the other room?" Two others mumble words and nod in agreement with his questions.

The two other men stare at me in disbelief. They know who I am because they were at Jarek's dinner party a while back.

"Miss Sumner, isn't it?" The taller of the two asks hesitantly.

"Yes. I'm Liliana Sumner, mother to Jarek Falcon's heir," I confirm.

"That's not possible," the stout man states. "You died after the explosion."

"She didn't," Joey replies, adding, "We faked her death because she was in danger, Ricci."

"And the heir?" the Ricci crime boss asks.

"Alive and perfectly healthy. Liliana gave birth a month ago." Joey takes on a look of pride, almost as if he is the proud father.

"Incredible!" Sala, I believe his name is, states before a broad smile stretches across his face.

"So, you're saying Carmen Falcon schemed with Rossi to take out the heir and capture Jarek?" one of the unknown men asks.

"If you don't believe me, Fiore, you're more than welcome to pay Carmen a visit yourself. Ask to see Jarek. I bet she makes an excuse as to why you can't see him, and if, by chance, she does allow it, you will see that what we say is true." Joey glances at me as he finishes his little speech, and I give him a reassuring nod.

"Please," I speak up. "We need your help to get Jarek out from under Carmen's thumb. She's killing him, and once he's gone, she's going to run his empire into the ground. Is that what you really want?"

Joey looks at each man. "Marino, Ricci, Sala, Gatti, and Fiore. I called upon you because you are Jarek's most trusted allies, and he would do the same for you if you ever needed it."

All five men scan the room before their eyes settle on me. Marino steps forward, his eyes sharp. "Do you love Jarek Falcon?" he asks.

I meet his stare without hesitation. "I do. Very much."

His expression doesn't change. "And you'll do whatever it takes to get him back?"

I square my shoulders, my resolve unwavering. "I will," I declare—no matter the cost.

They all study me unblinkingly, as though they may miss something otherwise. I look each one in the eye, keeping my resolve strong, until finally, they begin to smile one by one.

"You will make a great wife for young Falcon." Sala grins.

The wordwifesurprises me, and I clear my throat. "Marriage has never been discussed…"

"Trust me, Lily," Joey says from beside me, adding, "It's been Jarek's plan all along to keep you by his side. Did you not know this?"

"I knew he was obsessed with me, but…"

Laughter erupts inside the room.

"Oh, young love is always funny to watch," Gatti states. "Obsession is always the first indication that there will be a future marriage. At least when you're a part of one of the families."

I swallow hard and smile slightly, not knowing how to respond to this information. I'm unsure if I'm ready to commit, but I'm willing to see how everything goes once we get Jarek back.

SIXTY-SEVEN

Jarek