Page 36 of The Empress

Excitement fills Santiago’s face. “I’m like a kid on Christmas morning.”

“I can see that.” My attention turns to Dominik. “And you?”

“Kristian and Nina are keeping us awake twenty-four-seven. I might die of sleep deprivation.”

Dominik has a one-year-old son and a newborn baby girl. I don’t know how he and Grace do it.

“Don’t talk shit,” Santiago says with a playful tone. “Evinka babysits the kids half the day. You get plenty of sleep.”

“Not everyone can survive on four hours,” Dominik mutters while shooting Santiago a glare.

The screen downsizes as Cassia, the head of the Greek mafia, joins the call, and a few seconds after her, Enzo, who runs a syndicate in Portugal, appears.

Where Cassia is sitting in her office, that’s situated in Athens, Enzo is in his car and on the move.

Fuck knows where in the world he is right now. The man is always working, but it’s paying off because he’s made quite a name for himself.

Enzo would’ve killed the Romanos without a second thought. He wouldn’t have fucked up like I did.

Dominik waits for everyone to exchange pleasantries, then he asks, “Cassia, how are things with the bratva?”

“Much better. They haven’t given me any more trouble.”

“Enzo,” Dominik says to get his attention because he’s looking at the road while driving, “How are things in Portugal?”

“Fine,” Enzo mutters, only sparing his phone before returning his attention to driving. “Why did you call a meeting?”

“I’m taking a break for the next six months so I can focus on my family. If any of you need weapons, you’ll have to dealwith Evinka. That also counts for any help if you’re attacking someone or being attacked. Evinka will take my place until I return.”

Once Dominik is done talking, Santiago says, “I’ll be taking off a month once Ciara gives birth. Pedro will carry on with business in my stead.”

“Okay.” Enzo glances at the screen again. “Anything else?”

“I’m looking for two men,” I mention. “Vito Santoro and Sebastiano Caprino. I’d appreciate it if you could all put out feelers.”

“Send any information you have on the men to the security team,” Dominik replies.

I nod, then add, “I’m getting married. It’s going to be small and quick, so I’m not sending out invites.”

Santiago’s eyebrows lift. “Who are you marrying?”

“An American. She’s related to Nicolo Romano.”

“That’s one hell of a surprise. Last I heard, you and Romano didn’t get along,” Cassia says.

“We don’t.”

“Congrats, Leo,” Enzo jumps into the conversation. “Is there anything else to discuss?”

“No, you can go,” Dominik replies.

Enzo ends the call, leaving the four of us.

“Does he ever take time off?” Cassia asks.

“No. He’s a workhorse,” I chuckle.

Dominik gets up from his seat, drawing our attention to him, as he asks, “Do you just need help finding the men, Leo?”