Page 114 of The Mafia's Bride

Roman narrows his eyes on me. “I just mentioned the rumors about Ace and her?—”

Killian digs the gun into his temple. “Say it one more time and it’ll be the last thing you ever fucking mention.”

Rumors about Ace are a trigger.Duly noted.

“We’re businessmen, Roman,” I say, holding my hands open. “Let’s make a deal that settles Dom’s debts and agrees to get us both out of each other’s hairs. And maybe Killian lets you live another day, hm?”

His jaw tenses. “What do you propose?”

“You came with… whatever the woman downstairs is to you.” I’d say wife, but that would insult the woman. More than likely, she’s his new favorite. The Bruno men always seem to have a woman, use her and then give her back to the trade to sell.

He nods. “Jaconda.”

“Fine. Jaconda.” A fake name, I’m sure. “We’ll see whose woman is more obedient. You like obedient women, don’t you, Roman? You’re always breaking them in your club. We’ll call for them with the intercom. Whoever’s woman appears first, wins.”

“And what do I win?”

Killian jabs the barrel further into his head. “How about your miserable life?”

“And your money.” I take out the company checkbook, sitting it on my desk. “I’ll write you a check now for the money owed. If I win, then everything is dropped.” I glance up to Killian, reading the furyon his face. “And you don’t mention rumors about my sister-in-law again. Deal?”

Killian seems to take the peace offering, releasing the mobster with a solid shake. He even pulls the blade out, much to Roman’s protest.

The wet squelch echoes around us, blood spraying the edges of his dress shirt.

I push the button on the intercom. “Liza,” I call down into the security officer who watches the club during off hours. “Are Sloane and Jaconda right there with you?”

“Yes, they are,” she replies. There are footsteps, and she continues, “They can both hear you.”

“Great. Can you both come up here when you’re free?”

The line goes silent.

“Now we wait.”

Sitting back on to my office chair, I watch Killian wipe the blood off on the dagger on to Roman’s designer suit and throw a dirty rag at him. “Staunch the blood. The Capo hates to see his floors dirty.”

It shouldn’t strike me to be called Capo after months of learning the role. But it does.

After the attack at the estate, Nico just didn’t have it in him anymore. When a bullet didn’t kill him, Maria swore she would if he didn’t give it up.

Instead of rebuilding their home, they found a townhouse in the center of Little Italy, surrounded by those like them; Saturday nights dining at authentic restaurants and enjoying their Sunday mornings at church.

Sloane and I found our own penthouse in downtown, close enough to the business and nightlife, while still being near her new venture.

My wife took that charity and turned it into a brand-new idea: event planning, she has an eye for details and parties. It’s still in the planning stages, but there’s a list of clients ready to work with her.

“I hope you understand, I know your wife’s reputation.” Roman sighs, patting his shoulder. He looks faint. Apparently, the Capo can’thandle the sight of blood. “She’s not one to respond well to leashes. When Jaconda shows up, make sure the check is made out to Roman Bruno the Second, will you, Alessio?”

I want to let Killian stab him again. I’d like to see the bastard drop.

“I’ve spent the last few months breaking in my new wife, Roman.” I lean back, enjoying how his eyes track Killian like a cornered mouse. “You’ll be surprised how well she behaves now.”

How well she behaves for me. Only me.

I never wanted to break who Sloane was, only own her. I wanted to possess her, keep her close, feel her in my soul like another part of my essence. And I’ve done that.

Five minutes passes before Tony opens the door.