Page 44 of Thorns of Desire

“Stacks and stacks of romance novels by A.K. Mystique,” Enzo drawled. “Dumb name, but they have very good… instructions. I lent some copies to a few friends.”

I let out a string of curses. I should have known better than to have them all delivered here.

When I learned the details about Athena’s pen name and her books, I tracked them all down and purchased every single copy. They’d be going to my home in Ischia first thing tomorrow morning where curious teenagers couldn’t get their hands on them.

“We figured you wouldn’t miss one,” Amadeo drawled, shrugging. “Well, five. One for Enzo and one for me, three for our friends. It’s very good.”

Ma che cazzo?The fucking rascals had been snooping. “Neither one of you is old enough to read those books.”

They shared a glance. These two would have to be on a short leash or they’d burn the world down before they were of age.

“Zio?” Enzo’s expression got serious.

“Sì?”

“Do we have to be as old as you and Papà before we bring women into the castello?”

Books forgotten, I studied my nephew carefully, searching for a hint that he knew what awaited him. Arranged marriages weren’t uncommon in our circles. Amadeo and Enzo understood that, especially if they expected to take the reins one day. Together.

“What do you think?” I retorted without answering him. I wanted him to enjoy his years before learning of his engagement to Penelope DiMauro.

Enzo tilted his head but said nothing while Amadeo rolled his eyes. “I’m not waiting until I’m old.”

I stood up, ruffling their heads at the same time. “We shall see,ragazzi.”

I refreshed my caffè, then headed for my office.

Enrico was with his young wife, so I knew he’d be tied up for a while. Lucky bastard. Fuck, I couldn’t wait to have Athena with me every day, show her what I liked, hear her moans and cries as I learned every inch of her body. My dick pulsed, but I forced myself to lock away those cravings… for now.

While I waited for Enrico to extract himself from Isla, I read through the emails regarding next year’s wine harvest.

Truth be told, I preferred my empire’s legitimate work, but I was born for the illegitimate business—drug-running, gambling, and money laundering.

A short while later, Enrico entered with a satisfied grin on his face. He lowered himself into the seat across from me, and I pushed away from my desk.

“How are you doing?” he asked.

“Took you long enough,” I retorted wryly.

He chuckled, unperturbed.

“I heard you’re cranky today. Maybe I should come back another time.”

I smoothed my tie, taking a second to compose myself before I responded.

“The Triads have been spotted in Omertà territory,” I stated, my voice portraying none of the turmoil brewing inside me.

“I heard.” Enrico sighed. “Lykos called.” I raised my brow, not expecting this from Costello. “I don’t understand what they could want.”

It was time to come clean. “They’re looking for someone.”

He angled his head, watching me pensively.

“Is that what’s got you in a lousy mood?”

“Partially.”

“I’m all ears, Manuel.”