presence in the city. Dante Vendetti has been throwing his weight around at the table, and there’s rumors he’s the serial killer wreaking havoc at the moment.”
“Hunting down the prominent families?” I cut in, unable to stop and listen further without knowing. The Five Families that sit at the table used to be untouchable…until one of their own turned on them and killed his father. The spin of events brought the Vendettis into town and has quickly become a thorn in our side.
“Yes. I’ve heard whispers. Supposedly, he’s tracking them all down so he can take out their entire lines.”
A wicked sounding chuckle leaves my lips. “This is perfect. The wanker is doing our dirty work for us then. Perhaps we send him a thank you card.”
Everybody stares at me until Thaddaeus eventually speaks. “It means Dante Vendetti will eventually come after me and my famiglia, then after you guys. My crew.”
“Shall I kill him and be done with it then?”
He shakes his head. “Not yet. I have something else for you…if you’re open to it.”
I flash a glance around at our group and nod. I’m always game for a bit of fun when it comes to our line of work. They don’t call me his henchman for nothing, bunch of scared pricks.
“The Five Famiglias are scattered, running scared. Dante’s been putting feelers out, trying to hone in on everyone’s locations. We’ll leak the location of Uncle, and at the same time, we’ll forge an alliance. One of the Five has a daughter. He’s very protective over her. If you’re willing, Max, I’d like for you to marry her.”
“The fuck? Stop mugging me off, mate.” I don’t bother to end it with a laugh. Everyone here knows how ridiculous this sounds. What would I do with a wife? Kill her for sport?
“I’m not,” T declares seriously. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it’d give us the alliance we need. Her father is terrified his daughter is next in Dante’s line of sights. I need you to step in, promise that sense of security. You may be British, but Chicago knows you, the streets fear you. This could be the alliance we need to guarantee me at the table in Uncles place.”
“Why not let these Vendettis kill them all off and we swoop in to take it off their hands?” Cage grumbles, and for once I don’t feel like hitting the bugger. This whole ruse feels a bit dodgy.
“That would be too easy. The Vendettis need to understand the roots we have dig deeply in this city. They won’t kill a bunch of prominent people and just take everything over. I won’t allow that to happen. I need to forge alliances and at the same time allow Dante to be the bad guy for killing some of my adversaries. When it’s all said and done, I’m hoping for an alliance with the Vendettis and not a war.”
His attention falls on me once more. “This isn’t some old-fashioned arranged marriage that used to be so popular by older Italian generations. This is merely an agreement made by all parties that will benefit us in these changing times. I won’t demand you marry her, or anyone for that matter, Max. I would never. If you’re not on board with this then we’ll come up with another plan or ask someone else. This opportunity, however, is almost too easy to let it slip by. And you certainly wouldn’t have to remain married to her if you decided you couldn’t stand the woman.”
We’re quiet as Grace breezes into the room, wearing an airy dress that makes my chest ache at not being able to touch her. I shouldn’t desire my mate’s wife, but I still do, occasionally. Especially when she’s not wearing a bra and I can make out her pert nipples underneath.
Thaddaeus backtracks, “It’s fine, Max. I knew it was a long shot, so we’ll find another way.” He’s guilt tripping me without even realizing it, not that I care.
I watch with rapt attention as the lush woman leans over and gives him a proper kiss. Her interference catches my attention, however, and when I’m feeling irritated or pissed drunk then I tend to make rash decisions. They never end up being much good either.
What do I have to lose by doing this for T? Obviously, I’ll never have Grace, and she’s stolen a large part of Thaddaeus’ attention, so I no longer have my best mate by my side all the time.