Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,76
we been able to enjoy the thick steaks she’d found in the freezer. Sadly, the moment the sun had begun to drop, her entire demeanor changed.
I studied the bracelet she’d given me, the beautiful sterling silver piece not anything I would have purchased for myself, the engraving on the inside very special.
Cherish the simple things.
She had no way of knowing how much I wanted to do just that, but not without her in my life.
She’d said very little for almost a full hour, her body remaining still as she stared out at the ocean. In her bare feet and another tropical dress, the breeze rustling through her long hair, she looked even more beautiful than ever. I had hope she was content, but I doubted that either one of us could relax until we’d returned to the Hamptons, prepared to face our requirements.
I hated the damn rituals even more.
I sat in the Adirondack chair, swirling my drink back and forth, unable to focus on anything but the plan I’d initiated, as well as the phone call I’d made. I’d called it a fishing expedition, sending out feelers in order to begin unraveling the giant web the sect had been encased in. I knew it was only a matter of time until I received a call letting me know whether the deal had been accepted.
Either by the one with more to lose or the one who believed it would parlay a hold on the sect’s empire.
As well as that of Capodanno Enterprises.
I could only wonder which party would take the bait first. I snickered at the thought, bringing the drink to my lips, my thoughts shifting to the purchase I’d made earlier in the day. Maybe my decision was too little too late or wouldn’t have the kind of reaction I hoped for, but it was perhaps one of the most genuine things I was about to do.
After easing the drink onto the table, I moved quietly behind her, standing only a few inches away. As she always could, she sensed my presence, tipping her head, a smile crossing her face.
“When a gorgeous woman remains silent, one has to wonder what devious plot she is developing.”
“Devious plot?” she asked. “I thought you were in charge of all the underhanded ones.”
“Ouch. That pains me greatly.”
“Liar. Nothing bothers you, at least as far as business is concerned.” Winter’s smile faded. “I told you that my mouth always gets me into trouble.”
I said nothing as I took the drink out of her hand, moving it to the small table before taking her hand.
“Uh-oh. What terrible crime did I commit?”
“Just walk with me.”
She eyed me warily before nodding, allowing me to guide her down the stairs and over the dunes. I kept our fingers intertwined as we walked down the beach. Words failed me once again, my inability to share with her I knew weighing on her mind. Maybe I just didn’t know where to start.
“How does the Council determine what goes in the Box and whether some will include required marriages?”
“That’s a good question and one I don’t have the entire answer to.”
“That sounds like you do understand more than you want to explain.”
“Did you ever meet Father McGivney?”
She thought about the question. “A few times when I was a child. He was larger than life, terrifying to a young girl who was fairly mischievous.”
“Hmmm... Nothing changes,” I teased, growling when she punched me in the stomach. “I can understand why you’d say that. He was larger than life for almost everyone, his power more substantial than the majority of the sect members were aware of. He made certain determinations that even some Council members believed to be holy. In other words, they didn’t question him.”
“You also have an opinion on that, don’t you?”
I shot her a look, taking a deep breath from the way the waning sun highlighted her face. “I think the Box was used as another angle to keep a firm hold on the sect members. Everyone wants their children to have the best in life.”
“And political gain.”
“That too. Sadly, the father was extorting money from the community.” I sighed as memories of months before shifted into my mind.
“What?” she gasped. “That wasn’t in the papers.”
“Of course it wasn’t. Just another dirty little secret.”
“My God. Everything is about control. To keep the most powerful families firmly in charge, a fallback plan in position if the various births didn’t work out the way everyone hoped they would. Correct?”