Chapter 2
“After dinner, we should celebrate properly.” Primo’s fingers traced my arm. “That new club downtown, just you and me.”
“Perfect.” I pressed closer, ignoring how my skin crawled. “I’d love that.”
We walked to the dining room where both families waited. My father sat at one end of the long mahogany table, Primo’s father at the other. The crystal chandelier cast shadows across their faces.
“There’s our happy couple.” My father gestured to the empty seats.
I slid into my chair, Primo’s hand on the small of my back. The butler poured wine as appetizers appeared.
The security system chimed again.
“Sorry I’m late!” Yesha breezed in, all innocent smiles. “Traffic was awful.”
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“We saved you a seat.” Primo’s father waved her over.
She settled across from us, smoothing her red dress. The same one she’d worn in his
office earlier. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. Such a special occasion.”
“Indeed.” I lifted my wine glass. “To new… partnerships.”
“You seem quiet tonight, dear.” Yesha tilted her head. “Wedding jitters?”
“Not at all. Just tired from handling some business earlier.” I met her gaze. “You know how messy things can get.”
“Oh, I’m sure you handled it beautifully.” She reached for the bread basket. “You always do.”
“Speaking of business,” Primo’s father cut in, “how are the dock operations?”
“Fully under control now.” I smiled, thinking of the basement. “We dealt with that small issue today.”
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Primo squeezed my knee under the table. “That’s my girl. Always so… efficient.”
“We make quite the team, don’t we?” I covered his hand with mine, nails digging into his skin.
The small talk and pleasantries continued through the first course until Primo’s father cleared his throat. “I believe it’s time we discuss the real reason for tonight’s gathering.”
My father dabbed his mouth with his napkin. “Indeed. The merger agreement is ready.”
“Perfect timing.” Yesha clasped her hands together. “This union will be legendary.”
Primo’s father leaned forward, his silver cufflinks catching the light. “Once our families join, we’ll be untouchable. The most powerful organization on the East Coast. Even the Ghost won’t dare cross us.”
“The Ghost?” I set down my fork. “Does anyone actually know who he is?”
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A heavy silence fell over the table. My father shook his head. “No one knows his true identity. Many doubt he even exists.”
“Oh, he exists alright.” Primo’s father’s voice dropped. “Controls half the world’s black market. Art, weapons, information, anything valuable moves through his network. But no one’s ever seen his face.”
“Not even a photo?” I asked.
“Nothing. Some say he’s just a myth created by different crime lords working together. Others swear he’s one man who’s built the largest criminal empire in history. Either way, his influence is… substantial.”
“And growing,” my father added. “Every year, more territory falls under his control. Clean operations too, no bodies, no evidence. Just businesses and politicians suddenly changing hands.”
“Fascinating.” I traced the rim of my wine glass. “How does someone become that powerful while staying completely
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hidden?”
“That’s what makes him dangerous,” Primo cut in. “But after tonight, we won’t have to worry about him or anyone else. Our families together, we’ll be unstoppable.”
I smiled and raised my glass. “To family.”
I sipped my wine, watching the pieces fall into place. The merger documents sat signed on the table, phase one complete. Primo thought he was so clever, playing both sides. Let him think I was blind to his games with Yesha. The real power play would come right before the wedding, when the final contracts would be sealed.
The butler cleared the last plates as Primo’s father stood, adjusting his Italian silk tie. “A momentous evening. We’ll see you all next week to continue preparations.”
Handshakes and air kisses followed as the
families said their goodbyes. My father retreated to his study, leaving just the three of us in the formal dining room.
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“Ready for that club?” Primo’s hand found
my waist. His cologne couldn’t quite mask Yesha’s perfume still clinging to his shirt.
“Of course.” I leaned into him, playing my part. “Just let me grab my clutch.”
“Oh, that new place downtown?” Yesha perked up, her red dress catching the light. “I’ve been dying to check it out. Mind if I tag along?”
I caught the quick glance between them. Of course she wanted to come, couldn’t let Primo out of her sight for one evening.
“The more the merrier!” I forced brightness into my voice. “We can celebrate properly, all of us together.”
“Perfect!” Yesha clapped her hands. “Just give me a minute to powder my nose.”
I watched her sashay toward the powder room, hips swaying. Primo’s eyes followed her until she disappeared around the
corner.
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“This will be fun,” I said, squeezing his arm. “Like old times.”
He smiled down at me, probably thinking he had us both exactly where he wanted us.
Poor, predictable Primo. He had no idea what was really coming, but neither did I.