79

GIO
Time flew swiftly after our arrival back in the bustling embrace of New York City. As the days slipped through our fingers, November arrived in a flourish, bringing along the anticipated engagement gala of Sebastian and Harper – an event that had been looming on the horizon. However, it was quite evident that Harper, the center of attention, was hardly concealing her reluctance to embark on this matrimonial journey.
Had the decision rested with me, I might have sanctioned Pearce’s efforts to wed her off to any wealthy but aged suitor he had lined up, well before Sebastian assumed his chivalrous role and solicited her hand in marriage.
My apprehensions regarding Harper were not baseless; her presence could potentially unfurl a tapestry of complications within New York’s intricate underworld. The silver lining was that the wedding was still over six months away, a fact that I found solace in, considering that my current plate was brimming with challenges and predicaments.
On a particular day, Mathias made his entrance into my opulent mansion, accompanied by Pearce, his ever-loyal associate, and young Karsen, who trailed behind them resembling a bewildered puppy. Meanwhile, Harper and Sienna, with their mother in tow, had arrived earlier and ascended the stairs to prepare for the forthcoming festivities. Both women bore an air of discomfort in my presence, a sentiment I had grown accustomed to evoking.
I had decided against extending my hospitality to Mathias and Pearce for the night, a choice they seemed to concur with as they favored a nearby hotel. This arrangement brought me a sense of relief. Despite any potential truce our fathers might have orchestrated, a chasm of mutual distrust yawned between Mathias and me. And especially with Millie, my wife, residing under the same roof, I harbored reservations about Mathias’s proximity. Not that his interest lay with her. Mathias hadn’t yet formally ascended to the position of Boss, succeeding his father Vernon Ruberti, but the whispers were rampant that he already held the reins of power in Chicago.
Sebastian’s voice broke through the current of my thoughts, laden with resentment. “Those faces still make my skin crawl,” he muttered under his breath. “Especially Pearce’s. I’m tempted to redefine his features with my blade.”
Perhaps someday, but today wasn’t that day.
I moved closer, extending my hand to Mathias, adhering to the customs that governed our world. “Mathias,” I greeted him, my tone neutral, veiling the distrust that lingered beneath the surface. “I’ve heard about your recent engagement. Congratulations.”
A barely perceptible inclination of his head acknowledged my words. “Our wedding won’t boast the grandeur of yours and Millie’s, I’m afraid.”
“We’ll be honored to grace the occasion regardless.” Courtesy demanded our presence, even though my indifference toward Mathias’s marital affairs was profound.
Mathias’s nod held a chilly wariness, his gaze never straying from mine. Moving on, I shook hands with Pearce, allowing my grip to tighten slightly, a small act of retribution. The memory of Millie’s revelation in Sicily surged forward, a reminder that he had inflicted harm upon her even after our engagement, despite my explicit warning that she was mine.
A flicker of displeasure crossed his features. “Gio.”
“Hmn.”
Mathias’s curiosity got the better of him. “Where’s Millie?”
“She’s conferring with the caterers, tending to some last-minute adjustments. She’ll join us shortly.”
“Is Dario still her bodyguard? I’ve often wondered at your decision to assign a young, attractive man as her protector. I, for one, wouldn’t entertain such a prospect for my wife.”
I kept my expression impassive, concealing the cauldron of emotions stirred by his words. “Rest assured, Mathias, Dario’s loyalty is steadfast. He is vigilant in his duty.”
Mathias’s skepticism lingered in the air as our conversation waned, his unspoken doubts echoing in the opulent room.
As the fragile ceasefire hung in the balance, I allowed my mind to drift into the chilling fantasies that danced within it. Once this uneasy truce had its curtain fall, I promised myself an unsettling pursuit, a relentless hunt. It was imperative that he experience the very sensation of drowning in his own lifeblood, a gruesome fate I longed to orchestrate. My lips curled upward, a frigid smile taking shape, while my voice adopted a tone as unyielding as steel. Each word I uttered bore the weight of my resolve. “Within my ranks, it’s a known truth that she belongs to me alone. Not a soul would dare cast an inappropriate glance her way. Men akin to your nephew, the likes of Spencer, would have met their grisly end in New York. Their flayed skin would have been left to desiccate, a morbid tapestry adorning my office floor.”
The color drained from Pearce’s visage, a clear indication of the wrath simmering within him.
Mathias, unperturbed as ever, met my intense gaze with an equally icy stare. His retort was laced with an air of detached assessment. “Our purpose here is to commemorate an engagement, I presume, not to orchestrate flayings.” The glint in his eyes hinted at a preference for the latter option, though his words maintained a veneer of civility.
I inclined my head with a calculated nod, aiming to steer the conversation. “Precisely. We converge to fortify our existing ties, correct?”
“Correct,” Mathias replied curtly, and a tense silence enveloped us.
Beside me, Sebastian’s demeanor projected an eagerness, as if he awaited naught but a signal from me to unsheathe his knives and etch smiles upon their throats.
My attention shifted to the diminutive figure standing behind Pearce, observing us with wide cerulean eyes-Millie’s eyes.
“Karsen,” I addressed, a modicum of gentleness attempting to soften my tone, though its impact was marginal at best. The young boy’s gaze flickered up toward his father, who granted an abrupt nod before Karsen stepped forward, extending his hand. I accepted the gesture, our palms meeting in a firm shake. Yet, a subtle defiance gleamed in his eyes as he narrowed them upon me. “Pray, where might Harper and Sienna be?”
A protective undertone colored his youthful voice, and I had to suppress a smirk.
“According to Sebastian, they’re interred in the backyard,” I quipped, Sebastian’s grin a testament to his sense of humor.
Karsen jolted, my scowl directed at Sebastian for his audacious remark. “They’re upstairs,” I informed Karsen, my grip on his hand tightening subtly, a warning transmitted through my gaze. He remained a mere child, but I would brook no insolence within my territory.
His gaze lowered in submission, prompting me to release him.
Pearce interjected, his words dripping with uninvited advice. “You’re well aware, Karsen, but taming Harper will necessitate a firm hand. She thrives under stern discipline.”
Sebastian’s grin in response to Pearce’s statement triggered my alarm bells.
Mathias straightened, a question dangling wordlessly in his stance. How much longer could this fragile truce endure?
The entryway swung open, admitting Dario’s entrance. His vigilant scan of the room implied a check for potential hazards before granting Millie permission to step within. His brows knit together upon sensing the tension suffusing the air, his arm extending to obstruct Millie’s path. Naturally, she contested it, her gaze zeroing in on her brother.
Sidestepping Dario’s restraint, Millie’s jubilant exclamation rang out, her countenance illuminated by a radiant smile as she hastened toward us. Her embrace enveloped her brother in a tight hug, the sheer exuberance on her face dispelling the malevolent thoughts I’d harbored earlier. She withdrew slightly, her eyes sweeping over her sibling. “You’ve grown again. Will it ever cease?”
“When I match Gio’s height,” Karsen asserted with conviction.
Millie’s laughter, akin to the resonant peal of a bell, echoed through the room-a sound I cherished beyond measure. “Well then, we’ll need to ensure a hearty diet for you.” Her gaze shifted to me, brimming with a love and happiness that strained my attempts to maintain an impassive facade. Her expression dimmed briefly before realization dawned. She turned to address Mathias and her father with impeccable courtesy and grace, her demeanor morphing seamlessly. “Father.”