Blood Always

18

Normally, patience wasn’t an issue for me, but something about Sal made me itch to take action. He was conniving and vindictive— unpredictable on a good day and utterly soulless at his worst. He had plotted against his best friend and betrayed his own family. There was no predicting what a man like that might do, and that was infinitely more dangerous than most threats we faced. I shared a hard, knowing look with Enzo before the waitress interrupted and took our orders. “The engagement announcement went well,” he offered, a questioning lilt to his words. He wasn’t the type to pry but was clearly curious about how his oldest daughter and I were getting along. “The feedback I received was surprisingly positive. Our families may be wary of an alliance, but they are not altogether against it. As for Maria, I think she’s coming around, but I’m afraid the loss of her brother made an indelible impression upon her.” Like Enzo, I had questions I wouldn’t ask outright. All I could do was hint at the subject and hope he’d give me some insight. Even asking a question was a source of information—revealing details about my interest and knowledge. We’d both spent our lives holding our cards tightly to our chests. Despite our desire to ally with one another, neither of us was prepared to lay down our hand. Enzo took a sip of his water, remorse tugging at the corners of his mouth. “She was nine when Marco was killed. She’d never been the parent pleaser her sisters were. It wasn’t uncommon to get calls from the principal about her behavior or to have to ground her for acting up at home, but when Marco died, it all got exponentially worse. The two were only eighteen months apart. Maria was somewhat of a tomboy, always wrestling with him or challenging him to a race. We were all affected by his loss, but she seemed to take it the hardest. When things didn’t get better, I decided to bring her into our world. She was only twelve, but she wasn’t made for a white picket fence like the other girls. She fell in love with guns and Krav Maga, spending all her extracurricular time at the studio. Between her work with me and her training, she eventually became more disciplined, but it’s a constant struggle for her.” His fingers toyed with the end of his fork as he paused, eyes boring into mine. “I know she’s not the easiest of women to get along with, but she possesses an unparalleled loyalty and devotion if you’re willing to earn it. There’s a reason I chose her to be your wife, and it wasn’t simply to make your life miserable. I think you may be one of the few men who could dig deep enough to reach her. Manage that task, and you’ll never regret it.” I wasn’t sure what to say. Hearing him talk, I felt somewhat like I’d been offered the keys to a brand-new sports car, only to discover it needed extensive engine work. When I had agreed to an arranged marriage, I had expected a wife, not a social services project. Yes, I’d gathered she was more complicated than most, but I was quickly learning Maria’s quirks ran far deeper than I had assumed. The challenge I’d taken on had turned from s****l conquest to something altogether more dangerous. Something personal and intimate. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Maria was more than beautiful—she was every man’s f*****g fantasy. But I’d been on my own since I was fifteen. I had family, but I answered only to myself and my boss. No woman had ever wrenched her way into my heart. The only time I’d even considered letting someone in, there were catastrophic consequences. “I hope I haven’t overwhelmed you,” Enzo added with a wry grin. “I only meant to explain that Maria was worth the effort. Just take it day by day—that’s all any of us can do.” I’d been so lost in my head that I hadn’t realized I’d gone silent. “Not at all, just processing the information. Considering the strides we’ve made in a short time, I have no doubt Maria and I will find a groove soon enough.” It was the only option—our marriage was a done deal. Now the question was whether our groove would involve separate bedrooms with locks on the doors or breakfast in bed and shower s*x. I figured the odds were fifty-fifty. “Has Maria mentioned Sunday dinner?” “No, I don’t think she has.” “My wife insists the girls join us for dinner on Sundays. I’m not sure how she’s managed to coerce them all into showing up each week, but they do. You should come.” “If Maria hasn’t mentioned it, I would assume that means she doesn’t want me there.” “What Maria thinks she wants and what Maria actually wants are two different things. However, neither are relevant here since I’m the one inviting you.” The corners of his eyes creased, and mischief lit his otherwise stony gaze. “Well, then. I suppose I’ll see you on Sunday.” I lifted my water in his direction, unable to stop a chuckle when I envisioned Maria learning I’d be joining them. The remainder of lunch was spent on lighter topics—plans for future gatherings and possible business ventures. The more time I spent with him, the more I respected the man. It was a shame he’d left his operation in Sal’s hands for as long as he had. I was far too familiar with how much damage could be done when the wrong individual was calling the shots. Enzo’s outfit and reputation had taken a sizeable hit, but with his intelligence and business sense, I had no doubt he’d be back on top in no time. When I left the restaurant, I saw I had a missed call from Diego. The moment I was in my car, I dialed his number. “How did the meet go with Jimmy?” I asked the moment he answered. I’d sent him to talk to Jimmy Byrne, ringleader of the Boston Irish. Diego had been friendly with Jimmy’s father years ago, and I’d hoped their relationship would help negotiations. The Irish had full control of the meth market in Boston and most of Philly. I wanted to propose a business arrangement, but the Irish were notorious for two things: one, they came unhinged when provoked (and sometimes for no reason at all), and two, they rarely worked with outsiders.