Chapter-14 Allies

Nico

“That looks much better now,” Caelian commented, pointing at my hand. “And that’s some professional first aid you got there. Good job, capo.”

“I didn’t do it,” I muttered, staring out of the window. “Gianna called a doctor last night and well...she dressed it this morning.”

“Ah…” I could sense his smirk as he shuffled in his seat. “The perks of being married, huh?” I threw him a look in response which just made him grin harder.

“She’s sweet though,” Caelian added after a beat. “And fucking beautiful if you ask me.”

“I am aware of that,” I said flatly, not trying to let the image of her covered in a towel pop into my brain again. She wasn't just beautiful or sweet. She was a fucking goddess.

One I didn't deserve.

“Glad you are not completely oblivious,” he muttered. “By the way…she was asking for the key to the…studio.” I blinked and then turned to him. Caelian nodded, giving me a look too.

“Don’t worry, she couldn’t find it and I asked Mirella to never give her the key,” he said. “Just thought you should know.”

“Thanks,” Gianna could never go in there. That would be a disaster. What was in there, I need to shift that out at the first opportunity I get.

“You up for drinks tonight? It’s been ages since we relaxed over some good old beer,” Caelian muttered, cracking his neck.

“No, can’t. I am taking Gianna out for dinner tonight,” I said and it felt weird to even say that out loud.

I don’t do this kind of thing. It’s not me. But when she asked if she'd see me tonight, the words just came out. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was obligation. Either way, we were married. The least I could do was come home and have dinner with her like a real couple. Still, the thought of being close to her unsettled something in me.

“Oh…well that’s…that’s more important,” Caelian nodded, trying and desperately failing to hide his grin. “Go, have fun on your date.”

“It’s not a date. I am just taking her out to dinner,” I scowled. “I don’t do dates.”

“Sure,” he nodded. “Whatever you say, capo,”

“I have to sit through an utterly shitty Council meeting so don’t test my patience now,” I warned as we stalked inside the Council building. I offered curt nods to familiar faces, eager to get it over with.

“There is Leonardo and Xavier,” Caelian pointed to the Ammassari brothers chatting with someone whose name I didn’t remember. Good. I wanted to talk to them about what was going on once the meeting ends.

“Good morning, gentlemen,” I muttered, nodding to Leo and Xavier and the other man who thankfully excused himself and walked away before I could ask him to.

“Good morning,” Xavier smiled. Him, I have always liked. He was calm and composed, much more sensible than his younger brother.

And he didn’t take Amara away from me…

“What the fuck happened to your hand?” Leo demanded, his brows scrunching together.

“Long story,” I said. “Are you guys free after the meeting? There is something important we need to talk about.” Leo and Xavier glanced at each other and then nodded.

“Sure, of course,” Xavier said. “Is everything alright?”

“I am afraid not. But later…the meeting is about to start,” I said. “Let’s go.”

Council meetings were a monthly routine where all the capos gathered to talk business, mediate conflicts, and spout bullshit. I hated them with a passion.

“So what is this about?” Leonardo asked, crossing his arms across his chest. We met in my office after the meeting, settling into the private dining room as lunch was served.

“Domani…would you like to elaborate?” I muttered. Domani straightened, his expression grim as he detailed the incidents to the brothers. By the time he finished, their stunned faces told me I wasn’t overreacting.

“What the fuck?” Leo exclaimed. “What is this bullshit, Nico?”

“I wish I knew, Leonardo,” I rolled my eyes. “We wouldn’t be sitting here, having this discussion if I did.”

“This is serious,” Xavier said. “We haven’t had anyone cross us since…” He glanced at Leo, whose face darkened. “Well, in years.” The last time someone crossed us almost got Leo killed. That’s what led to the peace treaty—and our alliance.

“That’s what has my brain so fucked right now,” I said. “Minor incidents? That can be overlooked. But these series of attacks? They are too much to be a coincidence. And they are getting worse each time. The bastards have gone from my small shipments to my warehouses.”

“And we feel that it is a matter of time before this spills over to the Ammassari because you’re our allies. And maybe by attacking us, it could be a warning that they are coming for you guys as well. We are the two strongest families ruling Sicily at the moment…this doesn’t feel like it is just about us,” Caelian said.

“That makes sense,” Xavier agreed.

“I will kill anyone who dares touch the Ammassari family or businesses,” Leonardo hissed. “EVER again.”

“You think I am having fun sitting back passively having no leads at all?” I grimaced, throwing him a glare.

“That’s not what I meant,” he said, returning the glare.

“Don’t the two of you start,” Xavier said, shaking his head. “Caelian…can I have a look at the photograph of this sign you mentioned?”

“Sure,” Caelian pulled out his phone and after finding the photographs, handed it to Xavier. Leonardo leaned over his shoulder to watch and I hoped that either of them knew what it meant because I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what it was.

“So?” I demanded. “Do you guys understand what this means?”

“Not really,” Xavier shook his head. “Leo?”

“Nope,” Leonardo frowned. “What the fuck is that?” Disappointment crashed hard on me because I really hoped one of the brothers would have some inkling. There was a lead in that sign. There has to be. And if only I could figure out what it was, it would lead me to that motherfucker who feels like playing with me.

“Doesn’t ring a bell?” Domani pressed, looking worried.

“No,” Leo shook his head. “It’s not something that you forget because that looks…well, like some kind of weird cult symbol. If I had seen anything like that before, I would remember.”

“Yeah, Leo has a very sharp memory,” Xavier agreed. “Will Amara know? She has very good knowledge about stuff like this.”

“Don’t drag her into this. I don’t want her worrying,” Leo said sharply. “She left that life behind a long time ago and I don’t want her treading back.”

“I agree with Leonardo,” I nodded, earning a look from him in response.

Leo knew about my feelings for Amara—that’s why he opposed my marriage to Gianna from the start. He’s never missed a chance to remind me what he’d do to certain parts of my body if I ever hurt his sister. Still, I agreed with him: Amara should never be dragged into this.

She once led the southern band of my father’s army—a ruthless, fearless fighter trained in every kind of combat. I’ve always been in awe of her. She wasn’t like anyone else. But that life is behind her now. These days, she’s just Amara—Leo’s wife and the mother of two twins she adores.

And I was happy for her. She earned that peaceful life.

“Just a thought, Leo,” Xavier muttered. “Let's try to look into this. I may know where we can find a lead.”

“Where?” Leo frowned.

“We can scour through…father’s old documents and journals. I am sure they are securely packed up somewhere.” Leo’s face hardened immediately at the idea.

“Be my guest. I have no interest in sorting through anything that belonged to that man,” he hissed. “Ever.”

“Leo…”

“No. This is not up for discussion,” Xavier sighed at his brother’s petulance and nodded.

“Fine. I will do it then,” he muttered. “Don’t worry Nico, we will figure this out together.”

“But do you have a plan, Nico? Have you thought this through?” Leo asked, his tone edged with urgency. “You can’t keep letting someone sabotage your shipments. This isn’t just a financial hit—it’s a direct challenge to your power. Your reputation in the market is at stake.”

“I have a plan,” I nodded. “Since Domani’s men failed to track down the ones responsible, I’ll handle it myself.” I shot a pointed look at my advisor, and to his credit, he had the sense to lower his gaze.

Xavier leaned forward, his expression darkening. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

“I’m going to oversee the entire operation personally—out of sight, but in control. The next shipment moves the day after tomorrow.” I let the weight of my words settle. “That’s when we strike.”

Xavier exhaled sharply, his fingers drumming against the armrest. “You’re putting yourself in the line of fire.”

“I’m always in the line of fire,” I said coolly. “This time, I intend to control where the bullets land.” Leo exchanged a glance with Xavier, not looking convinced.

“You realize this could be a setup? Whoever’s behind this is bold enough to come after your shipments. They won’t hesitate to take a shot at you if they sense you’re close,” he said.

“That’s exactly what I’m counting on,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Whoever’s doing this is getting comfortable. Too comfortable. They think I’m blind to their moves.” My jaw tightened. “They won’t see me coming.

Xavier scoffed. “And if they do?”

I met his gaze, unflinching. “And when they do, it’ll already be too late. Then they won’t live long enough to regret it.”

A silence fell over the room. This wasn’t just about recovering lost shipments anymore. This was about sending a message—one they wouldn’t forget.

Leo sighed, shaking his head. “Then let us come with you. You don’t have to do this alone.”

“I appreciate the offer, but no.” I cut him off before he could push further. “No need to get you involved in something that might not be your fight yet.”

“Not our fight?” Xavier scoffed, crossing his arms. “We signed a treaty, Nico. We’re allies now. And this is what allies do—they back each other up.”

Leo nodded, his expression grim. “Besides, if they get to you, it’s only a matter of time before they come for the Ammassari. This needs to end right here.” I hesitated, weighing the risks, but Domani leaned forward, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“The more, the merrier. I say we go in strong,” he grinned. Caelian, who had been quietly listening, exhaled and nodded.

“I agree. A show of strength might be exactly what’s needed.,” he said. I pressed my lips into a thin line, my mind turning over their words. It wasn’t the way I had planned this, but they weren’t wrong. With a reluctant nod, I conceded.

“Fine. But we do this my way,” I said, my words aimed at Leonardo who threw me a scowl in response.

“Fine then let us know what you have planned and we will be ready,” Xavier agreed. “I am very intrigued to see who this is. The audacity is admirable.”

"And finally time for some action..." Leo grinned, cracking his knuckles. I didn't share the same enthusiasm as him. But I too deep down...was ready for some action. It was high time now.

After lunch, Xavier and Leonardo left, promising to meet once we had a plan in place.

“So, that’s sorted,” Caelian said. “I am glad you decided to involve Xavier and Leonardo.”

“I had no choice. They are not just our allies but business partners too,” I muttered.

“This can turn into a blood bath,” Caelian warned. I shifted in my seat and nodded.

“I look forward to it then,” I answered. “Get the arms ready ASAP. Keep me posted, I have a meeting with the owner of a car dealership in ten minutes—will get back to you later.”

“And I assume you will head home after that for your dinner date?” he grinned, looking pleased.

“It’s NOT a dinner date,” I scowled. “And yes, I will be heading home after that.”

“Fine!” he threw up his hands in the air. “I will get the private dining at Saporé ready. Are there any special demands? Anything she likes to eat? Preferred wine?” I grimaced as Caelian looked up expectantly at me.

Was I supposed to know all that?

“What makes you think I know anything about what she prefers?” I grumbled.

“She is your wife.”

“We just got married.”

“You were engaged for two years…”

“Just get it done…” I hissed, stalking out. But then I halted and walked back and added, “Find yourself a girl so you stop being concerned with mine…”

“So you admit she is your girl?” Caelian chuckled which turned into laughter as I held out my middle finger at him and stomped out, slamming the door shut.

She was not my girl.