Ruthless Prince by Piper Stone

Chapter 9

Stefano

“You heard what I said,” I hissed as I shifted my gaze from Matteo to Enrique. They seemed disinterested that one of my soldiers had been killed protecting me. The events at the cemetery had left me aching and cold inside, my entire body numb. While I hadn’t been close to Donato, seeing the way his mother and father had acted at the burial had increased my anger.

Alexandra’s reactions had also raised several questions. I’d seen tears in her eyes, which surprised me, but it also made me realize that her mother’s death still haunted her.

There was a reason why and one that had been covered up for years.

“We can’t start a war at this point, Stefano. You know that if we chose to do so, the consequences would be significant,” Matteo stated with zero inflection in his voice. My brothers had followed me to my house given my demand, the family Consigliere also serving as the family’s corporate attorney arriving soon after. Enzo remained quiet, the way he was studying us indicating that he had something to say.

Enzo was a cautious man, best friend to our father. He’d never been one for the instigation of battle against our enemies, although he’d certainly counseled our father’s brutal methods of handling business through the years.

We’d solved nothing at the cemetery other than our agreement that my interaction with Senator Starling had pushed O’Sullivan to another level. I already knew that.

“Plus, we don’t have the manpower in order to provide a prominent threat,” Enrique added.

I glared at my younger brother, surprised that he was agreeing to Matteo’s sentiment. Shaking my head, I closed my eyes briefly. Just seeing Maria’s face as she’d sobbed uncontrollably had nearly broken me. “If we don’t provide a strong and clear message, Michael O’Sullivan will unleash his beasts. Then God knows what will happen.”

“We have enough people in New York who are loyal to us to provide early information if he even attempts another attack.” Matteo’s voice wasn’t always the one of reason. The fact he was almost calm about the entire situation seemed uncharacteristic of him.

And it pissed me off.

“But he will feel vindicated if we do nothing. How is that good for our operation?” I asked after a few seconds. “We have Russians attempting to make a stake in France, soon to be heading for Italy. We have the Irish mob ready to aid O’Sullivan in any way possible. And we still have a few of our current customers who are deeply concerned at recent decisions, hedging their purchases. I don’t think we have any choice but to provide the kind of warning to O’Sullivan that will resonate far and wide.”

I’d thought about little else after returning to Tuscany, angry that Matteo had made a deal with Michael in the first place. I’d warned my brother that O’Sullivan wasn’t a man of his word, but Matteo seemed more interested in keeping the peace than continuing to expand our empire.

“We need to make certain that O’Sullivan was responsible for the attack,” Enzo said in a reserved tone of voice.

I laughed as I glanced in his direction. “I’m certain. I trust the information provided.”

“By an informant Cassis recruited,” Enrique stated.

“Yes,” I huffed, shifting my attention in my brother’s direction. “Do you have something to say to me, Enrique? If so, do it now. I’m in no mood for bullshit after this morning’s event.”

Enrique took a step closer, his usual look of discontent as strong as ever. Our youngest brother was the most troubled, our father’s death something he’d yet to talk about. “What I have to say you won’t like to hear.”

“Bring it on,” I hissed.

“Fine. You’ve changed since meeting this bride to be of yours. You were careless in Miami, acting cavalier instead of performing the job you were required to do. I think the desire to get your cock wet limited your ability to think clearly regarding our business.”

I was surprised that I reacted the way I did, issuing a hard punch to Enrique’s jaw. While the force pummeled him backwards by two feet, my brother almost losing his footing, he righted himself quickly, fisting his hands.

“That’s enough bullshit!” Enzo barked, another surprise for the day. The aging man almost never raised his voice no matter the circumstances.

I took a deep breath, rage still breaching the surface.

“Enzo is right. We need to formulate a plan, but it won’t entail a full-scale war at this point. I still have an agreement in place with O’Sullivan that I intend to keep,” Matteo stated.

Enrique huffed as he rubbed his jaw, his dark eyes reflecting the same kind of venom that rushed through me like adrenaline. At least he had the forethought not to react.

And I wasn’t sorry in the least I’d punched him. His arrogance had irritated the hell out of me for the last few months.

“It would seem your agreement is null and void,” I suggested.

“Again, we don’t know that for certain, but I intend on finding out.” Matteo walked closer, lifting a single eyebrow as he locked eyes with mine. “We agreed we weren’t going to do anything rash. That isn’t going to change until we receive full notification of what we are dealing with.”

I shook my head, half laughing. “I would imagine the article on the upcoming wedding has made quite the impression.”

Enzo shifted closer to all three of us. “Make no mistake, gentlemen. Michael O’Sullivan is a force to be reckoned with. However, there have been no signs that the announcement created any kind of heartache.”

I resisted laughing. Heartache. That certainly wasn’t the word I would have chosen. What Matteo hadn’t come to grips with is that Michael would never agree to allowing Enrique to marry his precious daughter Gillian. If the realization of our dubious plans had yet to enter the man’s mind, then his arrogance was even more significant than my brother’s.

Or my own.

Since developing the plan to attack the three men responsible for our father’s murder, the commissioner had already been punished for allowing his daughter to marry an enemy. If O’Sullivan had no intention of reacting in a similar manner with the news regarding the senator’s daughter, then my gut told me another plan was already in the works with the three men we’d labeled our number one enemy. Perhaps he believed he had the upper hand by making a deal with Matteo. I refused to allow our empire to crumble, but I would bide my time.

For now.

“So we sit and wait,” I said as the tension increased in the room.

Matteo nodded, finally slapping his hand on my shoulder, an actual smile crossing his face. How the hell could he be so cavalier about this shit? “We wait until further information is provided. Besides, you have a wedding to plan.”

His statement was his way of reminding me of my place as Underboss.

I thought about a few months earlier and his lavish wedding. The glorious event had been the talk of Tuscany. I wanted no part of the same splashy celebration. In fact, I hated all things political at this point. “I will leave that up to Alexandra.” I had no choice but to tread lightly. By birthright Matteo was the new family Don, his orders never to be questioned.

“What about the Russians?” Enrique asked, the tension remaining high.

Matteo chuckled as he glanced at Enzo. “I assure you that the French mob can handle the situation. For now. However, we will keep a close eye on the situation. Relax, my brothers. Whoever made the mistake of attacking you, Stefano, will be hunted down and dealt with.”

“Then I will do the hunting,” I said with a slight growl. The first thing I would do is gather information of my own. “That will not be questioned.” I looked from Enrique to Enzo, finally shifting my full attention in Matteo’s direction.

My brother had always considered himself the prince prepared to take the throne after our father’s retirement. While none of us has been prepared for the ugly events in New York, challenging Matteo’s authority wasn’t normal protocol.

I’d never been one to follow rules of any kind, including those established generations before. That wasn’t in my nature.

“Agreed,” Matteo said as he tipped his head. “But I will caution you to be careful in the decisions you make. We are on the verge of expanding and the last thing any of us need to happen is to make a mistake. That could cost us not only a sizable fortune but our entire empire if handled badly.”

“Understood. I have no intentions of starting a war; however, I can’t allow the death of my soldier to go unpunished.”

Matteo sucked in his breath, eyeing Enzo first before nodding. “I have my informants seeking information. I will let you know what I find.”

“Fair enough, but I will also use mine including checking on the Russians. They are truly Neanderthals in their business practices. We should be prepared to strike whatever enemy is determined to bring us down at a moment’s notice.” I’d facilitated a meeting with someone I trusted in my attempt not only to find the truth but also to develop a plan of my own. The hit was just the beginning. I was certain of it.

Enrique laughed and immediately headed for the door. “I agree with Stefano at this point. A show of force might be the only way O’Sullivan will finally understand that he crossed a line that can’t be redrawn. As far as the Russians. One foot on our soil and they need to be dealt with. I will side with Stefano if necessary, in order to keep our holdings intact. Be careful challenging the two of us, Matteo. You will lose.”

As he walked out of my office, I could see the building rage crossing Matteo’s face. Our father had raised his three sons to remain close in order to ensure continued family operations. I doubted he figured on his three sons being entirely different from one another, often adversaries in the world of business.

What I did know was that Matteo’s instinct was as strong as mine, his uncanny ability to sense danger only failing once.

“Don’t let your father down, boys,” Enzo said, using the term he did when he was frustrated with our behavior. “He worked his ass off to get where he was, leaving all three of you a legacy that will take you and your families into the future. I suggest you try and remember that in the decisions you make. There will always be enemies, but you only have one family.” Sighing, he headed out of the room, leaving only Matteo.

We stared at each other for almost a full minute, Matteo finally shaking his head.

“We need to be careful, brother,” Matteo said after a few seconds. “My gut tells me we are facing difficult times.”

I took a deep breath. Seeing the anxiety on his face was surprising. The only time he allowed his emotions to show was around Catherine. “Then we will handle them. One way or the other.”

“You’re very strong.” He lifted his head, a wry smile crossing his face. “Which is why you were always Father’s favorite.”

His comment made me laugh. “You have to be kidding me? I was the middle child, the one with no real purpose. Our father made certain I knew that even though I was considered a prince, that would never matter.”

Matteo narrowed his eyes. “I never realized you thought that way.”

“Then you’ve been blind. Fear not, Matteo. I’m not here to challenge your position or your authority, but I refuse to back down to O’Sullivan or any foreign asshole who tries to get in our way.”

“Don’t worry, Stefano. No one will be able to destroy the new life you’re creating.”

“I guess we will see about that.”

“As our mother would say, have faith.”

Faith.

That’s something I’d forsaken a long time ago.

* * *

Arturo Piazza was a shark, the kind of low-level criminal that had a way of conning almost anyone out of money. A fast talker, his suave actions and well-dressed appearance allowed him entrance into some of the finest locations in Europe. He’d been unfortunate enough to try his bullshit during the time I’d spent in the South of France, even living under a false identity in his effort to keep from being found.

Unfortunately for Arturo, he learned very quickly that fucking with me hadn’t been in his best interest. However, when I’d intervened, saving his life from some assholes who discovered his con, he’d been forced to accept that he owed me favors from time to time, although I rarely collected.

What I did appreciate about him was that given his extensive travels and observation skills, he knew every player and their business practices. I decided to offer him a chance of a lifetime.

One that he dared not refuse.

As I walked into the small bar, one that he’d chosen, I didn’t notice him right away. When I did, I had to laugh. With his now shocking red hair and rugged attire, the change in his appearance was remarkable.

Which meant he was running from someone intent on ending his life.

Arturo jumped as I sat down at the table with a hard thud, hissing when he recognized me. “Jesus, dude. Enough to give me a heartache,” he said under his breath.

“Interesting look.”

“Yeah, well, kind of necessary. I was surprised to get your call, especially with your upcoming wedding and all.” He lifted whatever drink he’d decided to have at two in the afternoon, sucking down a good third. When he wiped his mouth, I lifted a single eyebrow.

“Do you want me to buy you a drink?”

“This isn’t a social visit, Arturo.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think so. What do you need?”

“You’ve heard of Michael O’Sullivan?”

His eyes opened wide. He scanned the bar before leaning forward. “The asshole out of New York?”

“The very one.”

“Yeah. He’s bad news no matter who you’re asking. Why?”

“I have my reasons.” I pulled an envelope from my pocket, sliding it across the table.

He took a deep breath before pulling it forward and opening the flap. After a few seconds, he jerked his head in my direction. “What the hell is this?”

“Half of your payment as well as a plane ticket for a trip I need you to take.”

“To fucking New York?” When I didn’t answer right away, he shook his head. “You want info on Mr. O’Sullivan.”

“I do. I need to know everything about him. His schedule. The restaurants and bars he frequents. His family life. Every detail about him and his soldiers. Pay close attention to the name of Finian.” While Cassis trusted the man, too many events were far too coincidental.

“The guy have a last name?”

“Likely.” I was determined to keep my answers short. The less information he knew about why the better.

“Jesus, dude. That means I’ll need to get real close and I don’t like Irish scum.”

I was the one who leaned over the table this time. “If I seem to remember, you don’t have a choice.” I kept the harsh look on my face, ensuring that he knew I wasn’t fucking around.

His brow furrowed and he glanced in the envelope, flicking his finger through the wad of cash. “Half the money?”

I nodded only once.

Arturo studied me for a few seconds, sucking another gulp of his drink. “Maybe I could use the time out of this damn country. What are you looking for specifically?”

I debated telling him anything else; however, I couldn’t afford to risk returning to the States at this point. There was far too much unrest. “Whether or not he had anything to do with an attempted hit.”

Huffing, he seemed taken aback. “So this is personal.”

I nodded again.

“Okay. I’ll do this for you, but this is a huge assignment.”

“Do not try to con me, Arturo. I don’t think you want to see me angry.”

He seemed to understand instantly, swallowing hard. “Not at all. I’ll keep you informed.”

“You do that.” I moved to a standing position then leaned over the table. I might as well get my money’s worth. “And make certain you keep tabs on Gillian O’Sullivan. I suspect she’s moved her primary residence.”

“Who’s she?”

“You’ll figure that out.” As I walked away from the table, my blood pressure boiled. I could feel a storm brewing.

* * *

After returning, I’d spent a solid two hours making phone calls, making certain every aspect of the business I was responsible for was working seamlessly. While I was told nothing to the contrary, the unsettled feeling I’d had since the phone call Cassis had received in Miami remained. I needed to make sure the piss-ant my Capo had recruited was trustworthy.

As I heard a knock on the door, I lifted my head from my computer screen.

“You wanted to see me, boss?” Cassis asked as he walked inside.

“Tell me about this informant you’ve used, the one who called you the other night.”

“Nothing special to tell. He’s a low-ranking grunt in O’Sullivan’s organization.”

“Why would he risk his life and that of his family to help us?”

Cassis shrugged. “He has no family, at least from what I could tell. No wife. No siblings. Parents are deceased. He came over from Ireland three years ago. I think he’s pissed he hasn’t been promoted, but that’s not something he’s told me. You’re concerned he double-crossed us?”

“Yes,” I said quietly as I drummed my fingers on the desk. “Although why warn you about an imminent attack?” I’d thought the various scenarios through, trying to find a reason why I’d been allowed to remain alive. “You checked this asshole out?”

“Extensively, but for the sake of argument, if Finian did betray my confidence then it would only be to send a warning.”

I sat back in my seat, swiveling the chair. “Something doesn’t add up. O’Sullivan doesn’t warn. He simply acts.”

“If you want, I could test his loyalty,” Cassis suggested.

“Not a bad idea. We’ll start with something simple. Tell him I’ll pay him one hundred grand in cash for the names of the assailants.”

“Sounds easy.”

“I’ve learned that nothing in this life is easy.”

“I’ll take care of it, boss.”

I flexed then fisted my hand, reflecting on Alexandra’s stilted words. “Victoria Chenault, the name Alexandra used in Miami, was her mother’s maiden name. She died when Alexandra was very young. I need to know the details.”

He lifted his eyebrows. “Sure, any reason?”

“A hunch and one that if true could alter my course of actions.”

“Okay. That shouldn’t be too hard to find. Anything else?”

“No. I’m going to spend a quiet evening with my lovely bride to be.”

Cassis grinned. “Sounds good. I’ll let you know what Finian says.”

“Excellent.” I thought about the night ahead, my libido increasing. “I will tell you that I’ve enlisted the help of someone I trust enough to provide us with additional information.”

He knew me better than to think I was undermining him. The more info we had, the less likely it would be for anyone to attack us.

After a few seconds, he grinned. He’d heard the story of Arturo and the man’s antics. His laugh was gregarious. “Arturo.”

“Yes.”

“I heard he’s running from the policia this time. Might be good for him to leave the country.”

Snickering, there was no doubt one day Arturo would end up in a landfill or behind bars.

“By the way, just so you know. What Alexandra said to Maria touched a lot of people,” Cassis added.

I lifted my head, a slight smile curling on my upper lip. “The hardest fruit tends to have the juiciest center, making the experience even more delicious.” My mouth watered to taste her again.

Snorting, Cassis shook his head. “The shit you come up with, boss, always surprises me.”

The ‘shit’ came from years of observation as well as experience dealing with dangerous individuals, many of which I’d destroyed piece by piece. After a few minutes, I couldn’t stand being apart from her any longer, my hunger too significant.

As I walked out of the room, an odd shadow formed across the periphery of my vision, the darkness surrounding me foreboding.

The Benedetti family would need to prepare for a war, my gut telling me enemies would come from all sides.

And for the first time, blood would rain in the hills and valleys of Tuscany, suffocating everything and everyone in its path.