Shattered Prince

Nervosa nodded and crossed his legs. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “I like stability,” he said softly. “I know what my reputation is. I know what is whispered about me in the dark. And I will admit, Carmine Falsone, that some of it is true.”

A shiver ran down my spine. To Carmine’s credit, he only nodded and met Nervosa’s gaze. “I suspected as much.”

“But like Julieta here so eloquently put it earlier, war is not profitable, and I am a man of profit. I suspect you are as well.”

“I am, very much so. I’m currently amassing my forces to bring Mauro to justice.”

“Justice.” Nervosa’s lips curled. “I would’ve laughed at that word once. But I’ve changed my way of thinking in recent months. Justice is only valuable so long as there are people to witness and accept it, but based on the rate you’re going, there won’t be many left after the dust settles.”

“I want to minimize the loss of life, if at all possible.”

Nervosa tapped his fingers on his knee. “I had a deal with your father. He was a sensible man. I liked him very much. He paid me tribute and sent me muscle whenever I had need, and in exchange I helped him however I could. I smoothed over the politicians. I bribed judges and police chiefs. I kept the FBI from raiding his businesses. I made sure the IRS didn’t notice his dirty money flowing around. I’m here to offer you the same deal, Carmine Falsone. Swear loyalty to me, and I will help you end this war.”

Carmine didn’t move. My heart raced in my throat. This was a serious moment for him, and I didn’t know which way he’d go. Refusing an Oligarch was a serious thing, but it was possible. They weren’t madmen. Carmine would be cut adrift, and Nervosa might offer the same deal to Balestra—but he could walk away if he wanted.

Men like Carmine valued their independence. It wouldn’t feel good, paying Nervosa tribute. But it was the way of the world. Carmine would retain control of San Antonio, while Nervosa would rule so much more. And on and on, downwards and upwards, in a never-ending chain. There was always a bigger fish.

Carmine bowed his head. “My father believed associating himself with the Oligarchs was smart. And I believe my father was right more often than not. To honor him, I would be happy to accept your proposal.” He raised his chin. “With one request.”

Nervosa’s eyebrows raised. “Which is what?”

“I want you to extend your protection to her.” Carmine looked at me and back to Nervosa.

My mouth fell open. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what that meant. The protection of an Oligarch? Aimed directly at me? It was too much. I felt panicked and terrified, but I couldn’t bring myself to move. Carmine and Nervosa sucked out all the air in the room like two massive black holes, and I orbited around them, lost and unable to control my momentum.

Nervosa’s lips quirked again. It was that strange half-smile. “If that’s what you wish, I will be happy to watch over her. However, I’m not sure how her father will react.”

“Let me worry about that.”

Nervosa shrugged and stood. He extended a hand. “I’m happy we met, Carmine.”

Carmine stood and shook. “I am as well.”

“Let’s see what we can do about cleaning up this city and ending your little problem, shall we?”

Nervosa’s smile was like a shark.

And Carmine’s grin was like a hungry lion.

Two apex predators, smiling at each other.

It sent a jolt of terror into my heart.

Carmine looked over, and the terror softened into something manageable. A dull, aching fear. Like a pain in my leg.

“Now, if you’d be so kind.” Nervosa gestured, and his bodyguard brought over two black bags. He handed one to me and one to Carmine. “You understand. I can’t have you knowing where I stay when I come to town.”

Carmine dragged the bag over his head.

I watched him for a moment, then did the same, plunging myself into darkness.

Chapter 18

Jules

“Are you okay?” Carmine held me at arm’s length in the basement parking lot beneath his building. Nervosa’s van drove off, and I looked into his eyes, my heart racing.

I didn’t know what to say.

Was I okay?

So far, I’d been beaten, cut, threatened, kidnapped, and now I was back where it all started, back at Carmine’s place.

But I was with him. With Carmine. And I was safe.

So why did my hands keep shaking? Why was I so afraid?

“I think so,” I whispered.

He pulled me against him and held me tight. I felt tears in my eyes. I felt it in my throat, and I didn’t want to cry. I couldn’t let myself cry. I wouldn’t be that pathetic girl bawling her eyes out every time something happened.