Ruthless Games

LILY

Nero isn’ta man who likes to waste time. The morning of our big celebration party, it’s the ground-breaking ceremony on his new development downtown. A couple of the older buildings have already been razed to the ground, and now a few dozen people are gathered on the construction site to mark the official launch of Barretti Enterprises’ jewel of a new construction. There’s press, city planners, and all kinds of prominent people milling about.

And me, of course. Nero’s loving wife. Dressed in Chanel and a hard hat, and the biggest fake smile I can manage.

“This way, one more shot?”

I turn, and wave for the cameras beside Nero, who looks more and more like a legitimate businessman every day. From his tailored black suit with the gold cufflinks to his winning smile, he fits right in with these people.

But I know the real man behind that mask. The dark mafia king who’s made this day happen by breaking every rule in the book.

“Gorgeous, thanks!” the photographer calls.

“Are you talking about me, or my wife,” Nero jokes, getting a laugh from the crowd.

My eyes land on a tall figure making his way through the crowd. It’s Ian McKenna, and his wife, Fiona, is at his side. I know that my expression faulters when I spot them, but I can’t help it. It’s hard to play the part of dutiful wife when I’m being bombarded with the memories of what happened the last time that I saw the couple. Nero was a monster, cold and calculating as he blackmailed the politician for his vote to rezone this land. Fiona had been there, and I watched her heart break as she saw the pictures Nero presented, showing her husband cheating on her with a younger woman.

There’s a slight nudge in my side, and I turn to Nero. His smile is still in place, but there’s a warning in his eyes.

My own smile slips back into place as McKenna approaches. “Good to see you, councilman,” Nero says loudly, reaching to shake the man’s hand.

McKenna grips it, shaking. There’s a smile on his lips—but murder in his eyes. He doesn’t want to be anywhere near this event, but I’m guessing Nero made it clear that he had to show.

“Wouldn’t miss it. I support all development that will enrich this city.”

The two of them turn to face the cameras. It’s all smiles and handshakes for the crowd while Fiona and I stand at their sides. But I’m close enough to hear the men talk to each other, quiet enough so nobody else hears.

“I hope you’re happy,” McKenna says. “You’ve pulled it off, not caring about the cost.”

“Who says I don’t care?” Nero replies, pleasant. “I’m always willing to spend the money.”

“I’m talking about my Fiona. My marriage is crumbling thanks to you.”

Nero snorts. “You go ahead and act like I’m the bad guy here if you want, but we both know that you fucked up and broke the woman’s heart. I just decided that you cheating on your wife is something she should know about.”

“You enjoyed telling her, you bastard.”

“Careful, McKenna.” Nero warns, smirking. “You don’t want anyone to hear you using foul language. What will the voters think?”

I see McKenna’s grip tighten on Nero’s hand for a moment. Then they release each other, and McKenna addresses the reporters.

“I’m so glad that you’re all here today to record this moment. It’s the beginning of something big for this city. Nero Barretti has a vision for this city, and I, for one, am excited to see it come to fruition.”

As his little speech comes to an end, he starts to step away. I know that I should just let them go, but I can’t seem to help myself as I speak up.

“Fiona, it’s nice to see you again.”

She looks at me, and the sadness in her eyes shows, just for a moment. “Of course. You too. And congratulations on the wedding.”

“Thank you,” I reply. I want to tell her that we’re both in the same boat, faking affection for the men at our sides, but I know she hates me too. I’m part of her heartbreak and humiliation.

“Come on, Fiona,” McKenna says harshly. “We should move along. I’m sure the newlyweds have plenty of people to talk to.”

“Speaking of that,” I pipe up. “We’re hosting a party tonight. A little celebration. We’d love to see you there.”

Fiona gives a thin smile. “Sorry, we already have other commitments.”

She follows her husband away. He reaches to help her over a pothole, but she doesn’t touch him.