Sorin nods, seeming to accept what his sister has said.
Meanwhile, in the back of my mind I’m recalling how the Clans had an issue with the French a few years back. It ultimately affected Davide and Blanka Lupei. I find myself wanting to discuss this with Stefan, the man who knows everything . . . but I can’t, because I’m in Las Vegas and he’s back in New York.
Stefan was the man I’d discuss everything with, whether it had to do with the Clans, or if it was as simple as my favorite bakery on the Upper East Side.
Like a punch to the gut it hits me— I miss him, so fucking much.
Chapter Sixteen
Stefan
“You requested my presence?” I say to Mariana and Ion who sit at the head of the table. A table which is usually filled, though isn’t today. You see, they’ve requested a private meeting with them. It means they want something, but what, that is the question.
“Yes, I need you to speak with Melody and see if she can do some digging for us.” Mariana speaks up, appearing a bit stressed.
“What kind of digging?”
Mariana and Ion share a worried glance. “We’ve caught wind that there was some sort of arrangement established between the Steele brothers and the O’Dea family in Boston.” Irish mafia. Ugh. They’re dramatic pieces of shit.
“Why do their business dealings matter to us?” Ion tenses his jaw at my question, showing his intense frustration. He’s never been the type of man who enjoys being questioned. If he didn’t like it, he should’ve thought about who he and Mariana were inviting over for a private meeting. I’m Stefan Dalca, motherfucker. I question everything.
“Stefan, it shouldn’t come as a shock how we like to keep tabs on what the other mafia families are doing. The O’Deas are cousins to Desmond Mackenzie in Ireland. We’re right to be cautious.” Mariana adds.
I roll my eyes, “No, not when it comes to Desmond, or even Colin. Fiona maybe, but she’s an unpredictable bitch. I’ve been to Ireland on many occasions to formally represent the Clans. He would never authorize anything which might harm us. If it were the Italians, I’d say we need to do digging, but it isn’t. It’s Desmond fucking Mackenzie. He’s going through enough right now, having all his children back under one roof and whatnot.”
“We weren’t asking for your opinion,” Ion grits.
I cackle, “You should know by now I’ll give it regardless.”
A rap comes to the door of the study.
“Who is it?” Mariana calls out across the room.
“Me,” Ysenia’s soft voice replies.
“Come on in, sweetheart,” Mariana replies to her youngest daughter.
Ysenia opens the door as I turn my body to face her. “Did you need something?”
“No, not really. I was just curious when Bianca would be back from Las Vegas with the Lazars. I was hoping we could grab dinner soon. I need some sister time. It isn’t anything urgent.”
She’s in Las Vegas with Sorin and Mircea Lazar? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.
“I thought she was on her way back today. It was only an overnight trip I believe. Shoot her a text and I’m sure she’ll respond when she lands. Don’t get flustered. Alright?” Ion smirks, giving his daughter the best advice he could. Ysenia has always been more of a nervous bird, so it makes sense why she’d be feeling a little odd.
“Okay, thanks. Sorry to interrupt you guys.” Ysenia makes her way out of the study, shutting the door behind her.
“I’m so glad they’re bonding. I worried they wouldn’t get off on the right foot and all.” Mariana pipes up.
Ion nods, “Yes. They’ll make a good pair when they’re married.”
I laugh, a cackle which undoubtedly shows I’m annoyed. Not that I give a fuck. “Did she ever agree to this arrangement? The marriage?”
“No,” Ion replies.
“You should know better. There isn’t any taming a Vasile woman, and if she hasn’t agreed, she likely won’t. You can’t even force her hand. Not with Mariana’s daughter. That defiance in their blood runs deep. Don’t you think?” I smirk, relaxing a bit in my chair. He should already know this from being married to Mariana for so fucking long. He’d know better than anyone else.
Ion draws his lips into a straight line before cocking a brow.
Fuck. Her and I have kept shit private for a reason. I have to say something that’ll throw him off a bit. “She’s your daughter, Ion. Bianca has grown up with the Clans and more than anyone else, she’ll only take what she deserves. Now, I’ll reach out to Melody and see if she can do some digging. But, neither of you should be worried. Desmond is an ally, which means Colin will fold into line like all generals do in the mafias. Breathe. It’ll be fine.” I state, rising from my chair I push it under the table and meet my eyes with both Ion and Mariana.
They both appear to be relaxed which causes me to relax a bit and I head out before they can stop me. I have a date with a darling young woman. One who I happen to call my daughter.
I’ve been promising to take Daniella out for a lunch date at this restaurant for about a week. Though, if you ask my little spitfire, she’ll tell you it’s been weeks. Moments like this remind me how much of Presley’s attitude runs through her veins. It eases my mind, gently confirming that even though her mother isn’t here with us physically anymore, she still has parts of her.
The place we’re eating at is in
