Noah hadn’t talked to anyone about his feelings towards Inéz, but Flavio was more than capable of noticing them. Mostly because there was no one else who was more in touch with their own emotions than his brother. For some reason, the Underboss was both - a strong man, and an emphatic person whenever he saw fit. It wasn’t common in the mafia circles; there were either monsters or weaklings. Never someone crazily intelligent with a strong but terrifying exterior and a soft spot for other’s feelings. It could be both impressive and alarming.
The Capodidn’t say anything. He wasn’t sure what his next course of action should be. So, with a sharp nod, he left the apartment.
CHAPTER 31
A low, rough voice echoed through the empty hallway of Coluccio Guerra’s villa. Today was the engagement party of the Capodecina’s oldest daughter, but Noah couldn’t care less about it. He was in no mood to celebrate; however, it was expected of him to show up and pay his respects to the couple. With a glass of whiskey in his hand, he tried with all his might to avoid the people there. So, for the last fifteen minutes, he had been sitting on one of the cashmere couches on the first floor hiding from everyone.
Vainly as Nicodemo’s eyes zoomed in on his boss, a questioning look flashing in them. He lowered his own glass of alcohol on the side table and settled next to Noah. "Conte has been looking for you," he said.
Noah snorted, taking a huge gulp and relishing in the bitter taste. "He can go fuck himself. I’m not going to talk to him about expending his fucking business anytime soon."
"Well, that’s what your brother told him. Just in more pleasant words." Nicodemo chuckled.
They sat in complete silence for the next ten minutes, drinking, each pondering on their own problems to handle. The Enforcer wasn't a social person, so having some time away from the big crowd of FamigliaMade Men was exactly what he needed. And Noah wasn’t complaining either since there was no pressure to engage in a conversation with him.
As the son of one of the Capo’s captains back in Sicily, Nico could have stayed with his father and learned the business inside out to take over later on. Yet, he’d decided to move to Las Vegas with his boss and a friend, and become one of his Enforcers. He always liked fighting, so it was a job he preferred to becoming a white-collar who barely got the possibility to prove himself in battle. Sitting behind a desk wasn’t his idea of fulfillment. For most people, it was seen as a step-down, especially for Nicodemo’s father, but as he had two more sons, he had no say in the matter. Noah himself went to talk to the Capodecinato straighten things up. As a sign of respect towards his soldier. He hadn’t known Nicodemo that well at the time, however, the man was faithful and loyal. Something Noah had greatly needed. Still did for that matter.
"Why have you delegated my tasks for today to others?" he asked after a while, curious.
Noah shrugged. "Your father couldn’t make it to the party, so I figured that I could at least make you come instead of him."
"I get it, but I could have still done my job just fine."
The Capoturned his head towards the Enforcer. "Take a fucking day off from time to time, Nico. I can’t remember the last time you did that. I have enough people to take care of things for one day," he answered. "How is the training going?"
They weren’t using Inéz’s name in public, mostly because it only took one wrong person overhearing and starting to dig for a disaster to occur. Noah preferred to keep things on the down-low as far as the Famiglia’sbusiness was concerned, and that extended to the girl now, too.
Nicodemo regarded him. "Not bad. She’s learning. Slowly, but surely. Why are you asking? Is she going to need the skills soon?"
"I don’t know. I hope not. But Flavio thinks differently. He’s certain that she’s not going to be able to get it done."
"I can see where he’s coming from. However, she seems determined enough to try her best."
"So you don’t think I should change my plan? To make her quit the job and figure out another way to expose Conte?"
The Enforcer shook his head, getting up. "Flavio is much smarter than us, but he makes a habit out of not placing too much trust in anyone but himself. I believe you made the right call to involve her. It’s out of the ordinary, but a brilliant move, nonetheless. Let her try. She’s being watched anyway, so if things go south, you will pull the plug on the whole operation then."
Noah nodded. "Can you keep tabs on her outside of your training sessions, too?"
"You don’t have to ask twice, Noah. You know I would do anything you need," he declared, turning on his heels to return to the party.
He was right. There was a reason why it made perfect sense for Inéz to be the one to get dirt on Gastone. And as much as he didn’t like his Capodecina near her, there was no way Noah could manage the task by himself. What was more, getting any other girl to take her place was out of the question. Since they first met, theCapocould see the determination and loyalty shine brightly in Inéz’s eyes. He refused to think she wouldn’t find a way to makeit all work. And now that Nicodemo had also agreed to keep an eye on her, he was calmer.
"Nico, one last thing." Noah stopped him. "You will fly to Seattle to deliver my offer to Meccuci. He wants a bigger percentage of the restaurant, and I need someone that will make him think twice before saying no in the
