Code of Silence: Cosa Nostra #2 Read Online Free Page A

open glass doors. “You’re not gonna believe what just happened.”
    She looked up from her textbook with a raised eyebrow.
    “Marcano senior wants a sit-down,” he said. “With all the important members of both families. Can you believe that?”
    For a moment, she could only stare at him in confusion. No, she couldn’t believe it. “Why?”
    Trey shrugged and pulled out one of the chairs for himself. “He claims he wants a peace treaty.”
    “Is that what Vincent was doing outside dad’s office earlier?” she asked. “Did they catch him or something?”
    He nodded. “The sit-down is tomorrow night at six.” He stood and headed away. “Wear something pretty.”
    “Wait, I have to go?” she asked. “Why?”
    “Do I even have to answer that question?” he asked, looking annoyed. “Because—”
    “Family business is family business,” she recited from the memory of the dozen speeches she’d received over the years. “Right.”
    Giving her a satisfied nod, he continued to walk away.
    The idea of meeting Vincent’s family was unsettling. And the thought of doing it in the same room as her family was even worse. Especially since they would all be carrying guns.
     

6
    Merger
     
     
     
    Dante had rented out the entire back room of the restaurant so they could talk in private. The long dinner table was packed with members from both families. Sal, Nik and Trey sat at the far end of the table with a select crew. Dante, Rafe and a few others were to the left. Among the mobsters, Bela felt as out of place as a snowman on the beach, but it helped to have Vincent right next to her, within arm’s reach.
    She still wasn’t sure why her father had insisted she come, but meeting Vincent’s father was intimidating. Dante Marcano looked so scary and cold…and he carried himself in a manner that showed he’d ruled the streets for a very long time. She doubted much would make him hesitate and wondered why he would want to call a truce. Hadn’t he been the one to start this war?
    “This feud between our families has lasted ten years,” Dante began. “A decade. And considering our lifespan, that’s a long time.” He looked toward Bela and Vincent when he added, “But I’ve come to realize if our own children can manage to find common ground, then why can’t we?”
    Sal didn’t respond yet, he continued to sip his scotch and listen.
    “I propose we join forces…unite our clans and run the city together,” he said. “No more threats of war. No more casualties. We’ll still have our own territories, but we’ll rule them together—in peace.”
    “It sounds like a nice idea,” Sal said. “But how do I know you’ll hold up your end of the bargain?”
    “Because in addition to my word, I’m also offering you my son. My first born.” He motioned to Rafe, sitting next to him. “If he married your daughter, it would unite both of our families in law and under God.”
    Bela felt her mouth drop in shock. She exchanged a worried glance with Vincent—who looked just as thrown by this as she was—and then her gaze darted down the table to her father. To her horror, he seemed like he was considering it.
    “I know it will require a sacrifice for the both of you.” Dante’s gaze drifted to Vincent, then Bela and back again. “But peace never comes without a price, and I think it’s a fair one.”
    “Oh, you do?” Bela shot back. “You think it’s fair for me to leave the man I love and marry his brother just because you two can’t shake hands and make-up? This can’t be the only way to seal the truce. You’re just doing this to be a dic—”
    “Bela,” Trey’s voice called her down. When she looked at him, he just shook his head, signaling for her to be quiet.
    Was she just supposed to shut up and be still while they bartered her freedom as if they lived in medieval times and not the 21 st century? Why couldn’t she throw her glass of wine in that jerk’s face if she wanted? What he was