Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 49562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49562 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 248(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Like the boss and underboss, where a man with the last name Caruso held the titles for generations, a Vitale held the consigliere position for the same span. So, having Maria stop that succession, along with being a woman, was going to go about as well as Humpty Dumpty being in an MMA fight.
However, it sadly was the easiest option for him at the moment. To change the old ways of the family would have to be done slowly. Lucca was going to have to choose the battles he wanted to fight one at a time while he transitioned into being the head of this family, and his first battle had already been chosen the moment he had slid that ring over Chloe’s finger. The boss marrying a woman without a single trace of Italian blood was going to go as well as trying to convince Conor McGreggor to put Humpty Dumpty back together again.
Vinny’s disinterested tone returned. “But, of course, it’s entirely your choice, Lucca. Myself and the rest of the family will support you in whomever you choose.”
That, he seriously doubted.
Nonetheless, Maria becoming consigliere was going to have to wait, and unfortunately for Lucca, he was going to have to deal with Vinny for a while longer.
“I see no need to change the family dynamics at this point in time.” While it wasn’t the complete truth, it also wasn’t a total lie, as he didn’t want to go there at the moment. Right now, only one thing mattered. “I think it’s best to handle the threat to our family before I make any decisions.”
“I think that’s wise,” Vinny agreed.
Taking a long draw, Lucca started to relax after buying himself some time before needing to name an underboss.
Suddenly, Vinny’s face turned haughty at the thought of the person who was destroying the family as he continued, “Are you any closer to finding out who One-Shot is?”
“Sooner or later, they will make a mistake.” Lucca’s eyes glowed as brightly as the end of his cigarette. “He’s good, but he’s starting to lose control … I know it.”
Vinny raised a curious brow. “How do you know?”
“His attempt on my father’s life with the car was erratic. He’s no longer precise, and I think it’s because of his last failed attempts. My guess is his next hit will be the biggest failure of them all and may very well cost him his identity.” Lucca smashed the butt of his cigarette into the crystal ashtray. “If there’s one thing I know, it’s that One-Shot should go back to the Glock.”
“Yes, I think you’re right about that. We can only hope the next mistake he makes is grave.” Vinny nodded in agreement before getting up. “Well, if there’s nothing else you’d like to discuss, I must be go—”
“Actually,” Lucca stopped him, “there is a matter I’d like to speak to you about.”
Vinny clearly hadn’t expected that as he took back the chair. “My time is yours.”
Lucca found it hard to finally find the words for the thing he had wanted for so long, so he just came out with it. “I’d like to marry Chloe.”
His consigliere had to clear his throat. “Well, I suppose I expected this to come up eventually.”
“And with your experience, I’m hoping you could come up with a plan to best handle this situation, as it will not only benefit Dante’s sons but your son, as well,” Lucca stated, reminding him Vincent was currently dating a girl who didn’t hold a drop of Italian blood, either.
“Right, well, Vincent isn’t engaged to be wed, and let’s hope he won’t be anytime soon.” Vinny secretly admitted strictly between the two, “But I’d probably say the best course of action would be to wait for Nero and Vincent to take their rightful positions in a few years, and then the rest of the family will simply follow the heads of the family.” Smiling, he held up three long fingers. “I’ve always found three is better than one.”
While his consigliere had a point, there was no way in hell Lucca was waiting that long to marry Chloe, even if he was to appoint Vincent as his equal. But there was no fucking way in hell that was happening, either.
“Let me reiterate.” Lucca cleared his own throat, making sure he could be heard. “I will be marrying Chloe … next month.”
“Ah.” Vinny adjusted his expensive Italian jacket before smoothing down his dirty-blond hair that was slowly going gray. “Now I understand.”
“Exactly.” Lucca was glad he had gotten the message, but now he needed to butter his consigliere up in hopes it could encourage his cooperation. To have Vinny’s approval of his and Chloe’s marriage would go a long way with his men who lived and died by the old ways. “If anyone knows how to handle this matter best, it would be you.”