Chapter 4

Nicolas

As we began walking, I could see Anaya was both tense and terrified. Is she afraid that this may reveal her lies? I hope she didn’t lie to me. Otherwise, I’d have to kill such stunning beauty. However, Viler will not rush to my house for anyone.

Viler and his man were stopped near the gate of my home. I cannot let my enemy inside my home. We’re here near the gate because I didn’t want to experience the danger of doing it. When I saw only Viler and his driver, aka bodyguard, and no one else, I was perplexed. I was told he had others with him.

As we stood at the gate, it shocked me to see Viler, one of the most feared mafias, having tears in his eyes as he whispered, “My little Passero.” Damn, she is his daughter. But how?

“Daddy...” a wail from Anaya interrupted my thought process. It was a whisper only people near her could hear. It sounded like a tiny child seeking her father. Viler was in awe of her. I dismissed my people and only Ben and I were at the gate with them.

I cleared my throat, and he glanced at me. The kind grin he had just given Anaya had transformed into a scowl, and he continued, “For your sake, Ricci, I hope you did not in any way injure my daughter. Or I’ll wreak havoc on you and your crew.”

“Watch it, Viler. Your daughter was the one who trespassed on my property. I would not have called you if I intended to hurt her.” I said.

He nodded, satisfied with my response, extended his hand, and said, “Thank you.”

My eyes grew large. Viler Costa just thanked me! I want this incident to be included in my biography! I mentally shook my head and held his hand in mine, saying, “As you know, I try to keep the peace as much as possible. But you don’t have to thank me since I would never harm a woman.”

“Yes. If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you and my daughter privately about something,” he stated.

I think Viler wanted me to die by shock, as he was being civil to other people. But I responded, “Sure. We can move to the outbuilding office. It’s just next to the pool house. I hope this is a peaceful discussion, and I won’t need to bring my guys because you don’t have anyone with you.”

“You don’t need any men at your side. It is a peaceful and urgent conversation,” he stated.

I nodded, and we walked the short distance to the office. I noticed Anaya and Viler staring at each other with curiosity and admiration as we sat on the sofa in the little office. I said after clearing my throat with curiosity, “What is the urgent discussion?” 

He sighed and replied, “How many people in your organization are aware that Anaya is my daughter?”

“There aren’t many. Maybe three or four, including me. When Anaya stated she was your daughter, just two of my guys were present. And my right-hand man Ben is aware.” I responded.

“I’d prefer to keep the number or, if necessary, cut it. I don’t want anyone to know,” he said. Anaya’s face was filled with pain when she heard those words. “I realize it’s important news, so name your price for keeping this information private.”

He sighed and continued, “What about the guards and people who have heard from the other?”

“I do not think they know and we can manage the rest,” I answered.

He nodded and said, “For all purposes, Ricci. My daughter is dead and not sitting in front of us. You never saw her or me,” he said. Did he just command me? This old man needs to keep his tone proper with me.

“What?” I chimed in. “Viler, I thought she died in...” his growl cut me off.

“As you can see, she is not dead and will never be if it was in my control. And it’s none of your concern, Ricci,” he said, enraged.

“Costa, if you want to keep this private, it’s none of my concern; but I have no intention of hurting you or your daughter. Control yourself,” I snarled.

“You can make a decision and call me about the price later. I’ll be taking my daughter with me now. Thank you once more,” he added as he went out, holding Anaya’s hand. I sat there thinking.

When my phone rang again, Ben inquired, “Boss, Viler, and the girl left? Should I follow them?”

“Yes, let them go, and don’t bother following him. I don’t believe he will harm the girl,” I responded.

I pondered what had just happened. Viler’s daughter is alive? How can that be? The havoc that engulfed Italy when we learned he had lost his family is still fresh in my memory. He massacred people left, right, and center. And what price is he offering? I would never do something nasty to a woman unless it is extremely necessary.

I returned to the mansion and sat in my office, fetching a bottle of whiskey from my desk. I drank my drink while thinking about Anaya. Something was not right. Ben entered my office smirking. Only he is permitted to enter my office without permission since he is not only my right-hand guy, but also my best friend.

“I recognize that grin. What’s going on in your head, Ben?" I inquired.

“Is this true? Is she Viler’s daughter?" he inquired without answering my question.

“Yes, it is correct. She is the ‘dead’ daughter of Viler,” I responded by air-quoting the word “dead.”  "Now answer me why the grin?" I asked again.

“You’ll find out why I’m grinning soon. Listen to me carefully and understand what I am proposing," he said and being his explanation.

"No," I roared.

"Nick, you know it is a great plan. And you might as well go along with it if you want to expand your business and fulfill the promise you made to yourself and your mother," he said calmly.

I gave him an annoyed looked but I know he is correct. He shot up from the chair and said, "Let's go. You need to talk to some people."

I nodded, and he accompanied me through the mansion until we came to a hidden entrance reserved for our undercover operatives. I dialed a number on the red landline and they answered it after two rings.

“Alpha,” said the one on the other end.

“Omega5, I need you to do something for me,” I smirked.