Veils of Thorns

to the estat

ery word from the meeting with Santino Scarpetti. He had ma

't even

, his voice low. "He

haled.

n why not take the deal? At l

Santino never stops at a 'small piece.' Give him one inch,

oment, then nodded, as if a

t needed to be done. If Santino was look

-a war wasn't foug

t in whisper

e was one person wh

Info

lled like sweat, cheap p

s-of men trying to drown their troubles in alcohol

ering glances. He wasn't here for pl

ather's. Matteo had made a living as a fixer-he knew secrets,

rinning up at Luca like

or." Matteo gestured to

hands on the table and leaned in sligh

Straight to busine

. "I'm not in the

his glass. "Word is, Santino has been making quiet moves. Buying

wed his ey

But what I do know is that this isn't just ab

nformation. A new player. Someone pow

g-this was bigger t

ho it is,"

ourse. But information like this..."

k. Then he leaned in just enough t

for loyalty, Matteo? Or do I

of si

ously. "Alright, alright.

eave but paused. Without looking back, he

ving the scent of blood

Estate – A

, Niccolo was waiting for him.

im stood

She was tall, poised, and completely ou

ing confidence, and the way she held herself

ightly. "Luca, mee

ar, but Luca couldn't place

e Niccolo could. "Beca

d a brow.

ny. "Santino Scarpetti thinks he's playing chess." She smirked.

r a moment, intrigu

-she was exactly