pter 16 apter 16 The next morning , sunlight streamed through the villas windows as Lorenzo and I shared breakfast on the terrace . The fresh pastries and coffee were a welcome distraction from yesterdays events , until a guard burst through the doors . Boss , we have a problem . His face was grim as he approached our table . Lorenzos eyes met mine before he nodded at the guard to continue . The Rossi and Bianchi families have started meeting . Theyre forming alliances with the smaller groups too . A coalition , from what our sources say . Lorenzos fork clattered against his plate . Why now ? His brow furrowed . * Set up a meeting with Rossi . Already working on it , Boss . As the guard left , I grabbed Lorenzos arm . Whats happening ? Nothing for you to worry about , tesoro . Ill handle it . He started to rise , but I tightened my grip . The word came out stronger than I expected . If Im going to be your queen , I need to understand how this world works . Youre not alone anymore . Lorenzo stilled , studying my face with an intensity that made my breath catch . This isnt like dealing with Dominic and Camilla . These families … theyre dangerous in ways you cant imagine . So teach me . I met his gaze steadily . I wont be kept in the dark , treated like some delicate flower who cant handle reality . Ive survived my own . monsters let me help you face yours . A slow smile spread across his face , pride and something darker glinting in his eyes . Very well , tesoro . He pulled me closer , his voice dropping . Let me show you how the game is really played . Lorenzo guided me to the hidden garage where the unassuming Honda waited . Just like before , we slipped into the car while his security detail loaded into their black SUVS . The Rossis are old money , Lorenzo explained as we wound through the streets . Theyve controlled the south side for generations . I watched the city blur past my window . Why meet with them if theyre 95 %% turning against you ? Keep your friends close … His knuckles whitened on the steering wheel . And your enemies where you can see them . The Rossi estate loomed ahead a sprawling Mediterranean villa with manicured gardens and high stone walls . Armed guards patrolled the perimeter , their dark suits unable to hide the weapons underneath . They stepped aside as our small convoy approached . Lorenzos hand found mine as we pulled up to the entrance . Stay close to me . Watch everything , but say nothing . I nodded , following his lead as we stepped out . More guards flanked the heavy wooden doors , their eyes tracking our every move . The interior was all marble and old world opulence . A tall man with silver streaked hair rose from an armchair as we entered the living room . Despite his age , power radiated from his stance . This had to be Antonio Rossi . Constantine . His voice carried both warmth and warning . Its been too Indeed it has , old friend . Lorenzos tone matched his cordial on the surface , ice underneath . Rossis gaze slid to me , calculating . And who is this lovely creature ? My fiancée , Valentina . Lorenzos arm tightened around my waist . Ah yes , I heard youd found someone special . Rossi smiled , but it didnt reach his eyes . Please , sit . We have much to discuss . I perched on the edge of an antique settee , Lorenzos presence solid and reassuring beside me . The tension in the room crackled like static before a storm . So tell me , Antonio , whats really happening with these … meetings ? Lorenzos voice remained casual , but I caught the dangerous edge beneath . Antonio leaned back in his chair , swirling amber liquid in a crystal tumbler . The other families are demanding a coalition . They want to move against you , take down the Constantine empire . And why would they want that ? Lorenzos fingers traced idle patterns on my knee . Everything has its time , Constantine . Antonios smile turned predatory . Cha 11.55 Sun , 2 Mar 95 % The others think its time for you to step down . I must admit , the idea has merit . My heart hammered against my ribs , but Lorenzos only response was a low chuckle . He rose smoothly to his feet , extending his hand to Antonio . Good luck with that . His smirk held enough confidence to freeze hell itself . Ill enjoy watching you try , He helped me up , his touch gentle despite the steel in his voice . We turned toward the door , Lorenzos hand at the small of my back . Youre making a mistake , Constantine , Antonio called after us . Lorenzo didnt even break stride . Well see whos mistaken soon enough . Antonios laughter echoed through the room , stopping us in our tracks . The sound held genuine amusement rather than malice . I must say , Constantine , youve impressed me . Such a young man , yet youve had the entire underworld eating from your palm these past years . Lorenzo turned , his stance relaxed but alert . Youre getting to something . Antonio set down his tumbler . For that alone , Ill share something interesting . The other families didnt initiate these meetings . A couple approached them first wealthy , ambitious types trying to curry favor . He tapped his chin . Now what were their names … My blood ran cold . Surely it couldnt be- Ah yes ! Antonios eyes lit up . Dominic and Camilla . Ricci and DeLuca , I believe . The room spun . I gripped Lorenzos arm to steady myself , my knees threatening to buckle . Lorenzos muscles tensed under my fingers . You know them ? Antonios gaze flickered between us , noting my reaction . Lorenzos hand found the small of my back , steadying me . Were … acquainted . Interesting . Antonio leaned forward . They seemed quite determined to see your downfall . Made quite compelling arguments too , though I suspect their motives are more personal than business . I fought to keep my breathing steady , but memories of Dominics cruelty and Camillas manipulations flooded back . Theyd found a way to hurt me again , this time by targeting Lorenzo . Chapter 16 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!