"It’s not that much of a secret, but it’s also not something he talks about too much."
"So, he controls the media in this part of the world. No wonder he’s interested in Trinity."
"What does that mean?" Massimo frowns.
"Technology and media overlap so much, they’re practically the same side of a coin now," I explain.
"This must be of particular interest to you." Axel leans forward in his seat.
"Is it now?" Michael glances between us. "Care to enlighten us?"
My shoulders tense and I force my muscles to relax.
Axel seems taken aback. I know he’s alluding to a conversation the two of us had a while ago; somehow, I hadn’t thought he’d remember that particular piece of information. But then, he’s an ex-cop, something I hadn’t known then. Even if I had, I doubt it would’ve stopped me from sharing with him. The fact that he hasn’t grown up with us, but is yet linked to me by blood, makes it particularly easy for me to trust him. And it’s clear he doesn’t forget details, either.
"It was a passing remark." I tilt my head. "I mentioned to Axel that my ultimate goal is power, and what better way to grow your influence than by owning a media company?"
"Is that what you want, to control media?" Michael narrows his gaze on me.
"It was a thought," I say slowly.
"Sounded more like an ambition when we spoke, ol’ chap," Axel drawls.
I scowl. "I’m beginning to think you raised that particular point on purpose." I stab my finger at him.
"Anything to help you fulfill your dreams and all that." He smirks.
I glower at him. His grin widens.
"As thisstronzohere has taken such pains to point out, media is something that attracts me. Especially the confluence of media and technology, which I believe is a game changer. Something that will permeate our everyday lives in a big way, given how much social media already plays a big role in influencing opinion."
Michael strokes his chin. "You really are excited about doing something with this, eh?"
"Considering JJ Kane is in the media space, and given Trinity Enterprises is to do with cryptocurrency, there’s a sweet spot here I can take advantage of, yes," I reply.
Silence descends upon the table. I glance about the space to find all of them looking at me.
"What?" I scowl.
"The only other time I’ve seen you this excited is when you spoke about marrying Elsa," Massimo drawls.
I sense Elsa stiffen next to me. She’s so close, and yet, not close enough. Giving in to the temptation, I reach for her hand and weave my fingers through hers.
"I do believe you have the perfect opportunity here to do something about your dream," Michael says slowly.
"Are you giving me your blessing?" I train my gaze on Michael.
Elsa tries to pull away, but I tighten my grip on her. The softness of her skin against mine, the brush of my jacket against the skin of her arm, the shuffle of her feet, the brush of her hair over her shoulder... All of it crowds in on me. My every sense is focused on her, even as I once more try to pay attention to the conversation at hand.
"Do you want my blessing?" Michael steeples his fingertips together on the table. Our gazes clash. The silence stretches for a beat, another. Neither of us backs down.
Michael may be my half-brother, but I've never considered him anything less than a brother. We were raised as brothers, and that’s the way we all feel about one another. I never wanted the designation of Capo when he took over the position of Don. While I don’t hate the Mafia lifestyle, I’m not as enamored by it as Luca is. And unlike Massimo, I've always been sure that, at some point, I’ll strike out on my own. Oh, I’ve been part of theCosa Nostralong enough to know that I’ll never be able to leave it behind, but I’m sure I can carve out a life separate from it, while still remaining connected to my brothers in some form. I just never thought my opportunity would come this quickly.
"I want this," I finally say. "The situation holds many possibilities."
"It does." Michael flattens his palms on the table. "You are also my Capo, my second in command."
"And I’m grateful you chose me for that position, but you and I both know there’s one person at this table who is better suited to that opportunity."