Sitting back down, Reaper was the first to speak. “I’m not Italian. So, I don’t know your customs. What I do is speak plainly. So, listen carefully. If you ever speak to her like that again, not only will I give her the knife to cut out your heart, but I will also hold you down myself. Got me, asshole.”
“Gentlemen, please,” Dario said, raising his hand to ease the tension, but Reaper hadn’t moved. He still stared at Carmine, waiting for a response. Only when Carmine nodded did Reaper relax.
“Dario, we came with information in good faith. I implore you to stick with the agreed cease-fire for the next three days. My family only wants to put an end to this war between our two families. I am hoping the information I have will bring us a step closer to that. If you agree, I would like to begin.”
Dario nodded.
Over the next couple of hours, I explained the information I had, and with Reaper’s help, we were able to answer all of Dario’s questions. He was meticulous and insisted on knowing everything, so when he asked how William Doherty was killed, Reaper took the lead. “A bullet to the head.”
“And who pulled the trigger?”
“My father.”
“I see. And where is your father now?”
“Dead. My brother killed him.”
“You have a fascinating family, Mr. Doherty. I must say if I didn’t know any better, your family would fit right in here in Italy.”
“I prefer California.”
“And who is your brother?”
“Bullseye. He’s Layla's brother.”
“So, all three of you are siblings?”
“No. Bullseye and I share the same blood through William. Bullseye and Layla share the same blood through Donna. I claimed Layla.”
“Claimed?”
“She wears my mark. She is mine.”
“I see,” Dario said, then looked at me. “And where do you fit in all of this, Giovanni?”
“Our families have an alliance.”
“And the woman?”
“She is to be my bride.”
And just like that, Dario and Carmine looked at each other. I knew they understood the implication of what I had just said. When the DNA proved that Layla was a Capribella, our families would unite when she married me.
“If she is a true Capribella, there will be significant negotiations regarding a wedding that will take place over the next year. If she is my cousin, I can not allow this union until all provisions are taken care of. You must know this, Giovanni?”
“I do, and though I wish we had time to give you that year, I must insist the wedding takes place within the next month because Angelo and Bianchi have aligned themselves. They are coming for all of us.”
“There is no way to negotiate everything in a month. That’s impossible,” Carmine stated, looking at Dario then me.
Dario held up his hand, halting Carmine from saying anything further. “And where do the Golden Skulls come in?”
Reaper grinned, “I am here to make sure my sister stays alive. One hair gets ruffled, and this country will be flooded with Golden Skulls, looking for blood.”
“You will allow your sister to marry a Valentinetti?” Dario asked.
“Yes. If that’s what she wants.”
“And does she?”