Chapter One

 

Dominic

 

 

“You sure this is a good idea?” Marco asked.

Looking around at what used to be my father’s casino, I couldn’t help but smile over at my uncle. I never cared much about the casino. I had the place gutted, and emptied of every trace of my father’s corrupt mafia legacy. He’d murdered many innocent people over his reign before he killed himself. He did a lot of shit I was not cool with. The man I thought I knew for all my life wasn’t who he really was. If I’d have known the truth maybe things would be different.

“This is the best idea I’ve ever had,” I said, answering my uncle’s question. “It’s what I’ve wanted to do for a long time. No one’s going to take what’s mine.”

The hotel above our underground empire in New York belonged to me and my sister now, but it wasn’t the hotel that made the Corsino name powerful. It was what we did in the dark that made us who we were. I thought I could keep the power by doing things the right way, but that time was over. Everyone expected me to back down after my father died, to let the other families assume the upper hand. The Cartwrights were the first to try and stake their claim.

Fuck that. The time had come for me to make a choice … and I did. For years, I was the one who met with the other families to discuss business. The Corsinos were the wealthiest of them all and my father wanted it to stay that way. Our hotel brought in more income than the other families combined. I was easier to get along with than my father, and unfortunately, that didn’t work to my advantage. In my world, being nice was seen as weak, but I didn’t get off by bringing others down. It was time to show everyone that I wasn’t my father. I was stronger.

The casino had been transformed into an arena called ‘the pit’. In the middle of the room where slot machines used to be was now an octagon fighting ring with a couple hundred chairs all around for the spectators. The casino was a way to swindle money from selfish bastards who liked to piss their earnings away. That wasn’t what I was about. I loved the fight, and what I needed more right now was fear. Fear from the other families. With my father gone, all they saw was opportunity. It was time they knew what I was capable of.

Marco placed a hand on my shoulder. “It’s a good plan, son, but there’s only one problem.”

With a heavy sigh, I turned to my uncle. He was my father’s brother, but they looked nothing alike, except for the Corsino eyes. They were gray, just like mine. Marco towered over me with his six-foot four frame and linebacker build. In his youth, he was on his way to play pro football, but gave it up to be second in command to my father. But even as that he was just as shocked as all of us to learn of my father’s human trafficking business. He could’ve gotten out of this life after my father’s death, but he chose to follow me.

“I know,” I replied, turning my attention to the ring. “We need more blood.” More numbers to our ranks. Not only did we lose my father, but my uncles James and Roger went down as well. They were in prison after the FBI found out they were involved in a bombing that killed one of our rival families, and a lot of innocent people in the process. My father was involved in a lot of shady shit I didn’t know about until it was too late.

This is mine now, my families. I’m going to keep our business as much on the up and up as I can. The families divide the city, we all have successful businesses and for the most part keep to our own, kind of an unwritten rule right now. There’s only one family that has the old school mentality and wants to fuck with us. Let ‘em try, they’ll find out we don’t fuck around.

The door across the room opened and Marco’s son, Luca, walked in, followed by Isaiah who used to be my father’s bodyguard. Luca was twenty-six-years old and could easily pass for my brother with his brown hair and gray eyes. He looked around the room with a sly grin. “Nice work, Dom. This place is gonna be packed when we open for business.” He climbed up into the ring, and draped his suit jacket across the ropes. “Speaking of business, I found us a couple of fighters.”

That was what I wanted to hear. “Oh yeah,” I called out. “They any good?”

Luca chuckled. “The best I’ve seen. Isaiah and I found them in Vegas. They’ll be here tomorrow to get your approval.”

Marco beamed. “Good job, son. I knew I could count on you.”

I climbed up into the ring with Luca. “You say they’re good, but do they know what we are and what they’ll be doing?”

Expression serious, Luca nodded. “They do. They’re willing to do whatever you want, especially with the price we’re offering. Plus, we need them.”

That was for damn sure. I needed more men in my circle, but what I really needed were men I could trust. A couple of fighters I didn’t fucking know wouldn’t cut it. At least, until they could prove their worth. Yeah, it’d be great to add them to my ranks, but it wasn’t enough.

To hold our stake in the city we needed to prove our worth. With my mom and sister now living out west it was my job to keep up with everything. After pop’s death they’ve asked to be hands off, something I totally understand. Though while I build our strength, hold our presence amongst the mafia world, I’m going to try to realign the values of the businesses the best I can. The old regime’s ways aren’t working the same as they did just a few years ago.

Marco walked up the steps to the ring, and rested his elbows on the ropes. “You have me, Luca, and Isaiah. Your cousins Cayden and Ace said they’d help, but they don’t really want to get involved. I’d leave them out of it if you can. That’s not a lot of Corsinos in your corner. We …”

I held up a hand. “I know, we need more.”

Marco cleared his throat. “There’s someone who can possibly help us, but it’s up to you to make the call.”

I’d put off that phone call for as long as I could. Yes, there was someone who could help us, but there was a problem, he was married to my sister and he was an FBI agent who belonged to a group called the Circle of Justice. Basically, he was an assassin; the kind of man I needed by my side. They’d moved to Wyoming to get away from the mafia world, but I hoped I could get them back to the city. Unfortunately, Bryce would never do anything to betray Layla’s trust. I promised her I’d do things right and not turn out like our father. Bryce’s loyalty to his family was what I banked on, and now that he was a part of mine, I had to believe he’d hold that loyalty to us as well. He’d never let us fall … or would he? I was about to find out. Huffing, I pulled out my phone, and waited for him to answer my call.

“Dominic,” he said, his tone sounding curious. “How are you?”

I blew out a sigh. “Could be better. I’m hoping you can help me with something.”

“Everything okay?” he asked.

“Is Layla around you?” I countered.

“Not at the moment. We’re actually in New York. Layla was going to surprise you. She just got out of the car to go into the courthouse. When she’s done, she wanted to come see you.”

Layla and I only had a two year difference in age, and being the eldest I was always her protector. Even when we were little kids, I watched out for her. Whether it was at school or on the playground, no one messed with her. We were inseparable. Last year she met Bryce who also happened to be an undercover FBI agent and assassin whose mission was to kill my father. She didn’t know at the time that she’d fallen for the enemy. He’d duped us all, but in the end, he was a good guy. When we all realized what my dad had gotten himself into with trafficking the drugs and the rest of it…let’s just say, we were thankful the law won out. Bryce treated my sister well and that was all I could ask for.

“Courthouse? For what?” I asked. Why the hell would she take a case in the city and not tell me…

Bryce huffed, “I guess Layla didn’t tell you. Faith’s cocksucker of a husband cheated on her. They have a meeting with him and his lawyer today to get the divorce expedited.”

A spike of anger clenched in my gut. Faith had always been untouchable to me, but it never stopped me from thinking about her in ways I shouldn’t. I’ve known her since sis met her in college and may have fallen in love with her then. Layla never wanted a part of our world, and I respected that. That was why I stayed away from her best friend. It was too dangerous for anyone, especially someone like Faith born and raised in a small southern town. But I couldn’t deny the satisfaction I felt knowing she was done with her bastard of a husband.

“I didn’t know that,” I replied, trying not to sound too interested. “But I’m glad you’re in town. Think you could stop by the hotel?”

“Be right there.”

I turned to Isaiah, and nodded toward the door. “Isaiah will meet you in the lobby.” We hung up, and I turned my attention to Luca and Marco. “He’s on his way. I never would’ve thought I’d be turning to the FBI for help.”

Marco shrugged. “FBI or not, he’s a dangerous man. He’s our family now and we need his help.”

I just prayed to fucking God he saw it that way.

 

***

 

Marco and Luca left so I could talk to Bryce alone. While I waited, I poured myself a glass of whiskey from the bar, the amber liquid smooth as it slid down my throat. I had a feeling I was going to need a hell of a lot more than just one drink once Bryce showed up.

I poured another shot just as the door opened from across the room. Glancing over my shoulder, I watched Isaiah walk in first with Bryce right behind him. The second he walked in and saw the fighting ring, his face hardened. He glared over at me and shook his head.

“Seriously? This is what you’ve been up to?”

I tossed back the whiskey and started toward him. “It’s not as bad as you think. It’s not going to be a sleezy scam pit like our dads.”

Bryce walked over to the ring, and snorted as he looked up at it. “Could’ve fooled me. What kind of fights are you organizing?”

I joined him by the ring. “Fully sanctioned ones with five, five-minute rounds. No one’s going to die in my ring.”

His lips pursed. “Sure about that?”

“I promise,” I said, hoping he could see the truth in my eyes. “I told Layla I wouldn’t do anything stupid, and I’m not. The casino had to go. The reputation of that place, tainted by my father’s followers is not something I wanted to deal with. Besides, fighting is what I’m good at; it’s what I know. I’m the one who taught Layla how to fight. It might not be totally legal all of the time, but this needed to be done.”

Narrowing his gaze, Bryce studied me. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

Blowing out a heavy sigh, I stared right at him. “It’s been a clusterfuck here after losing my dad and both my uncles. I didn’t want you and Layla to know because I didn’t want to worry her.”

Understanding flashed across his face. “The other families are trying to take over, aren’t they?”

I nodded. “With three of the Corsinos powerhouses gone, they see us as weak. There are only five of us left, including myself. I need the others to fear me like they did my dad. This place can help me gain that reputation.”

“How?” Bryce asked. “Are you actually going to be the one fighting?”

“If I have to, I will.” I was pretty damn good in the ring. I’d been training for years, even had a coach who was a Heavyweight UFC champion at one point. I was tempted to call him again. “Luckily,” I continued, “I have a couple of guys coming in from Vegas. They’ll be fighting for me, and hopefully, joining my ranks. I need more numbers.”

Sighing, Bryce rubbed a hand over his face, and sat down in one of the spectator seats. “Holy fuck. I don’t know what to say.” He huffed, and looked up at me. “Layla’s not going to like it, but I understand why you’re doing it. I just wish you’d forget this shit and leave it all behind. Your father had a target on his back his entire life, and because you’re his son, you do too. I don’t want you ending up in a ditch somewhere.”

“I’m not,” I growled. “I’m stronger than my father. With you by my side, the Corsinos will be unstoppable. You kill people for a living for fuck’s sake. The families need to see you around again, to know that I have your support.”

Bryce stood and shook his head. “I would if I could, but there’s something you should know.”

“What?”

A small smile spread across his face. “Layla’s pregnant. She was going to tell you tonight, but I think it’s best you know now.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “I want to help you, brother, but my loyalties are with Layla and our baby. I have to keep them safe at all costs. Being back here will put them at risk.”

I would never jeopardize my sister’s safety. She’d grown up with a target on her back as well. There were things she didn’t know, things my father and I did to keep her safe. I’d killed for her, and she didn’t even know it.

Pop’s business was old time mafia, they tightened the screws on longtime business owners raking in the cash. Now business is online, fewer store fronts and things are getting a little tougher. Many of the families now dabble in multiple ‘businesses’, like the Cartwrights are big in real estate. The Kazakovs ‘manage’ sports events. We all have our own gigs, our location is a respected section of the city that I need to keep charge of, and unfortunately, I’ve got the Cartwrights sniffing up my ass.

“I understand,” I said, squeezing his shoulder. “I’m really happy for you both. Truly. But I need your help. It kills me to admit that.”

Bryce sighed and averted his gaze to the ring. “You need more numbers, right?”

He turned back to me and I nodded. “Yes.”

“The fighters you have coming in won’t be enough. Who’s to say they’ll be loyal. They could easily turn to the Cartwrights, the Rossis or any of the other families.”

“That’s what I fear,” I admitted. If any of them betrayed me, I’d make sure they paid for it. I wasn’t about to tell him that, even though I promised my sister I wouldn’t resolve things with violence. Unfortunately, it was the way the world worked. I couldn’t change that and neither could she.

Bryce pulled out his phone, and started to type away, but then stopped and looked at me, his gaze narrowed. “There’s only one way I’m going to help you, Dominic.”

I already knew I wasn’t going to like the words that were about to come out of his mouth. “What?”

Eyes dark, he stepped toward me. “I’ll get you more men, but only for a few weeks. I’m not letting my guys get trapped here. If they want to stay longer, that’s on them, but I highly suggest you do what you gotta do and then get out. If things get out of hand, I’ll take everyone down myself.”

And there it was, the one thing that was going to be a problem. Bryce may be a vigilante killer, but he was on the good side of the law. He’d take me down, I had no doubt. “Fine,” I gave in, hoping he couldn’t see the lie behind my eyes. “Once I’m done doing what’s necessary, I’ll leave New York.”

His gaze narrowed harder. “Seriously? You’d leave all of this behind?”

“Get me my men and I will.” Right now, I had no choice but to lie. I needed his help. It’d also get my sister off my back if she were to find out.

Bryce pulled out his phone and typed away. “You may be my brother-in-law, but you’re going to owe me big time for this.” He finished up his texts, and slipped his phone back inside the pocket of his suit.

“Who did you text?” I asked.

He stepped toward me, his expression serious. “Having people in your inner circle you can trust isn’t easy to come by. I texted my brother, Reed, – and a colleague of mine, Micah Perry – to come out here and help you, if they’re willing. They both know everything about your family.”

I’d met Reed before when I visited Bryce and Layla in Wyoming, and I knew he was an assassin just like Bryce. It took a certain kind of mentality to do that for a living, a mindset that I needed. I’d also heard Layla talk about Micah, but I didn’t know much about him. Unfortunately, there was only one problem. “They’re both FBI agents,” I stated blandly. Bryce working with the FBI was one thing, but bringing in men who had no clue how my family worked would be a clusterfuck. Not to mention, they probably had morals. They wouldn’t be able to do what I needed them to do.

Bryce shrugged. “And?”

I looked at him like he’d lost his damn mind. “They work for the government. What if they don’t like the way I run things around here? I need guys who don’t mind breaking the rules.”

A small smirk spread across his face and he snorted. “Nothing to worry about. Reed could use an adventure, and Micah’s a good one to have around. He’s not your conventional agent.” There weren’t many men I trusted, but I did trust Bryce. He held out his hand. “Trust me, they’ll be perfect for the job. You have nothing to worry about.”

I shook his hand. “I’m trusting you. If this works, I’m really going to owe you.”

He squeezed my hand. “Just don’t get my brother killed.”

“I promise. He’s your family which means he’s part of mine too. But first, we have to see if Reed and Micah agree to come.”

Bryce nodded. “Hopefully, I’ll hear something back soon and give you an answer tonight. There may be someone else I can call as well, but I’ll let you know.”

Relief washed over me, but it was too soon to celebrate. He turned on his heel and headed for the door. “Layla and I will come by once she’s done at the courthouse.” Stopping at the door, he glanced over his shoulder at me. “Oh, and when Layla tells you she’s pregnant, try to act surprised. She’ll kill me if she finds out I told you first.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Got it. I’d hate to see her kick your ass. She has a powerful punch. I’ve been on the receiving end of that a few times when I trained her.”

Bryce chuckled. “Don’t I know it.”

He walked out the door, and I looked around the room. In a couple of weeks, it’d be full of people, and I’d show the families in my city that I was a force to be reckoned with. No one was going to take my city away from me.