The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 23

STEFANO

It's late at night when I get an urgent call from my brother, summoning me to one of our clubs in Sicily. I've only been back on the island for a few days, my focus consumed by the hunt for Petrova. Her sudden flight when I tried to confront her confirmed my worst suspicions - the Kazan gang is behind the recent string of attacks on our operations. The realization sends a chill down my spine. I fucking wiped them out. They weren't supposed to exist anymore. But the intel I've gathered over the past week paints an unsettling picture: Petrova has rebuilt the gang from the ashes, stronger and more ruthless than ever.

I climb out of bed to get dressed, my movements sharp with barely contained fury. As I yank on my clothes, I pull out my phone to bark orders at Samuel to get the car ready. The mere mention of his name sends a fresh wave of anger crashing over me as I remember how Andrea's so-called friend Ivan helped her give Samuel the slip.

That rat bastard. I already despised the guy, but now, knowing he's the one who enabled Andrea to end up in that godforsaken neighborhood? My hatred for him ratchets up tenfold, burning white-hot in my veins.

The memory of our argument that night floods back, unbidden. I can still see Andrea's retreating form, disappearing into her room without so much as a backward glance. The anger that had coursed through me then resurfaces, hot and potent as molten lava. How dare she walk away like that? After putting herself in such danger without a word of explanation?

I rake a hand through my hair, my jaw clenching so tight it aches. What the fuck did she mean by saying I wouldn't look at her the same? As if anything could change the fact that she's the most beautiful woman in the world to me, the one who makes my stone heart tremble.

But then I remember her tear-filled eyes and my anger falters. I've only seen her that vulnerable once before - during that panic attack in the elevator. The connection between these moments nags at me, refusing to let go. It's why I've had my men do a background check on Andrea, focusing on the last five years. I said I'd wait for her to explain things to me but I can't anymore with her ending up in places where her life is at risk. I've even assigned someone to keep tabs on her while she's back home.

There's something lurking in her past, something that happened during those years she avoided Italy. The mystery of it gnaws at me, fueling my determination. I'll get to the bottom of it one way or another. Whatever secrets Andrea's hiding, I will uncover them. Even if I have to burn down the whole bloody world to find out.

***

I step out of the car as it pulls up to our club, the neon lights casting an eerie glow on the rain-slicked streets. With a sense of foreboding, I make my way down to the basement where Thomas said he'd be waiting. The air grows thick with the stench of blood and sweat as I descend the concrete steps.

The scene that greets me is straight out of some people's nightmares, but it's my everyday life. Thomas stands before a man who looks barely alive, his face a grotesque mask of bruises and lacerations. It's a miracle he's still breathing.

"So what's up?" I ask, standing beside Thomas.

Thomas's eyes glint with a cold fury. "You know how we doubted if the Kazan gang was back, even though every sign pointed to it?" He doesn't wait for my response, grabbing a fistful of the man's hair and wrenching his head back. The man lets out a pitiful whimper. "Look no further," Thomas snarls.

I stare at the broken man. "Why?"

"Because I caught this bastard trying to blow up our club," Thomas spits, each word dripping with venom. "If we hadn't caught him, you'd be standing in ashes right now."

The revelation returns that fury to my bones. "Fucking bastards!" I turn to my brother, my mind already racing ahead. "Once you're done burning him alive, meet me in my office so we can discuss."