Chapter 2 " After dinner , we should celebrate properly . " Primo's fingers traced my arm . " That new club downtown , just you and me . " " Perfect . " I pressed closer , ignoring how my skin crawled . " I'd love that . " We walked to the dining room where both families waited . My father sat at one end of the long mahogany table , Primo's father at the other . The crystal chandelier cast shadows across their faces . " There's our happy couple . " My father gestured to the empty seats . I slid into my chair , Primo's hand on the small of my back . The butler poured wine as appetizers appeared . The security system chimed again . " Sorry I'm late ! " Yesha breezed in , all innocent smiles . " Traffic was awful . " 80 % 19:00 1/7 Chapter 2 " We saved you a seat . " Primo's father waved her over . She settled across from us , smoothing her red dress . The same one she'd worn in his office earlier . " I wouldn't miss this for the world . Such a special occasion . " " Indeed . " I lifted my wine glass . " To new … partnerships . " " You seem quiet tonight , dear . " Yesha tilted her head . " Wedding jitters ? " " Not at all . Just tired from handling some business earlier . " I met her gaze . " You know how messy things can get . " " Oh , I'm sure you handled it beautifully . " She reached for the bread basket . " You always do . " " Speaking of business , " Primo's father cut in , " how are the dock operations ? " " Fully under control now . " I smiled , thinking of the basement . " We dealt with that small issue today . " 80 % 19:00 217 Chapter 2 Primo squeezed my knee under the table . " That's my girl . Always so … efficient . " " We make quite the team , don't we ? " I covered his hand with mine , nails digging into his skin . The small talk and pleasantries continued through the first course until Primo's father cleared his throat . " I believe it's time we discuss the real reason for tonight's gathering . " My father dabbed his mouth with his napkin . " Indeed . The merger agreement is ready . " " Perfect timing . " Yesha clasped her hands together . " This union will be legendary ." Primo's father leaned forward , his silver cufflinks catching the light . " Once our families join , we'll be untouchable . The most powerful organization on the East Coast . Even the Ghost won't dare cross us . " " The Ghost ?" I set down my fork . " Does anyone actually know who he is ? " 10 % 19:00 3/7 Chapter 2 A heavy silence fell over the table . My father shook his head . " No one knows his true identity . Many doubt he even exists . " " Oh , he exists alright . " Primo's father's voice dropped . " Controls half the world's black market . Art , weapons , information , anything valuable moves through his network . But no one's ever seen his face . " " Not even a photo ? " I asked . " Nothing . Some say he's just a myth created by different crime lords working together . Others swear he's one man who's built the largest criminal empire in history . Either way , his influence is … substantial . " " And growing , " my father added . " Every year , more territory falls under his control . Clean operations too , no bodies , no evidence . Just businesses and politicians suddenly changing hands . " " Fascinating . " I traced the rim of my wine glass . " How does someone become that powerful while staying completely 80 % 19:00 4/7 Chapter 2 hidden ? " " That's what makes him dangerous , " Primo cut in . " But after tonight , we won't have to worry about him or anyone else . Our families together , we'll be unstoppable . " I smiled and raised my glass . " To family . " I sipped my wine , watching the pieces fall into place . The merger documents sat signed on the table , phase one complete . Primo thought he was so clever , playing both sides . Let him think I was blind to his games with Yesha . The real power play would come right before the wedding , when the final contracts would be sealed . The butler cleared the last plates as Primo's father stood , adjusting his Italian silk tie . " A momentous evening . We'll see you all next week to continue preparations . " Handshakes and air kisses followed as the families said their goodbyes . My father retreated to his study , leaving just the three of us in the formal dining room . 80 % 19:01 5/7 Chapter 2 " Ready for that club ? " Primo's hand found my waist . His cologne couldn't quite mask Yesha's perfume still clinging to his shirt . " Of course . " I leaned into him , playing my part . " Just let me grab my clutch . " " Oh , that new place downtown ? " Yesha perked up , her red dress catching the light . " I've been dying to check it out . Mind if I tag along ? " I caught the quick glance between them . Of course she wanted to come , couldn't let Primo out of her sight for one evening . " The more the merrier ! " I forced brightness into my voice . " We can celebrate properly , all of us together . " " Perfect ! " Yesha clapped her hands . " Just give me a minute to powder my nose . " I watched her sashay toward the powder room , hips swaying . Primo's eyes followed her until she disappeared around the corner . * 80 % 19:01 6/7 Chapter 2 " This will be fun , " I said , squeezing his arm . " Like old times . " He smiled down at me , probably thinking he had us both exactly where he wanted us . Poor , predictable Primo . He had no idea what was really coming , but neither did I.