Blood Ties And Forbidden Love

Chapter 9: Sins Of The Past

In the dimly lit warehouse, Antonio Santoro, a seasoned mobster, patiently awaited the arrival of his contact. The air was thick with anticipation as he knew this meeting with Joseph Marshal, a corrupt cop in the pocket of Don Salvatore, marked the beginning of something significant.

Antonio, his face veiled by shadows, broke the silence. "Was starting to think you'd turned tail and run, Joseph," he grumbled, his impatience seeping through his words.

Joseph, clad in a tailored suit that exuded authority, stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Antonio. "Getting around the city ain't easy these days, my friend. The cops are crawling in every nook and cranny," he replied, his voice laced with caution. With a swift motion, he placed a briefcase on the table, containing a substantial amount of cash.

Antonio rose from his seat, his eyes fixed on the briefcase. He reached out to claim it, only to have Joseph deftly slide it out of his reach. A sly smile curled on Joseph's lips. "You see, my friend, you don't get this until you've proven your loyalty to Salvatore," he declared.

Antonio's hands clapped sharply, summoning his loyal men to bring forth another briefcase. "This is what our agreement entails," he declared with a hardened gaze, revealing a case filled with meticulously packaged narcotics, ready to flood the streets.

Joseph, ever the cautious enforcer, meticulously examined the contents, ensuring its legitimacy. "Alright, if Salvatore deems this satisfactory, he'll provide the financing for future endeavours," he remarked, his voice laced with an air of authority. He handed Antonio the promised payment, his eyes fixed on the briefcase, a symbol of power and profit.

As Joseph turned to make his exit, Antonio's voice sliced through the tension-laden air, accompanied by a cloud of cigarette smoke. "Joseph," he called out, his tone a mix of warning and desperation. "Don't you dare betray me on this, my friend. This deal is my lifeline, and you hold my fate in your hands."

Joseph shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk playing on his lips. "If, by some unfortunate turn of events, I end up dead before that time comes, I won't be burdened with such concerns," he retorted cryptically, his allegiance shrouded in uncertainty. With that, he left the warehouse, slipping into his sleek vehicle.

However, as Joseph prepared to drive away, his sharp eyes caught sight of Don Garcia's henchmen emerging from the shadows. The imposing figure of Vargo, the underboss, stepped forward, casting a chilling aura. Joseph's mind quickly calculated the risks and consequences.

Resolute in his decision to uphold honor among thieves, Joseph chose to do the right thing. He shifted gears, accelerating away from the scene, leaving Antonio to face the impending storm on his own. Joseph's hands would remain clean.

Preston POV:

It was my day off, and the scent of my father's infamous Spaghetti with walnut sauce filled the air. He had learned this recipe from my Grandfather, a devoted fan of the notorious Al Capone. Tonight, everything was falling into place.

I ascended the grand staircase, entering the opulent bedroom where my stunning wife lay upon the silk-covered bed. With a gentle touch, I caressed her pregnant belly, a wide grin stretching across my face as I savoured the overwhelming emotions of impending fatherhood, knowing that this new life completed me.

"You always know how to make me melt," River said, her smile reflecting the joy I felt. "He or she can't wait to meet you."

Helping River to her feet, I whispered, "It's time for dinner, my love." Planting a tender kiss on her cheek, I guided her into the lavish kitchen. Placing a plate of the aromatic spaghetti before her, she eagerly indulged, satisfying her hunger with each bite.