Santi's Downfall

Chapter 27: The Invitation

The only free man is the one who can turn down an invitation to dinner without giving an excuse.

Jules Renard

Santi Marchesi's POV

I went to my study room to look at the information Nico gathered about the finances of the Luciano family. I permitted myself to smile thinking about how to best use this information to my advantage. There was no way in hell I would let yesterday's incident slide off after it nearly harmed Haven because they wanted to get even with me.

Do they want to play dirty with me? I would give them hell until they are left with nothing. I want to make an example to other Famiglias that no one can fucked with me. I need to instill fear in them not to touch my family.

I was still reviewing the details carefully making sure that I did not miss anything when my mobile device sounded in my pocket. I frowned at the unknown caller usually I don't answer phone calls coming from an unregistered number but for some reason, I made an exemption today and this might prove a huge mistake I could feel it.

"Marchesi," I informed on the other line.

"Hey, it's me," I shut my eyes and cursed inside my head. I should have known not to answer the damn phone call my instinct was always correct.

"What do you want?" I snapped at the unwanted caller. I sat back on my chair and rubbed my forehead. I knew that he was up for trouble or he wanted to create trouble.

"I'm having an engagement party next week you're invited."

"I'm not interested, Enzo," I answered back rudely. "Thank you very much for inviting me but I don't want to come."

"Why the hell not?"

I rolled my eyes. Why does he not take 'no' for an answer? The last thing I wanted was to be associated with them. "I just don't like to attend. Besides, in case you are not aware I got ambushed yesterday so I will not accept invitations for now."

I heard Enzo Fiorenza curse and sighed on the other line. "Well, truth be told, I don't want to invite you either but my uncle is insisting that I should invite you to my engagement party."

I stood from my chair and walked near the glass window. A frown was marked on my forehead when I saw Haven and Nico chatting merrily in the garden. "Are you inviting me to attend your party or are you insulting me?"

"Both."

"I'm busy," I answered nonchalantly, eyeing the two people having breakfast below while having a good time.

"Tell that to your godfather." He announced brazenly on the other line. "Let's see if you can turn down Cesare Fiorenza."

I groaned inwardly when he reminded me about my association with the Fiorenzas. The patriarch, Cesare Fiorenza is my godfather not everyone knew that information only a few selected people knew my connection to the aristocratic Fiorenza family and I like to keep it that way if this man would stop reminding me.

My eyes narrowed while looking outside. "Are you threatening me using my godfather's name, Vicenzo Fiorenza?"

"Do you want to die? You know very well that I don't like people calling me by my full-given name. Do you want me to send you now to your grave?"

I barked a laugh while taunting him. We didn't like each other because of our different beliefs. He was a righteous soldier fighting for the country's honor while I was on the opposite side. We only tolerated each other when we met on rare occasions. "You can always try but we both know you will not succeed. We both know that I am better than you when it comes to handling guns."