The Don's Young Love (The Don's of Italy Saga Book 2) Age Gap Romance

Episode 7: Don Azeglio

Don Azeglio

I snatched my phone from the table and pressed the buttons to call back the unfamiliar number. After three rings, a gruff voice came through the receiver.

"It's me, Azeglio. Belvedere Morello here." He growled into the line. I made my way over to the conference table, where my son, brother, advisor, and assistant were deep in conversation, Belvedere's voice continued to rumble in my ear. "How did you not know it was me sending you a message?"

"You know I hate when you try to be all mysterious," I shot back at him. "Just call me like a normal person or leave your name in the message."

Belvedere bellowed with laughter on the other end before continuing, "Ah, shit. Okay, okay. Listen, I need you to hold off on dealing with Don Rocco for now. I'm flying out to New York to see you soon. I have some important information to share. See you in a day or so. And gather all five families together for this. Everyone will be eager to hear what I have to say."

I demanded, "Who's the boss here, Belvedere? You seem to have forgotten that you work for me, not the other way around."

"I apologize, Don Azeglio, you're right. I don't mean to be rude, but this situation is extremely serious. Please trust me on this one. I advise that you and your men do not enter without knowing the full extent of what we are dealing with. It would not be wise to go in blindly. I will provide more information when I arrive."

I contemplated his words, rubbing my chin with one hand as I leaned back in my seat. After a long moment, I sighed "Fine. But you better have something good to share or so help me..."

"I understand, Don Azeglio. You won't be disappointed. Don't you worry about a thing? I'll be there soon enough with all the answers you seek." Belvedere hung up the phone, leaving me with nothing but the dial tone buzzing in my ear.

I slammed the phone down on the receiver, causing the four men at the table to look up at me with raised eyebrows. I took a deep breath to regain my composure before addressing them.

"Gentlemen, I apologize for the interruption. It seems we have a change in plans. Our friend Belvedere has some crucial information he wants to share with us. Until then, all actions against Don Rocco are to be put on hold indefinitely until Belvedere gets here."

Whispers of comprehension circulated the table, but their eyes betrayed their curiosity. "Ferrose, I thought you were done dealing with Belvedere after your huge argument?" Giacoma inquired as he took a seat across from me at the table.

"I know what I said, but apparently, he has something important to tell us that concerns all five families. He sounded... different. I can't quite put my finger on it," I mused aloud. "Gabrio, gather the others. We must arrange a meeting with the heads of the five families for tomorrow at 7 pm. This meeting cannot be delayed any longer. I will be going home to rest, but remember we have an appointment at Dr. DiTullio's office in the morning for the installation of the software."

Gabrio nodded and rose from his seat at the table. "Consider it done, Don Azeglio." He then left the room, hurrying off to make the necessary calls to the five families so that we could get this meeting underway.

I lit a cigar and took a long drag, trying to calm my nerves as I contemplated the weighty decisions ahead of us. The tension in the air was thick enough to suffocate a man, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting with Belvedere would change everything. I extinguished my cigar and reached for my cell phone.

I motioned for everyone to prepare to depart. My two bodyguards, Marcello and Antonio, flanked me as we walked towards the front. My brother Giacomo and son Lorenzo walked beside me on either side. My trusted advisor, Elvio, and another bodyguard, Fosco, followed close behind. We all carried guns at all times; it was a matter of family business, and our duty was to protect each other at any cost.