Under the City Lights

Chapter 7

POV: Luca

The family penthouse used for events and meetings sits high up at the top floor with views looking out over the city. Most of my father's colleagues are here to celebrate the ever present distraction otherwise known as Maranzano's. The menswear company has been our families business for generations as a ploy to cover up our tracks in criminal organizations. Maranzano's menswear; however, still makes millions in revenue every year which is probably why no one would bother questioning our lifestyle. It just so happens that the other billions made come from our illegal trades.

As I stand before my most trusted capos; also referred to as made men, I never have to question their loyalty to this family. If I ever have to, then my father would dig my grave for me if he knew that I let a traitor slip through the ranks. The two men in front of me, with whom I trust with my life, are Cassian and Milo. My right hand man, Renzo, just left to keep Zara away from Henri. I'd be damned if I let her get involved with any of this, but I have to remind myself that that's not the purpose of this conversation.

I step closer to Henri, "Enjoying yourself? We know how to throw great parties, no?"

"It's quite lavish indeed; however, the most interesting guest just left. Now why's that exactly?" Henri smirks thinking that he has leverage.

"Yes. I know Renzo is the life of the party." I start to say, but then Henri cuts me off.

"We all know I'm not interested in the six foot meathead, Luca."

I stuff my hands into my pockets and nod towards Cassian and Milo. They nudge Henri along behind me as I begin to walk to the elevator doors. People inconspicuously move out of my way. As I wait for the elevator, I turn to Henri still smirking.

Cassian is the first of them to speak, "Only you would be ungrateful, Henri. The Maranzano's are kind enough to invite you into their home. "

Milo grips Henri's shoulder. "Yeah. Quit being a little bitch. You're lucky you got an invite."

When the elevator reaches our floor seconds later, we file in and head up to the rooftop lounge. The pool runs parallel to the awning covered bar. Four square tables sit under the awning along with a row of barstools in front of the black granite countertop. Bottles of expensive liquor, beer and wine line glass shelves that glow from the red neon lights behind the bar. I grab four crystal glasses from under the counter and chuck a few ice cubes into each one. Then I pour Macallan Scotch into all four glasses and hand them off to Cassian and Milo.

Before sitting down at the table I set Henri's glass in front of him. "Cincin." Cheers.

Henri sits with his back to the pool directly across from me. His blonde hair glows atop his head from the pools blue and white lights. Shadows linger across his face. He swishes the golden liquid in his glass before speaking just above a whisper, "Quite a place you got here Luca. Maybe I should make my stay a permanent one. I'd get my own penthouse of course."

I scoff, "Why should you move to New York? On bad terms with your father? That can't be. He'd miss you back in France. Sending you here permanently would require a longer leash."

"Being in my father's good graces were never my forte and if I were to stay it would make our business deals that much easier. I'd be like an ambassador for the Bourgeois and we never like to be kept out of lucrative opportunities especially with friends as prominent as the Maranzano's." Henri's teeth gleam with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes.

Cassian and Milo sit up a little straighter as I slam my fist down on the table. "If you think we are anything close to friends then you're even more of a fool than I thought you were. I find you tolerable at best. I don't know how my father can even consider working with your family after everything you took from ours." My temper is now raging.

The biggest secret in Maranzano's history is also our biggest scandal. It is our greatest weakness. Correction, she is our greatest weakness and my fathers biggest mistake. My mother, Rosana Maranzano. She left my father three years ago for Henri's father, Basile Bourgeois. How can my father work with a man who stole his own wife out from under his feet? I will never come to terms with what she did. The Bourgeois must have something very detrimental on our family otherwise there's no logical reason for my father to allow these snakes into our business deals. I just have to find out what it is and end it, but right now I need to learn why Henri is here. Is he here to remind my father of who he lost or is he here on an agenda? It'd be quite embarrassing for the Maranzano family if it was common knowledge that the boss's wife left him for the Bourgeois mob boss. I'm shocked my dad didn't kill Basile Bourgeois for that, so it must mean that he's worth more alive.

I refill my glass. "Now why is the little French mafia prince in this city for a silly company announcement party? That's the real question. Why come all this way for a party celebrating my families PR stunt?"

Henri doesn't seem bothered at all. He seems cocky like he's about to drop a bomb, which he does. "I'm here to welcome you into my family."

"Henri, what in God's name are you talking about?"

His lips curl into a sneer. "Your whore of a mommy is marrying my father. I came to give you the wedding invitation in person, brother."