The Delgado Deal

MARCO’S POV The meeting room was thick with tension before anyone even spoke. I sat beside Robert at the long table, watching as the Delgado family's head capo, a man named Salvatore with silver streaking through his dark hair and eyes like chips of obsidian, settled into his chair across from them. His men flanked him on either side, their hands resting too close to their weapons. Robert's jaw was already tight with barely concealed irritation. "I was under the impression," Robert said coldly, "that the patriarch would be joining us for such an important discussion." Salvatore smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "My words are the patriarch's words. You have my assurance that anything discussed here will be conveyed directly to him." Robert scoffed, his disgust evident. "Convenient." I could see this spiraling before it even began. I leaned forward, drawing attention away from Robert's bruised ego. "Gentlemen," I said smoothly, "let's focus on the business at hand.” Salvato