“Don’t worry about Dima,” he scolds. “He is fine and yes, that is where Leon has been. We discovered some ties between your grandfather and the Portland Cosa Nostra. Leon thinks he can gain some insight and maybe even an alliance, but he’s having a hard time of it.”
“Why?”
“His father is only willing to help if he gains from it.”
“What does he want?”
“An alliance.”
“With us?” I ask. “I have no problem with that.”
“A marriage alliance.”
Nope. Nada. Isn’t happening.
“I’m taken.”
“You’re widowed.”
“And not into a man who came out of the womb wearing a suit.”
“Could be worse.” Vas shrugs with a smile. “Augustu could have wanted you to marry him instead.”
I think I just throw up in my mouth a little.
“I’ll pass.”
Vas chuckles.
“It’s okay.” He shrugs playfully. “You were never on the table anyway.”
I blow out my lips. “Whatever,” I huff. “I’m a great catch. Tell him about how many crazy psycho’s I have after me. He’ll change his mind about me not being a hot commodity.”
“I thought you said you’d pass?”
“Well, I mean, yeah.” I shrug. “But I don’t like not being considered. That’s just rude.”
“Okay.” He draws the word out, sarcasm leaking from every syllable. “I’ll write him a formal rejection letter for you.”
“Much obliged.” I grin up at him forgetting that there are other people watching our banter.
“It is good to see you two work well together.” Sully smirks. “There were many of us who wondered how it would affect the pyramid of power having a woman as a Bratva leader.”
“Women can lead just as well as men,” I point out. “Even better if you pay attention to the history books.”
“Hey now.” Sully holds up his hands. “That wasn’t what I was saying. Just that you are the first female to hold the title ofPakhanin Bratva history. Not surprising though. Your mother was set to inherit the Boston Irish from her father. Leadership runs in your blood.”
Now I am confused.
“I thought she was going to be here with you?” I turn to my father. “Weren’t you set to inherit the Seattle Irish?”
“There was no Seattle Irish, Ava,” he says. “My father and I built it up after your mother disappeared.”
“But you said you inherited it from your father.”
“I did.” He stares at me. “Your grandfather, my father, was Seamus’s top lieutenant. I begged Seamus to bring me men, but he wouldn’t have any of it. In hindsight, I should have read more into that. Seamus loved your mother. Doted on her. So did your grandmother. But I was drowning in pain and sorrow.”
“And booze,” O’Malley mutters. There is a story there I will get my father to tell me later.