THE MAFIA KING BROKEN ROSE novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Nico’s POV

Midnight at the docks was as cold and unforgiving as the city itself. The water slapped gently against the rusted metal beneath my feet, and the salt–laden breeze carried whispers of past betrayals and future bloodshed,

Mikael Petrov waited under a dim streetlamp, a cigarette dangling carelessly from his lips, smoke curling lazily into the night sky. Beside him, a small table held two plates of grilled fish, a bottle of vodka and a thin folder that practically screamed of secrets and sins.

“Nico,” Mikael greeted smoothly, eyes sharp despite his relaxed posture. “Glad you could make it.”

I stepped forward cautiously, glancing around to ensure we were truly alone. “Surprised you came without guards.” He chuckled dryly, gesturing to the chair across from him. “Privacy is a luxury. Especially for men like us. Sit. Eat. Drink.”

I hesitated briefly, then took a seat, ignoring the ache in my ribs from Dominic’s earlier beating. Mikael watched me closely, his dark eyes assessing, measuring every subtle movement.

“You took quite the risk,” he observed calmly, pouring vodka into two crystal glasses. “Dominic isn’t known for his forgiveness.”

“I noticed,” I muttered bitterly, lifting my glass and drinking deeply, welcoming the fiery burn. “But I’m tired of living in his shadow.”

Mikael’s lips curved slowly into a knowing smile. “Ah, yes–the shadow. Dominic casts a long one, doesn’t he? It’s suffocating, watching from below as he claims everything.”

My jaw clenched instinctively, but I said nothing.

Mikael leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering conspiratorially. “We have similar problems, Nico. Dominic has what we want, and he’s reckless enough to lose it all. It’s only a matter of time.”

I studied him carefully, suspicion tugging at the edges of my mind. “And what exactly do you propose?”

He smiled, sliding the thin folder across the table. “A partnership.”

I flipped it open slowly, skimming the pages. My pulse quickened at the words neatly typed in bold black ink: CONTRACT OF ALLIANCE

Mutual Cooperation in the dismantling of Dominic De Luca’s power base. Nico Renaldi to provide intelligence on Dominic’s operations, weaknesses, and movements.

Mikael Petrov to supply financial backing, protection, and manpower for the overthrow of Dominic’s empire.

Upon success, Nico Renaldi to assume control of Dominic’s territory in the south, with exclusive rights to operate independently, free from interference.

Mikael Petrov retains control of northern territory and will extend ongoing support to Nico Renaldi’s operation for one year following Dominic’s removal. Nico Renaldi guarantees loyalty to Mikael Petrov during the operation, sévering all allegiance to Dominic De Luca.

My eyes narrowed as I finished reading, meeting Mikael’s cool gaze/across the table. “Generous terms. Almost too generous.”

Mikael shrugged casually, taking another drag from his cigarette. “Dominic’s fall is my main concern. You’re valuable, Nico. Smart. Ambitious. I reward ambition well.”

I glanced down again, hesitating despite the seductive promise of freedom and power. “Why trust me?”

Mikael’s eyes glinted knowingly. “Because I know Dominic. I know what he does to those who challenge him. The moment you walked away from him tonight, you became disposable. You know it too.”

I clenched my jaw, bitterness rising sharply. “He treats everyone like property.”

“Exactly,” Mikael murmured softly. “Dominic’s obsession makes him blind. He’ll never see this coming.”

Still, I hesitated, suspicion lingering. “And if we succeed–what guarantees do I have that you won’t‘ would?”

y me like Dominic

Mikael chuckled softly, leaning back comfortably. “There’s no love lost between us, Nico. But my goals are simpler. Dominic has been a thorn in my side for too long. Removing him benefits bs both After that, your independence suits me perfectly. We’ll be allies–two kings ruling separate kingcol

Successfully unlocked!

I nodded slowly, weighing his words carefully. “Dominic’s dangerous. This isn’t a simple coup.”

Mikael smirked, pouring another round of vodka. “Nothing worth having is easy.”

I lifted the glass thoughtfully, draining it once more before setting it firmly down. Ambition burned hotly inside me, a fire

1/2

Chapter 86

fueled by years of resentment, jealousy, and desire for something Dominic had always kept beyond my reach.

“Fine,” I said decisively. “But I have one more condition.”

Mikael arched an eyebrow curiously, intrigued. “Name it.”

I took a deep breath, meeting his eyes steadily. “Aria.”

He studied me intently, surprise flickering briefly in his gaze before being replaced with amusement. “The girl? Dominic’s obsession?”

I nodded firmly. “I want her.”

Mikael chuckled softly, considering for a moment before shrugging dismissively. “All yours. Frankly, Nico, you’re welcome to Dominic’s leftovers. I never understood his fascination.“,

I bristled at the insult, but bit back my reaction. Aria was more than a pawn–more than Dominic’s possession. She deserved someone who wouldn’t crush her beneath obsession and fear.

“She’s more than you think,” I replied stiffly.

Mikael waved off my tension with a careless gesture. “It doesn’t matter to me. Take the girl if she pleases you. Dominic’s empire is what interests me.”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify