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I'm laughing again. Her happiness is infectious.
I place my handful of cards down at the table next to hers. "I don't know why I keep losing at this game. You're too good."
"You wanna play again?" She asks, picking up the cards to shuffle them in her tiny hands.
"I can't Elle. I have to go to the casino for a bit. I have things to do today. But we can play tomorrow. I need the practice if I want to beat you one day."
"Alright." She sighs, pouting out her bottom lip. "You promise we can play tomorrow?"
"I promise. And maybe you should consider letting me win once or twice."
"You'll never learn if I let you win." She huffs, throwing her hands in the air.
"Fine, but you have to teach me your secrets."
"I'll try, but it's not my fault if you just suck at this game. Maybe we should play something easier." The mischief in her eyes makes me laugh even louder.
She has so many gestures that are just like her mother.
She's free-spirited and full of laughter. She's cheeky and feisty. I really like her.
She reminds me of her mother when we first met. Playful and fun.
I stand up, and without thinking about it I lean down and kiss Elle on the forehead. "See you later, kiddo," I say, then leave, wondering what I'm doing. What kind of pain I'm asking for by getting to know her when she's so sick.
She's impossible not to love though.
Arriving at my office in the casino I walk in to find Matteo already there, sitting at my desk with his feet up.
"Get your feet off the fucking desk, savage." I snarl angrily. He has no class, no respect for anything. I grab him and pull him out of my chair.
He huffs loudly and takes the seat opposite mine.
"What are you here for? What do you need?" I sigh in annoyance.
"I came here with some news."
He looks smug. His face grates my nerves.
"Spit it out. I don't have all day."
"There is a family, one of our rivals, I have good reason to suspect that are planning to try and move against you."
"Who?"
"Belladino."
"The Belladino family has never been a threat to me or my business. What would make them want to move against me now?"
It doesn't make sense. They are a smaller family, not much strength, not compared to mine. Why would they risk it?
"Look, I'm telling you what I heard. My sources are good. They are planning to try and take you out. Not your business. You."
"An attempt on my life?" I say in disbelief. I've heard of people doing stupid things, and making stupid moves, and this would definitely be a prime example of that.
They are hardly worth my time, but if they are going to make an attempt on my life - I certainly can't just let that slide.
"You're sure about your source?" I ask skeptically. But I see no reason for Matteo to lie to me about this. What would he have to gain?
