Page 24

When I wake up in the morning, I shower and dress, splashing on my cologne. I leave the top button of my shirt undone and forgo a tie. I go to the guest room. Roberto has been relieved by one of my other men. I’m handed a newspaper by Claudio, who is standing outside the door.

I let myself in and pause. Maria must have brought Gia a new set of clothes because she’s in a form-fitting T-shirt and rather tight…tights. Her shapely ass makes them look good. She looks good. Good enough to eat.

I hold out the newspaper, keeping my distance slightly. She smirks at this.

“Now you’re bringing me the paper personally?”

“Don’t be a smart ass. Your brother wants a photo of proof of life,” I say, taking out my phone. “Hold the paper so he can clearly see the date,” I instruct her.

She holds the paper in one hand and flips me off with the other. I chuckle as I take the phone. She tosses the paper on the table.

“If you don’t behave, I’ll send you to the cellar,” I tease her, but there is a hint of seriousness in my voice.

Her eyes darken. “Fuck you.”

I chuckle and leave the room, sending the picture to Andrea. She might be a handful, but I like it. I won’t lie. Just being in her presence is enough to make my dick stand to attention if I’m not careful.

I still can’t believe she put me on my back, and rather quickly. I spar with Bruno and Cosimo almost every day and no one ever bests me at hand-to-hand combat.

She’s lucky she caught me off guard, but that won’t happen again. I think about the fluidity of her motions as she tossed me and my dick twitches.

I sit down at my desk and message Andrea that he has one week to withdraw all his paperwork for the casinos. The auction is in a month, and I want this done plenty in advance. I tell him if it’s not done by then, I will kill Gia. Andrea sends a thumbs up on the picture but doesn’t say anything back.

What an excellent start to the day. I light a cigar to celebrate. There’s a knock at my door, and Maria brings in two breakfasts. I’m about to ask her why two when Rocco follows in after her. Makes sense now.

Rocco and I sit at my desk on opposite sides and start to eat.

“Thanks for coming to look at the laptop,” I comment. “You seem to be very busy of late.”

Rocco chews on his bacon. “I’ve been interested in some things, some people.”

“Anyone special?” I ask. His decisions are a reflection of this family, and I can’t have him dallying about with just anyone.

“No one special, at least not past a night of fun,” he smiles.

We eat and discuss the family, Gia, Andrea, and what the Russos are up to. I mention we got the laptop because we had Michael Russo offed for trying to rape Gia.

“You must like her if you’re getting involved like that?”

“She’s okay,” I brush off the thought. “It was a business decision.”

“Not killing Michael surely?” Rocco says. “Especially if you didn’t leave a message that it was us who did it.”

I look at him, and he drops the subject, finishing his food and wiping his hands on a napkin. “Where’s the laptop?”

“Over there,” I motion to the coffee table.

Rocco retrieves it and turns it on, starting to try to log into it.

I finish my own breakfast and check my emails while he’s busy.

After about ten minutes, he smirks. “I’m in. Let’s see what the Russos have been up to.”

He plugs the laptop into my large screen and turns it so we both can see it.

“Here’s their financials,” he comments, pulling up some documents.

I read through them. “Nothing surprising. It’s well covered up by the fish import and export business. Cops probably know they’re running weapons but have nothing to prove it.”