Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 111537 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 558(@200wpm)___ 446(@250wpm)___ 372(@300wpm)
It’s like a staff meeting, only on the wrong side of the law. We can’t very well rent out a hotel conference room or a convention center for our business. Instead, I’ve got to piggyback on seemingly innocent events, like this impromptu party for my scatterbrained son.
I started out the night by welcoming guests, acting like the proud father. But as soon as all the capos and select soldiers were assembled, we moved to the office where we could talk in private. I don’t want to admit I’ve been waiting for Marlena to arrive, but now that Edoardo’s informed me she’s here, I can’t wait to get out and see her.
“What are we gonna do about Andretti?” one of my capos says.
“Have you broken any kneecaps?” Giovanni asks.
There are a few glances I can read like last Sunday’s newspaper. Nobody wants to start a street war. Diplomacy is needed. That’s why they’re coming to me instead of handling it themselves.
“I’m working on it,” I say. War is bad for everyone, especially if it brings the heat down on our heads. I’ll just have to get creative, and I’m not above busting heads. “If there’s nothing else,” I begin, standing up.
“I was wondering if I could talk to you privately,” one of my soldiers asks, blocking my path to the door.
I raise an eyebrow, wondering what is making him so bold. “You can talk in front of everyone,” I offer.
The man squirms, wringing his hands before finally spitting it out. “My old lady’s gonna lose her home.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” I say, though I don’t really understand what that has to do with me.
“I was wondering if I could talk to the bank manager,” he continues. “Maybe help him see the light.”
“You have my permission,” I say.
“Thanks, boss,” he responds, relaxing.
“I appreciate you asking,” I announce to the room, making sure everyone knows what’s at stake. “You can’t go off half-cocked by yourself following personal vendettas. You understand?”
“Understood,” someone says.
“Understood,” another capo agrees.
Around the room, there’s a chorus of agreement. I nod my head, feeling like we’re at a breaking point. “Excuse me, I’m going to make the rounds.”
Nobody stops me as I ease my way out of the soundproof room. In the rest of the house, people are laughing and drinking, having a good time. I plaster a smile on my face, shaking hands as I go. Everyone wants to see me about something, but there’s only one person I’m looking for.
I don’t see her anywhere. The party’s downstairs, so I’m sure she’s not in any of the rooms on the second floor. I check the patio, the living room, the parlor, and the kitchen. Dozens of people plant themselves in front of me, vying for my attention.
It’s not until I poke my head into the billiard room that I find her. She’s standing next to Frankie, with a glass of champagne in her hand. She looks stunning. I was sure that dress was the one, and seeing it hugging her magnificent curves, I knew I was right.
She doesn’t see me at first, and I take the moment to appreciate the view. A few of Frankie’s friends circle the table, debating their next shots. Frankie’s not touching Marlena, but the two of them are standing close together. I can tell from the stiffness in her spine that she’s uncomfortable. Maybe I can do something about that, I think, as I move more fully into the room.
Everyone turns as the door swings shut. Frankie nods, and his friends straighten up. They aren’t my employees, but they’re acting as if the boss just stepped into the room. I don’t mind. In fact, I appreciate the respect.
Marlena’s eyes find mine, and she smiles. She looks away almost immediately, but then she does that thing that women do when they’re nervous. She glances down at the floor, her lashes lowered. But she’s keeping track of me as I close in on her.
“You look beautiful,” I say, as if we’re the only two in the room.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “It’s a beautiful dress.”
“No,” I correct her, “It brings out your beauty.”
She blushes, finally meeting my gaze. I feel my heart beating in my throat. This woman turns me inside out. I offer her a hand, and she takes it without even asking where we’re going.
“The band is playing in the ballroom,” I say.
Frankie frowns, as if I’m trying to steal his toy. I shut him up with a stern look, softening instantly when I return my gaze to Marlena. She caught the interaction, but doesn’t comment on it. I guide her out of the billiard room and down the hall to where a string quartet is entertaining the crowd.
I spin her out onto the dance floor, pressing one hand into the small of her back. She’s so perfectly designed, fitting against me as if we were made for each other. She touches my shoulder, her hand so light against the fabric of my jacket, I barely feel it. She turns her head down, showing off that beautiful mane of chocolate brown hair.