Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 82847 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82847 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“I’ll consider it,” Don Mancini said. “Now let’s finish our dinner and make the handoff for dessert.”
We transported the guns to their nearby warehouse. Cash was paid, and the deal was done.
Before we parted ways, Don Mancini pulled me aside. “Wolfe, I appreciate your loyalty to me, but you have to remember that your intervention undermines my authority. I know you mean well, but you need to take a step back.”
I gave a nod in understanding. “I know you have everything under control, Don. I just get irritated when people jerk our chains.”
“I understand.”
“I hate when people waste time like it’s not the most precious commodity in the world.”
He gave a nod.
“You took time out of your life to meet him. You don’t need him, but he needs you. And to spend so much time asking for a fucking handout is obnoxious. The price is the price—get the fuck over it.”
“I know we have different approaches to business, Wolfe. The blood of Cosa Nostra is still red in your veins.”
“Yeah…a bit.”
“I prefer the longer road of patience and calm, even if it takes twice as long to reach the destination. I’m in the business of relationships, not sales. Because of my vast network of contacts, I’ve been able to remain the biggest seller of both wine and product. I have a good name and a great reputation. I want to keep it that way.”
“I understand, boss.”
He stepped toward me and gave me a pat on the shoulder. “You kept us alive when we faced off with Luigi. I should have listened to you then. But in situations where we aren’t about to get our heads blown off, leave it to me.”
“Yes, Don.”
He patted me on the shoulder again and gave me a slight smile. “Goodnight, Wolfe.”
“Goodnight, Don Mancini.”
He walked back to Elio, and his men followed him to the vehicle before he drove off.
“I think my dad is starting to like you.”
I turned to see Leo appear beside me. “I don’t want him to like me. I want him to respect me.”
“Well, you already accomplished that.” He turned to Andre. “You coming out with us tonight? We’re hitting up Taormina.”
“I’m in,” Andre said. “Salvatore?”
“I love Taormina,” he said. “Not passing that up.”
Guess this was a guy’s night, then. “Let’s do it,” I said, feigning enthusiasm. It was hard to get excited about going out when I didn’t like most people, and I already had the woman I wanted waiting at home for me. So, pretty pointless.
Leo and I got back into the SUV, and Leo drove.
I pulled out my phone and texted Francesca. Deal is complete. No injuries or casualties.
Her three dots appeared right away, like she’d been waiting by her phone. Thanks for letting me know. Are you on your way home?
I loved the way she phrased that question, like we had a home together, a home that only existed when the two of us were both present. It wasn’t so much a physical place, but something we created when our beating hearts were pressed together, skin-to-skin. Leo and the guys want to go out. Can’t get out of it.
I wasn’t sure how she would react to this. Would she get possessive and jealous and demand I come home? Kinda hoped so, because that would be really hot.
Okay, I’m going to bed, then.
Disappointment filled me. Not the reaction I’d hoped to hear. Maybe she was actually mad, but I wasn’t picking up on it.
I’ll see you tomorrow, babe.
Nope, she didn’t sound mad at all. I’m going out on the town with a bunch of single guys, and that doesn’t bother you? I should have kept that to myself, but I didn’t have any kind of filter whatsoever. My thoughts just poured out like water from a broken dam.
Should it bother me?
I didn’t type back, not because I was ignoring her, but I didn’t have an answer to her question.
I trust you—with my life and my heart.
An indescribable warmth moved through my heart and then the rest of my chest. I got off on how much she wanted and needed me, but in search of that, I got something better. Got something that meant a hell of a lot more.
We went to a couple bars, the guys got plastered, and I was the only sober one because I drank all the time anyway. This was just a Tuesday for me. Women came over to our table a couple times and the guys tried to seal the deal, but no one could make the magic happen.
Whenever one of the women went for me, which was pretty much all of them, I was silent and impolite, and they moved on pretty quickly. By the end of the night, all the guys struck out, so we ended up in a brothel.
Fuck, I was gonna be stuck here until tomorrow.