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When I return to the outdoor table, Sofia is halfway down the path that leads to the mansion and Annalisa turns to me with a half-finished glass and a scowl.
“How is it fair that you stole the man I saw first, got a free art studio, and a trunk worth over fifty grand?”
The person I was before my life turned to shit would clap back, but I still have flashbacks from Dominic’s attack and subsequent execution. I don’t know where I stand with Roman, and the appearance of my roommate feels ominous. My shoulders sag. I hope to god that Roman didn’t bring Annalisa to keep me company for the duration of my stay.
Not only am I sick of her backhanded comments, but I can’t stand the thought of leaving here without seeing him again.
The devil on my shoulder suggests doing something to get his attention, but I’m afraid of Roman. I’m afraid of what that might provoke.
TWENTY-SEVEN
ROMAN
War looms on the horizon, and the only way to avoid destruction is to strengthen our ranks. The casino was Dad’s base of operations, yet we’re confined to the Phoenix. Galliano’s allies might be stationed there, but we can’t weed them out until after wrestling back control.
The next morning, I sit back in my office chair with my fists clenched on the desk. That New Jersey bastard has gotten me so riled up that I can barely focus on our new lawyer’s instructions. Even Benito leans against the wall, engrossed in his phone.
Nick Terranova pushes over a document. “This Art Sales Agreement is a hundred percent legit, but with one unfair term.”
“Why?” I ask.
“If Miss Kay is as intelligent as you say, then she’ll scour the contract looking for a catch.”
Benito pushes off the wall. “What catch?”
“I’ve inserted a clause that transfers her intellectual property to the buyer, which is highly unusual in the sale of art.”
“What if she refuses to sign?” I ask.
“Then you allow her to make amendments.” Nick raises his palms and grins. “It’s win-win since you don’t actually give a fuck about the painting.”
I nod, glad that someone’s in peak form to focus on the tiny details. One glance at Benito tells me he’s back to staring at his phone. I make a mental note to ask what’s gotten him so preoccupied.
Nick pushes over a stack of papers. “These are what we do give a fuck about. Each contract represents different assets, namely the stock certificate transfers for the casino and the loan company, the transfer request documents for the stock portfolio. This is the bulk transfer deed for the real estate portfolio, and legal documentation to grant access to the safety deposit boxes and their contents.
I nod. “What’s the status of the bank accounts?”
He leans back in his seat and grins. “Thirty million, eight hundred thousand, seven hundred fifty-three dollars, and forty-seven cents. Cash.”
“Is it in the account we control?” Benito slips his phone in his pocket.
“Every penny arrived this morning.”
Benito and I exchange grins. I send cousin Leroi a silent word of thanks for handing me Samson Capello’s head. Now, it’s only a matter of time before I relieve Emberly of the rest of her inheritance.
Benito picks up the contract on the top of the stack and flicks through each page. “Let me get this straight. The first few sheets of each are the art agreement. All Roman has to do is get her to sign the transfer portions without noticing the unfavorable clauses.”
“I set up each last page to be just a signature sheet.” Nick turns to me and says, “It shouldn’t be too difficult.”
I rub my chin. “She’s a cautious one. I’ll give her time to study the first contract, so she thinks everything’s above board, then I’ll work on ways to divide her attention.”
Nick waggles his brows and smirks. “I’ll bet you know exactly how.”
A muscle in my jaw ticks at the thought of him thinking about Emberly in a sexual way, but I let it slide. As far as I know, he hasn’t laid eyes on her.
Rising off my leather seat, I smooth down the lapels of my suit. “Let’s get started. The quicker she finishes my portrait, the quicker I can get her to sign over the casino.”
“Don’t forget to keep her here long enough to produce at least five extra pieces of art,” Nick says.
