I fold my hands on the desk. “There have been some shady business deals he’s had on the side. He thinks we don’t know about them, but we do. So far, they’ve been profitable to the family, but that doesn’t mean that he can do side business without our approval.”
Carlos blows out of breath. “Everything I’ve gathered in the last 12 hours, I put in that folder.” He points to the one under my hand. I open it up and read through what he’s compiled so far.
Carlos continues to talk while I read. “He’s got a few connections not associated with the family. Gunrunning ring in Russia, nasty fuckers.” Carlos shakes like he has a chill. “He also is the sole investor in a Diamond Mine in Africa.” I reach that page, and Carlos reaches across the desk to point out Robert’s name.
Robert Gallo inherited the mine from his father when he died 11 years ago. The Organization already knew that and he gained a position on the council because of his contributions and growing the business gained for the Family. But in the records I’m reading, the mine is only his in trust. And he’s quickly running out of time before the trustee inherits. So he doesn’t outright own the mine. He’s just fucking babysitting it? What the hell? Carlos chuckles at my shocked expression as I look up at him.
“So he’s been lying to us?” I flip the folder closed, placing it on the desk.
The leather creaks as Carlos leans back in his seat. “Not exactly. He is the sole owner as of now. It’s just he won’t be for long. The problem I’m having is I can’t get the info on the Will. It wasmy first stop in trying to find out who the trustee is.” He runs his hands through his dark brown hair. "I hate not having the answers for you. But I’m still looking into it.”
Carlos leans forward, putting his elbows on his knees. “I’m still waiting to hear from a few guys, but so far there’s nothing I don’t know that you don’t know now. But we’ll see.”
I can feel the fury rising, but not at Carlos. He’s bloody good at digging up shit. I grumble, “Why can’t you just go to the fuck’en lawyer who wrote the damn thing?”
Carlos leans forward, putting his elbows on his knees.“If it was that easy, you’d have your trustee's name. It’s a paper trail, Alex. Back then, they didn’t put shit on computers, because there weren’t any. The office of the old fucker used was some backwater town he grew up in and the lawyer was some childhood buddy he grew up with.” He shakes his head and looks at the floor. “I got a guy to go there and check it out. The fucken building burnt down about 6 years ago. Any and all records went up in smoke with it. The only way to get that info now is from Robert, but he isn’t going to tell you shit.” He looks up at me and I can see the trepidation written on his face.
Slamming my fist on the desk. "That cocksucker has been holding that information for years now. He’s got his claws dug deep into the Organization and now I’m marrying his daughter to solidify the position. I can’t wait to have a conversation with my father.”
I can't help but shake my head. “I guess after this weekend we will find out more about his intentions. The mine deal is on the discussion table with the council. He’s going to meet us in New York, so I can’t ask questions until then. Besides which, I’d like to pass all this by father. See how much he knows?” I glare up at Carlos. “Thank God I don’t have to fly with the bastard. I wanted to punch him in the face before, but now I just want to shoot the fucker.”
I steeple my finger across my lips and quietly say, “Does any of this have anything to do with Isabella? Do you think she knew his intent from the start?” I realize that may have sounded vulnerable coming from me, but this is my best friend. Who else can I ask?
Carlos’ expression softens, “No man. She’s as innocent as fresh snow. Her head was stuck in books and paints during high school. Never went out partying in university; she didn’t have very many friends. I did dig up a few records of hospitalizations when she was younger, but nothing in them stood out. Until now she’s innocent, Alex. Just a young woman living her life.”
I nod. I’ll give her some slack for now. Carlos wouldn’t jeopardize the Organization or me. He always had my back. I look at my watch, grumbling out, “Fine. I don’t get that feeling from her either. She is not very street smart if you catch my drift.” I chuckle at that. “Could you do me a solid? Grab Isabella in about an hour and take her to the dining room. I figured I would give her some time to herself, unpack, and settle in. She’s already overwhelmed.”
Pissed is more like it, but whatever. Not much I can do about it.
Carlos raises his eyebrows at me and just glares. “I’m surprised you even noticed. The girl’s terrified.”
I look at him and smile.“She wasn’t scared when I left her bedroom. She was super pissed. I think my little bunny expected to be pampered. But that’s not my style.” I wave my hand at him and say, “Anyway, I’ll see you in an hour. If you want to join us for dinner, you can. If not, I understand. Just make sure she gets there on time. I’ve had enough shit dished on my plate tonight.”
Carlos gets up to leave and says, over his shoulder, “Sure thing. I’ll make sure she’s there. I don’t really feel like I should be joining you this evening since it’s the first meal you’ll be having with her. Maybe take this time to get to know her a little better.” He points to my desk. “Don’t let that folder influence you; she’s agood woman.”
“Fuck you, get out,” I growl.
An hour later, I’m sitting at the dining room table drumming my fingers. I’ve been sitting here for 20 minutes waiting for Isabella to make her appearance. I don’t know what it is about this woman, but when I tell her to meet me somewhere, she never seems to show up. Frustrated, I throw my napkin down and push my chair out, getting ready to get up and go and get her. But Carlos opens the door and Isabella steps through.
She looks freshly showered; her hair is still damp, hanging down, shielding her face. She’s changed into a tight pair of jeans that hug her curves and a cream turtleneck sweater, making her look even more striking. Isabella looks fresh, sweet, and fuckable, and that just adds to my already sour mood.
I growl at her. “Where the hell have you been? I’ve been sitting here for over 20 minutes waiting for you to show up. Why can’t you just do what I tell you to do and be here on time?”
Carlos stops mid-step as he’s closing the door, only to open it up an inch. Glaring at me, he mouths, “Be nice,” and then he closes the door.
Isabella has stopped dead in her tracks; her eyes are huge with trepidation, her hands in front of her gripping her sweater cuffs, knuckles turning white.
Jesus, I’m just screwing this up.
With a frustrating sigh, I mumble, “Never mind. Just come sit down and enjoy the dinner that Rose made for us.” I watch as she slowly starts moving toward her place setting, which is right beside mine, not looking up at me at all.
Christ, this is excruciating. I don’t do date stuff; hell, I don’t think I’ve had dinner alone with a woman in years, never mind sat at this table. Silk doesn’t ‘Do’ dinners. That’s not what my playground is about.
∞∞∞
Chapter 14 ~ Isabella
I’m standing in the middle of this luxurious bedroom, angry, hurt and betrayed by my father... again. I knew he was upset last night on the way home. But I didn’t think he was that upset that he needed to kick me out. I felt the hate, the anger; he didn’t have to add the knife to get me to see the point. And to dump me off on Alexander, no less! I would have gone to stay at Anna’s if he wanted me out that badly. But as I’ve understood from the past, he is a coward, a slave to money and power. The Russos have it all in his eyes, and I’m seeing why Alexander despises me so much. I fall short on all fronts, plus the added benefit of an insistent father. I am mortified and irritated that I keep ending up looking like a fool at every turn.
