Everyone except Alessandro, who mock whispers across the table to Marco. “Is it too late for him to get a refund?”
I glance over at Martino, who’s taken his usual position standing at my back, and nod.
In one swift movement, the giant man kicks out Alessandro’s chair from under him and smashes his head into the table with a satisfying crunch.
“Anyone else?” I survey my inner circle with a bored look.
No one dares meet my eye as I give the order for Martino to let go. Alessandro curses under his breath as blood begins to trickle down his nose.
“You’re on thin ice after that little mischief at the docks,” I reply to his unasked question. “Try not to piss me off, please.”
Alessandro grumbles something about only ever seeing two bikes but thankfully shuts up.
“Since it’s already public knowledge, I can confirm the negotiations with Lazzaro were concluded yesterday. Marco is in the process of rectifying the accounts.”
Marco merely nods his confirmation.
“I’m sure theCandelabrawill be very grateful to him for not sending his daughter out to make good on the repayment.”
This earns me a few good chuckles, and whatever tension was in the room fizzles out.
I quickly turn to other matters, pleased that many seem to have already moved on from the Lazzaro issue.
Having them believe I would actually do something like pay off a man for his girlfriend doesn't feel good. The fact so many of them had barely batted an eyelash when I’d brought it to them a few days ago was even more concerning.
But strangely, it wasn’t my reputation I was worried about.
Claudio’s little outburst in the negotiations had me inches away from snapping the fucker’s neck. Instead, my nice opal fountain pen had paid the price.
But glancing over at Alessandro and some of the others at this table, it was clear their opinion of Cas was barely worth remarking on.
The words they use to describe her, what they believe she’s doing to me behind closed doors, makes me want to beat them all bloody.
The only thing worse is that voice in the back of my head that wants nothing more than for me to go home right now and take her, taste her, consume her, exactly like they’re all imagining.
I focus on Marco’s financial report to try to calm the boner that is threatening to make its presence known.
“Move forty million into the off-shore,” I offer my input. “I’d like to move on the new real estate project this month.”
I note the approval in more than a few eyes. My plans to create a new club venue could very well make theElectrixobsolete within a few years. Then we can destroy those private rooms for good.
Where I had pinned Cas against a wall and allowed the reins of my restraint to slip. Where those perfect lips had gasped my name as I’d indulged myself, however briefly, between her legs.
That night, I hadn’t slept until I had gotten myself off to her lingering lemon and chamomile scent, hating myself in the aftermath.
Because I know, logically, that she is in a very vulnerable position. The way she retreated into herself after Claudio signed that fake contract was a testament to that.
The last thing she needs is a pervert like me trying to take advantage of her just because all logic seems to dive out a fifty-story window whenever I’m around her.
“I got some bad news and some more bad news.”
I refocus as Teo, sitting on my right side as usual, takes the proverbial floor.
“The Cartel intercepted our shipment yesterday before we could secure the South African package.”
Tobacco. A partial payment for the luxury goods we’d offered them last month. A useful commodity, but a bulky one in large enough quantities. And the South Africans had wanted a lot of handbags.
“All of it?”
