I took in the crowded streets. “You better grab a hot dog because I’m going shopping.”
He reaches into his back pocket, pulls out his wallet, and removes a card.
“You can go shopping on me.” He places the black card in my hand.
I laugh. “You don’t have a job.”
“You forgot about the betting business?” He opens the rear passenger door.
I slip inside.
Our bodyguards comb the streets before hopping into their respective SUVs.
Nico climbs in after me.
Javier sneers in the rearview mirror. “Where to?”
I glance at Javier. “Cartier on Fifth Ave.”
“The betting business, huh?”
“Yeah,” he replies, whipping off his beanie.
“Fitz, crank the heat,” I say.
After he increases the heat, I see him stretch his hand out to Javier. “Pay up. I told you lover boy would find her.”
“I don’t have to find Serenity. I always know where she is.”
“Stop keeping tabs on me, Nico.”
He sits back and stares out the window.
I watch as Javier fishes money out of his pocket and slams the bills into Fitz’s hand.
I glance at the black card. My gloved fingers slide over his name, Nicola Giovanni Pitucco.
“Would you rather I give you cash?”
I shake my head. “You have your own business.”
“Serenity, it’s my family’s business. I admit I partake in lucrative side jobs. That money doesn’t go straight to the bank.”
I know he means it gets washed first.
“Just because I’m not a made man yet doesn’t mean I can’t earn a living.”
“When will you become a made man?” I ask.
Nico takes the card from my hand and puts it in my purse.
“I had a meeting with Sergio this morning.”
My heart lurches in my chest. Why did he see him?
Relax Serenity. His family is one of the five families. But why would Nico meet with him? Wouldn’t he talk to his dad about becoming a made man? I realize I spend time with Nico but know very little about his personal life, like I used to.
“My father and I had a disagreement about some important business. My mom suggested I talk to my grandfather instead. You know, since my dad is sick.”
