Lethal Negotiations
Rico
“Stop fidgeting.First rule of the game, you never let anyone see you squirm,” I say as I glance over at Oni in the passenger seat.
She’s been yanking at that seat belt and wiggling in her seat since I drove off from the house. I need to know she can handle herself in a room with bosses. I get the feeling I’m right about this girl.
She releases a long breath but stops the fidgeting. She looks fucking fantastic. The beige outfit looks great on her. Classy but still cute and age-appropriate.
I mean, she doesn’t look like one of my pop’s old side pieces. The top is tasteful if you ask me. The way it’s tailored draws your attention away from her bare midriff.
“Don’t be nervous. My pop is on our side. He’s going to smooth things over,” I say out loud, more for myself than for her.
If my father wasn’t counting on this deal to happen, I might have had to kiss my girl goodbye to keep the peace. However, hestands to gain quite a bit from the setup I have going on. Even with the kick up to Uncle Emilio, Pop will clear a few million.
When I called him to tell him what has been going on with our driver and how his brother is trying to stick his nose in our business, he decided to step in. That’s huge. My father doesn’t normally get into Uncle Emilio’s business, and he never bails me out.
He will give me advice and guidance, but my mistakes are my own. I learned that early on, even though I’ve never looked for a handout or for special treatment. I’ve been my own man from the start, but I know when I need to take a step back.
“Rico?”
“What’s up?”
“There’s something you’re not telling me. You want my trust, but where is yours?”
“What are you talking about?” I try to laugh her off.
“Don’t do that. Remember, I’ve been outside. I may not know everything, especially when it comes to your world, but I’m not stupid. You’re holding something back.”
I glance over at her quickly, then turn my attention back to the road as I think her words through. I don’t owe this girl anything. She’s the one with the debt to pay. So why am I questioning myself and what I should share?
Should I tell her I’m supposed to marry someone else? No, because that shit’s not happening. Do I tell her that my uncle will most likely show his face at this meeting because he wants her gone? Hell nah, she’ll run if she knows.
Italians can be like a pit with a bone. My uncle is going to become a problem before I can even get my plan into play. Granted, my plans are changing right as I sit here with her, but I can’t lose her before I make my next move.
I sigh. “In this business, blind trust is needed. Know that everything I do is to protect my crew. You guys watch my back, I cover yours.
“Right now, what you need to know is that your uncle is a problem for me. When he stops huffing and puffing, we can get to work. Your first job will earn you half a million, but we can’t get to that if your uncle starts a war or takes you back to New York,” I reply.
“What?” she gasps. “A half a million?”
“Minus a hundred grand for your first payment on your debt,” I say and turn to wink at her with a smile.
“You should’ve led with that. I’m no gold digger, but I have dreams and aspirations that money will go a long way to obtain.”
“It’s not gold digging when you work for it. Besides, I don’t want to buy your loyalty, Oni. I want you to give it to me.”
I want to kick myself for how dirty that came out. From the view out of the corner of my eye, her chest begins to heave, and I know my words hit their mark just as they were said. I chide myself.
My uncle can’t pick up on any of this. Oni needs to come off as one of the guys. A driver with a set of skills I plan to put to use.
I pull into the gates at my father’s estate. He’s been here for a few days. Because of the deals I have coming in, he’ll be in Miami for the summer as well. I’m running point, but my father has all law enforcement around here in his pocket—I need that to pull this off.
He’ll be the one telling them when to turn a blind eye. I’ve dotted all myi’s and crossed all myt’s. Oni dropped into my lap at the right time. This works best with her.
As I pull up to the house, I notice Uncle Emilio’s Rolls-Royce. Just as I thought, I’m going to be forced to prove myself today. Oni needs to play her part to keep her uncle out of the middle of this.
I’m not forcing her to choose me. I’m getting her to protect her uncle, who only wants to protect her. When I find out who’s been telling my uncle my fucking business, they’re dead.
