Page 56 of A New Days Don

Richard Vicek, “Vicek.”

The recording cuts out, the static returning before Ren speaks once more, “Something isn’t adding up.”

“No, something is not,” I say through gritted teeth. Of course, the police would want my father dead. He was the leader of one of the strongest mafias in America. By getting rid of him, it would make their lives easier. Less deaths, less drugs, less illegal dealings.

But to get involved with the cartel and Fabio?

“Fabio was speaking with Thiago before my father’s death. This is evidence enough that he isn’t to be trusted. I want you to seek out as many Bianchi loyalists as you can.” I order, my voice becoming as sharp as a blade as it slices through the silence in the car. I make another sharp turn, picking up my speed.

Balancing Mila and my duties is becoming increasingly difficult.

“Yes, Sir.” Ren hums, clearly pleased that I won’t be staying on the sidelines any longer, “Long live Don Massimo.”

The words come out naturally, yet I still cringe. This is the last thing I ever wanted, but if taking my father’s throne back will put him to rest, then it’s what I will do.

Chapter 22

Mila

“Mila,” Massimo’s purr rings through my head. The way he said my name will haunt my daydreams for the next decade, maybe even longer.

I would think Massimo was joking when he said he was coming. Any other sane human would have been. I mean, it’s one in the morning! Aren’t most people sleeping or trying to sleep at that time?

But then again, Massimo doesn’t seem like a man to joke about showing up for a midnight—sorry, no, one AM—gelato date.

Date.

The way he emphasized it when he said it sent little sparks of delight straight through me. Those sparks are still bouncing around my body like there is some kind of butterfly rave happening. My stomach is in knots as I stare blankly into my closet.

When was the last time I was on a date?

What did I wear?

What does someone wear to a one AM gelato date?

I look down at the time. It has been 5 minutes since we hung up. He’s going to be here any minute, even though he lives on the other side of Vegas from me.

I squeeze my thighs together at the reminder of me scolding Massimo and his raspy voice asking if I was going to use my cuffs.

The silver rings glint from over at my desk, teasing me as I contemplate doing just that. I doubt Massimo would see it coming. Something tells me that if I did, he wouldn’t mind it.

I shake my head, forcing the image of Massimo shirtless and cuffed out of my head. Something about that is far sexier than it should be.

Sexier.

How is it that he wants to be friends with me, let alone go on this one AM gelato date with me? We are on such different playing fields that I might as well be a different species to him.

Yet he let you rub yourself all over his boxer covered cock until he tore an orgasm from your body and soaked both of you.

The little voice in my head spares no details on the events from earlier, and suddenly, I am nervous for a whole other reason.

My phone starts to vibrate in a pattern that tells me I am getting a call. At this hour, it can only be one person, and I’m still only dressed in my pyjamas. I scramble through my closet, flicking hanger after hanger, rushing until I find a cute enough white boat neck sweater and toss it over my head then slip into a pair of ripped blue jeans.

There is a knock on my door, startling me even though I know who it is. I don’t waste time grabbing my phone and clutch before running down the stairs. The floorboards creak under my feet as I stumble, but I don’t slow my steps. By the time I open it, I’m winded and almost certain my hair is a disaster, but the second Massimo’s dark eyes meet mine, all worry and thoughts escape my mind.

It’s only when Massimo pulls me toward him that I notice the razor-sharp look in his eye as he glares into my house as if something is going to jump out at us.

“Wh-what’s going on? What are you doing?” I stiffen, my hands going for my belt, but I’m not wearing it—not that it would matter, considering I had to hand in my gun when I was suspended.