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LUCA
Isat in my usual chair in Matteo’s office while over a dozen men filled the space behind me. Everyone in some position of business oversight were called in for a meeting to discuss how the Russians were becoming more ballsy by the day.
Lorenzo was rarely present at these meetings. Matteo being the Underboss, did all the back-breaking work with me. Lorenzo showed up for the big meetings and made the final decisions on major business activities. The current situation didn’t require his attention, Matteo was more than capable.
Still, the Russians were determined to cause major problems. It threatened to undo everything he and I had been trying to accomplish for years.
Matteo was determined to bring us, the Irish and the MC— The Devil’s Hoard— into a co-existing environment that would benefit us all. Technology had single handedly stopped gang activity of old in the matter of a decade. Cameras were now everywhere. Every corner, every store, ATMs, and millions of them walking around in peoples pockets. You couldn’t run around waging war in the streets any longer without someone recording it and posting it on the internet within seconds.
Or go anywhere without having your picture taken at multiple locations on the authorities watch list. Things had to change if money was going to keep flowing and business continue.
“We need increased security at all locations,” Matteo spoke to the room. “I want more weapons brought in and more men on duty. We need to keep the Russians at bay until we finalize the deal with the Irish and MC. Then we will be a united front against them. They may be unrefined but they are crafty bastards.”
“The newly trained men are ready to go,” Vinny said. “They are good. I will distribute them as needed.”
“I want the docks and labs to take priority. We need shipments to continue,” Matteo answered.
“We also need to be prepared to move a lab or two if necessary. Have new locations prepared and ready to go,” Seth said.
“I want the escort service to vet more strictly, even if we take a profit loss. If girls start showing up dead or hurt we will get major heat coming down on us. I wouldn’t put it past the pricks,” Nico added.
“Matteo, you need to think about security for Arianna.” I spoke over everyone. I had already made arrangements for Becka.
“Already thought about it. I want Mark with her at all times when she goes out.”
“Got it.”
The chatter picked up, every man voicing an opinion or concern.
As much as I tried to keep my head in the game, there was one thing pulling my attention away. One deal would be completed before the day was through and then my life would change immensely.
I felt so conflicted I’d suffered an almost constant headache for the last day. Part of me was apprehensive about all the extra time and energy it was going to cost me. Another, I could hardly contain my enlivened anticipation.
Becka would be mine. I tried and failed over and over again to tell myself it was all about lust, but couldn’t stop the warmth from spreading in my chest every time I thought about her.
Control over my emotions and responses to my surroundings was usually unwavering. However, it unnerved me how Becka so easily set my restraint on edge. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stop the flood of feelings that came with just being near her. Constantly having to banish them out of my head before they became too heavy to push aside.
I’d have to be vigilant in my efforts to manage and keep control of her. She would to fight me no doubt. And as much trouble as she would cause me, all it did was send a welcoming ache to my loins.
