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Giovanni
PLAYLIST: ? DRAGON - LVNDVN ?
She hasa cut on her lip. A light bruise that develops on her cheek. Her voice trembles when I ask her about it.
I’m not stupid. I know the signs of a woman who’s been smacked around—my woman. It takes everything I have in me to play it cool. If she’s afraid to tell me or thinks she’s protecting somebody, it doesn’t matter. Whoever’s responsible is dead. Bottom line.
For the rest of the night, we relax. I give Falynn a bath and then we lie in bed, quiet and in our heads. I can’t begin to break down the shitstorm that’s tonight, but at the top of the list is Falynn. She’s number one.
Guilt is heavy in my stomach. Tonight I took out my aggression and frustration on her. I went too far trying to force the truth out of her. It can never happen again.
I whisper to her that I’m sorry. She’s half asleep, tucked into my side. For all I know, she barely hears me, but I need to get the words out anyway. A man like me, who will soon take over the throne that is the Sorrentino crime family, never says sorry. It’s a word that’s not in my vocabulary—but for Falynn, it’s one I’ll make sure to learn for situations like these.
Fuck.
I never expected to care for the girl this much. Our encounter was supposed to be a one and done. For the night, some pussy, maybe a blow job, and it’s over. She goes her way. I go mine.
How the hell did everything get this mixed up?
Ican’tlet her go. I don’t care what I promised her. That I told her this arrangement was only for a few weeks. Then she’d receive a huge payday, and a one-way ticket out of the country. Circumstances have changed. I’m not letting her go.
A cold, ruthless, power-hungry bastard like me has a heart after all.
And the only thing it wants is Falynn Carter.
“We’re throwing the book at ’em,” Captain Rodrigo says the next afternoon at lunch. We’re the only two seated at La Pergola.
After what happened last night, the casino portion of the resort is closed. The casino floor is officially a crime scene, but Rodrigo assures me it’ll be sorted out quickly. Come a couple weeks from now, we’ll have a grand reopening with heightened security, and show acabronlike Lovato he ain’t stopping us. No way, no how.
I sip from my Campari soda. “Throwing the book at them isn’t enough, Captain. The man had mycasinoshot up…on opening night! We had three individuals injured, one an employee! This was an act ofwar.”
Rodrigo gives a nervous laugh and dabs at his forehead with his cloth napkin. For being as crooked as he is, he’s a coward. He doesn’t like big moves. They draw too much attention, and his shadow petrifies him.
But it doesn’t matter if he agrees. He’ll comply.
“You understand why we have to retaliate,” I say plainly, leaning back in my chair. “Lovato is in way over his head. He doesn’t play by the rules. If he’s willing to do what he did there’s no telling what’s next.”
“I’ve told you, the two we have in custody—Montana and Daniels—aren’t seeing daylight anytime soon. I’ve already spoken to Judge Williamson. The fix is in. They’ll be doing three to five if not more.”
“And the third?”
Rodrigo’s brows connect. “What third?”
“We’ve been over this. There was a third gunman. Robby saw him. He was lurking near the hall leading to the private elevators. Then shit popped off.” I didn’t mention this is also the prick I’m certain Falynn encountered. He must’ve used her as a hostage and then taken off. I’d reviewed the security camera footage at every angle, but the cameras hadn’t gotten a good enough shot of his face.
My guys are on it. I’ve tasked C.J. and Dominico with finding out who the grainy mystery man is.
“He’ll join his friends,” Rodrigo promises. “We’ll get him a cell right next to them.”
I shake my head. “Still not enough, Captain.”
“What more do you need from me, Mr. Sorrentino? I’m afraid we’ve used my resources—”
“If I had word Lovato’s cutting some shady deals at La Festa, would you be able to use more resources?”
A knowing glint shines in the crooked cop’s eyes. “Depends how much of an incentive there is.”
“The incentive is mutually beneficial for both of us, Captain. Have I ever led you astray?”
