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“You’re playing a dangerous game, nephew.”
“It’s not any more dangerous than the money-laundering scheme you had going at your car washes.”
“And I paid for. Fifteen years in the joint. You wanna join me? You wanna end up in the morgue?”
“Neither of those things concerns me.”
“Oh, ’cause you too big and bad, is that right? Nothing and no one’s gonna stop you, eh?” Claro huffs out a sardonic laugh and puffs on what sounds like a cigar. “You’re so eager for that crown, you’re gonna fuck it up along the way. Desperation is never a good look.”
“Everything is handled.”
“You said that about Vittoria’s opening night. And look.”
“Lovato will regret making such a move. I’ve already seen to it.”
Claro laughs again. “You are your father’s son. My brother may have succeeded, but it’s different times, my nephew. The same power moves of the past don’t work these days.”
Their voices grow nearer and I skirt away from the door in fear they’re on their way out. It’s too risky to hover in the hall any longer and listen to their conversation. I keep going until I find the guest bathroom I’m looking for.
A glance in the mirror shows me I’m flyaway and stain-free, but I take my time anyway. I’m processing what I overheard between Gio and Claro. His uncle says times are different and Gio’s playing a dangerous game. Is he talking about the war waged between him and Tony Lovato? Was Claro right when he said Gio is too desperate, too hungry for his father’s throne?
Nothing and no one’s gonna stop you…
It’s true Gio is determined to rise up the ranks of his family at any cost. Though this isn’t surprising given I’ve gotten to know Gio well over the last few weeks, it produces a sharp stabbing pain in my chest.
Maybe I’ve let my fantasies about a future with Gio get out of hand. I’ve let myself believe it’s possible for us to be together when reality seems to point in the opposite direction. Gio and I are destined to part ways. We’ll never work out.
His career in the family, taking over for his father, is what matters most to him. He’s willing to sacrifice any and everything. Everyone.Includingme.
On that glum note, I sigh and leave the bathroom. I’m passing the den again when a “pssst” catches my ear. I look up and find Claro in the doorway. He grabs my hand and pulls me into the room with him, closing the door once I’m inside.
“Claro, what—”
“You were listening in on us, weren’t you, honey?” he asks outright.
I stammer. “Oh…not really…I was passing…I wouldn’t…”
“Hey, it’s okay, don’t sweat. I’m not mad.” He winks at me.
“You’re not?”
“Course not. Maybe you can talk some sense into my hard-headed nephew. You’re his girl, right?”
“Um, yeah…but I don’t want to get involved—”
“Honey, you are involved. The second you walked in on his arm, you’re in deep.”
Residual nerves from yesterday make a fluttery return. I move toward the door. “I should go find Gio.”
Claro blocks me with his wide frame, a strange gleam in his gaze. “You’re real beautiful, honey. I’m sure you know that.”
“Oh. Err. Thanks.”
“I bet that’s why Gio picked you. A real dime on his arm.”
“I’m going to go.” I step to go around him, but again, he blocks me. “Excuse me, Claro.”
“I haven’t had some young cooze in a long time. Since before I was locked up. How much?”
Revulsion churns in my stomach, making me want to puke. I take a large step back. “For what?”
“You know what. I know all ’bout you, Miss Falynn Marie Carter.”
As he moves to close the gap between us, I scurry around him, wrench the door open, and flee down the hall. My heart’s beating fast and I’m jittery, but I don’t stop until I’m back in the bathroom. I twist the lock on the knob and lean against the wall, breathing in and out like I’ve run several miles.
The moment is so random, I don’t know what to think. Claro knows my full name. He knows who I am. Did Gio tell him about our arrangement? Did he tell him how we met? How he’d hired me for the night?
Embarrassment and rage simmer through me at the same time. I fold my arms and tears gloss my eyes. I don’t want to be here anymore. I want to go home. Not Gio’s home. Not Gio’s penthouse suite in the Vittoria Resort, but home—myhome however craptastic it is with its cracked walls and out-of-service washer and dryer.
I’m done playing Giovanni Sorrentino’s girlfriend.
