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I turn her in my arms, so we’re facing each other. I place a sweet kiss on her lips and cup her cheek. Staring into her eyes, the nerves are too much. They twist in my stomach and sabotage me. I kiss her again and say, “This’ll be our place. Where we come to get away.”
The declaration pleases her, but it’s not what I wanted to say.
Tomorrow…
“How’s Portofino, Boss?” Louis asks over the phone.
It’s late in the afternoon, and I’m catching up on business in the villa’s office. I rise from my desk chair with cognac in hand to peer out the large window. Since our vacation began, I’ve slacked off on work duties, but I’ve entrusted the others to carry out my orders in my absence. Louis is one of my most reliable men.
In the past, I would’ve said the same about my childhood best friend, Robby Greco. My loyalty to him as my right hand was blinding. Robby had betrayed me, feeding intel to Antonio Lovato and his crew. He’d even sabotaged my relationship with Falynn. As a result, she was almost killed. So I killed him.
No regrets.
But Louis is cut from a different cloth. Robby always aspired to gain power. His bloodline has been involved in the crime family for generations. His father was primed at one point to take over before mine did instead. When you come from such untapped potential, you yearn to finally ascend to that level. That was Robby’s problem. He let his father’s unaccomplished aspirations become his own. Being my number two wasn’t good enough when you wanted the top spot.
Louis is humble. He’s not power-hungry. Not keen on being the commander. He basks in his role as an enforcer, using his brawn and strength. It’s what I respect most about him—not everyone can be a leader. However, he steps up when he must.
I sip from my cognac. “Portofino is good. Too good. So good, we don’t want the break to end.”
“Can’t say I blame you. Maybe next time you’ll let me come. I’d love to meet me an authentic Italian cutie.”
“I’m not sure real Italian women love Italian American guys like us.”
“I’m a regular teddy bear. What’s not to love?”
“Except when you’re scooping eyeballs out of sockets. What’s the latest?”
“Johansson’s nervous. He doesn’t like that you’ve disappeared. You’re not answering your phone.”
“It’s none of his business where I’ve gone. All he needs to know is I’m on holiday.”
“That’s what I’ve told him. But after the shooting on opening night, the beef with Lovato, and then this other shooting with the motorcyclist, he’s on edge,” Louis explains in his deep voice. “He thinks it’s too much danger being drawn to his business.”
“His business is my business. If he doesn’t like it, he should’ve handled his finances better.”
“Have we considered he’s not above getting his hands dirty?”
“What are you implying, Lou?” It’s a nickname Falynn originally gave him, but one that’s stuck.
“Johansson’s always been a shady businessman, hasn’t he? This isn’t his first run-in with guys like us. What if it was him?”
“The motorcyclist?”
“Yeah. The job was sloppy. Not a professional hit at all. Maybe he hired him.”
“Hmmmm. Something to consider.”
“Either way, Boss, I’m not sure it’s black and white that it’s Lovato.”
“If he’s tried to take me out, he’s more senile than I thought.”
Louis laughs. “By the way, have you spoken to Giancarlo? I heard he’s trying to get a hold of you.”
“Fozzi’s told me. I’ll call when this holiday break is over.”
“Some would say a guy as high up on the food chain like you doesn’t get breaks.”
“Those some don’t make the rules. I do,” I say, sipping my cognac.
