AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Zander is here.”
I lift my head and drop the page in my hand to stand. “He could have called to warn us.”
“That isn’t his style.”
“Is his merchandise prepared and ready? He won’t give me what I need without it.”
He nods. “The men are in place and loading his van now as we speak.”
“Excellent.” I stand, buttoning my blazer and walk out of the office.
Gianni opens the door for me, and I’m greeted by the harsh rays of the sun. My eyes take a moment to adjust and when they do, I see a few men, including Matias, pointing their weapons at Zander.
Like always, he is casually leaning against his car and smoking a cigarette.
“My friend,” he announces, a big smile on his face. “Long time, no see. Isn’t that another thing you Americans say? Come. Give me a hug.”
Before I can protest, the bastard has his arms wrapped around me while mine are at my sides. He gives me a few hard pats on the back and leans away.
“You look good. Better than before. You must be happy your lady is back.”
“Very. Do you have the ring?” I say in a whisper so she can’t hear me if she decided to eavesdrop.
“Da. I do.” He places the cigarette in his mouth and pats his pockets. “One minute. I have it.”
“Lower your weapons,” I order my men. “Zander is a guest here. We treat our guests with respect.”
Everyone obeys and I’m left waiting impatiently as Zander pats his entire body for the damn ring.
“Zander?” I snarl with impatience.
“Da. Da. I have it. Just wait a second.” He hurries to his car and rummages through the glove compartment. “Ah. See? I told you.” He holds up a small black box. “I have it.”
I climb down the steps and meet him halfway.
“I believe your wife will love this ring.” He opens it and I’m blown away by what I see.
It’s perfect and so unique. The diamond is huge and the color of the night sky. The diamond glitters in the sunlight and surrounding the main stone are smaller ones, set in a vintage rose gold band.
It is beautiful.
“Do you also have my product?” I tuck the ring in my pocket, reminding him of the large order of diamonds I put in with him.
“Da. Your men have them. You’ll be very happy.”
“As you will be with yours as well.” Zander only wanted weapons which was very easy for me to accommodate for him. I gave him anything his heart desired and he seemed like a very happy man because of it.
Zander leaves and I watch the taillights disappear down the road.
It hits me that I have no threats, no wars, no immediate issues that need to be resolved. Now I can focus on giving my wife the wedding she’s always wanted.
I reach into my pocket to open the box, staring at the ring that has holds so much significance in my relationship with Rosie.
“It is a beautiful ring, brother. She’ll be very happy,” Matias says, clapping me on the shoulder. “I’m proud of you. I know taking over for Carmine hasn’t been easy. It’s a big learning curve when you’re the one in the driver’s seat, but I know you are meant to be in it.”
Emotion clogs my throat as I force myself to nod. “Thank you. I had my doubts and still do especially with what happened to Rosie.”
“Don’t forget what happened to Carmine’s wife too, Ari. We aren’t perfect. Sometimes we don’t think of everything. She’s safe. That’s all that matters.”
