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XVI
LUCCA
Rio was backfrom the quick business trip I’d entrusted him with, and he was standing next to Sergio’s blacked out SUV. Sergio and Rio weren’t capos, but as they both worked so close to Arlo and me, their enforcer title had more weight than most.
I walked down to the stone circular drive while I waited for Katia. I had a few things that needed to be understood before we left for the city. When she excused herself to the restroom, I saw the perfect time without her watchful eyes and perceptive mind near.
My car was parked in front of their vehicle, but I headed straight for them instead.
“Boss,” Rio said as Sergio nodded.
“I’m sure Sergio briefed you of what you’ve missed.” I picked a cigarette out of my case and rolled it between my fingers. “That being said, you’ll be Katia’s shadow.”
The severity of my words was evident as I stared into his eyes. This wasn’t an easy thing to do. To place such trust in someone other than my brothers. But I needed him to get her to safety if we ever encountered a threat. His life depended on keeping her safe.
Especially after Arlo confirmed we’ve lost sight of Tino Borelli, the next in line of Los Angeles. The man with the burn-marked hands. His disappearance from California only proved his involvement in the lives taken in Miami. He was here doing his father’s dirty work quietly while Borelli Sr. sat comfortably in his throne.
Rio was in his late twenties, always on high alert, and agile in hand-to-hand combat. Sergio brought him in at a young age. Taught him the rules. Preached to him of honor and respect until Rio’s mind only saw the mafioso way. By the time he swore his life to Miami, he was no longer the same kid. He was a made-man who towered over his older cousin by a few inches. He had no distractions at home. Rio lived and breathed for the Moretti family now. Even if he ever found someone to wait for his return at night, the Mafia was first, followed by God, then his weaknesses would come.
“I…” Rio seemed surprised, confused even. “As you wish.”
“It’s not a punishment.”
“Never crossed my mind.”
“And yet you seem…” I fought for the right word, but nothing came to mind.
“I’m not good with women.”
“I’m not asking you to be her friend. Your duty is to keep her safe.” I took a step closer and twirled the cigarette into my palm. “Are you capable of that, Rio?”
“Yes, boss.”
“Good. Wherever she goes, you go. When you can’t, Sergio will step up. However, Arlo and I need him on the streets, and you are the only other one I can see capable of such a task.”
“It’s my honor.”
“I suggest you get comfortable with Vino and Wex quickly. They are back, and you’ll be spending more time insid—”
The loud snap of the front door shutting interrupted me. I turned to its sound and watched Katia’s long hair swirl in the breeze. Her enchanting green eyes caught mine as she slowly stepped down to meet me. I appreciated the way her legs looked in her heels inside my study, but now they caught the sunray’s glow. Her tanned skin urged us to leave. Because I still felt my dick twitch at the thought of how she felt pressed against me. How quickly I was losing my composure around her. How I wanted nothing more than to claim her in my bed.
“Katia.” I pocketed the cigarette and stretched my hand outwards. Katia took a quick look at it before she took it, and I brought her closer until her posture mirrored mine by my side. “You’ve met Sergio and Rio.”
She faced them.
I was sure she remembered the day she met them. It was in New York. The day her father dismissed her without a farewell and gave her to a mafia boss he considered an enemy. But she no longer bared the marks left by him on her face. They were now only a foul memory. Yet not one I would forget.
“Not properly. Katia Vitelli.”
Vitelli.My jaw locked, annoyed by her introduction, and she stretched her hand out for them with a faint smile.
“Sergio.” He shook her hand gently and let it go. “Pleasure.”
Rio took her hand more carefully, as if she would wound him with just a touch. Perfect.
“Rio.” He scratched his throat and dropped his hand. Distant. That was what he wanted to portray. Afraid I would see anything more than respect for what was mine.
“A pleasure meeting you both,” Katia said politely and wrapped her arm around my bicep. I looked down at her, careful of her intentions, but there was nothing but curiosity. “Ready?”
