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The day had been uneventful ever since Nico sat down with Mia. Theytalkedfor an hour or so before he came back out of their room, wearing a different suit and smelling like body wash. He gives us a knowing grin and then goes about his normal business day.
I go to my office to work on a few of my own business matters. Being the new underboss was definitely big shoes to fill. Nico was the previous one and he ran a tight ship. I was an enforcer for years. Guarding the Santoro Family and bashing in heads was all I knew. I still hadn’t gotten the hang of being second in charge. And to be honest, I don’t know if I ever will.
Admitting I’m the underboss is admitting that Nico and Felicity’s father is dead. Something that seems so surreal. He was like a father to me. When I was young, he showed me the ropes, rewarded me when I was good, and punished me when I was bad. He took care of me and saw to it that I never went without.
“Damn,” I groan, setting down my pen.
“You okay, Signore Casserino,” Anotonio asks, standing next to the closed door. Mike looks at me from the opposite side of the door.
“I’m good,” I reply. “I need to go run a personal errand, once I finish this.”
Felicity’s birthday is coming up. I’ve already gotten her a few things that she’s been asking for, but I really want to get her something special this year. Last year, I got her a necklace that she wore everywhere; however, when Mr. Santoro passed away, he left her a family necklace in his will. Now she wears that everywhere and my necklace only when we are alone… which is hardly ever.
Knock. Knock.Urgent knocking sounds at the door.
“Come in,” I call out. Tommy rushes into the room. Something big has happened. It’s written all over his face.
“Basq– Signore Casserino,” he pants, trying to catch his breath.
“What happened?” I ask, standing up and walking over to him.
“Felicity.” He takes a deep breath. “She’s gone.”
Chapter Three
Felicity
Nico has no one to blame but himself; after all, he’s the one thatorderedme to go get Felicity her dessert and handbag. That’s exactly what I did. I made the guys take me shopping for the items and after we purchased them, I asked to use the restroom and then gave them the slip.
My brother isn’t the only one with loyal employees. I have my own small, off-the-books payroll. When I send them a message for a favor, they comply because they know they’ll be paid handsomely. I’m a Santoro after all.
“Home. Sweet home,” I smile, looking around the hotel room.
“It won’t take your brother long to trace this room down,” Jennifer reminds me.
Penelope is one of my associates who I have known for what seems like an eternity. We aren’t quite friends; however, we can count on each other when we need something. It’s the perfect business relationship.
“I give him two days before he has someone hack into my stuff and find my credit card.” She holds up two fingers.
“I only need one day of peace and quiet,” I hold up one finger and smile.
“He’s going to turn over every rock on the planet to find you.”
“Just to prove he’s the boss,” I roll my eyes.
“I’m not talking about your brother,” she grins.
She’s talking about Basque and she is absolutely right. I wanted to send him a message before I left but I knew that’d put him in a tough position. I didn’t like him being in the middle of Nico and me. It was bad enough that we had to sneak around behind Nico’s back. Basque already felt bad about that and wanted to come clean.
“I’ll contact him soon,” I nod.
“You better because his wrath is going to be ten-thousand times worse than Nico’s.” She waves a finger at me. “You’re playing with fire, Ragazza.”Crazy Girl.
“Penelope, you know I would never do this if I didn’t feel like it was necessary. You know me better than anyone.”
She sighs and plops down on the bed.
