Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 34891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 34891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 174(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 116(@300wpm)
I head into the main house to speak with the housekeeper and cook who will manage the new employee and let her know about the young woman. “She’ll be here tomorrow morning around nine. The agency gave her the basics, but I want you to make her understand the whole ‘don’t get any ideas’ when it comes to the men that work here.”
“I thought it was just Dario?”
“I said ‘the men,’” I grumble.
“Don’t get smart with me. Now, I have things to do.” She waves her spatula at me, and I dash out of the kitchen before she tries to hit me with it.
I return to Dario’s office and take a seat, waiting for the next order of business. “Ricci is crazy.”
“You drive her crazy.”
“Fair point.”
“So, I’ve got a tip off that Coleman has been dealing in more than cards and burgers. Word is he’s dealing in fresh meat. I want to know the extent of his other business. Let’s schedule a meeting with him.” Damn, I hadn’t expected that piece of shit to be into human trafficking, but you never know how low some people will sink.
“Gotcha. Any specific spot?”
“I’m willing to meet him anywhere but here. I don’t want that scum in my home. He owes me a fortune, hasn’t paid it back, and now, he’s upped the ante and really pissed me off.”
“Sounds good.” I stand and nod. “Anything else?”
“No. I’ve got a lot on my mind after the entire Bianchi family married and settled down.” I guess a lot of the Mafia heads have been taking the plunge, leaving them less focused on business.
“There’s a lot more market opening up and ripe for the taking.”
He scoffs, tossing his pen on his desk. “I’m not going to go to war with Bianchi over anything, but it’s got my head spinning about the future and my plans, or lack thereof.”
“You mean a wife and kids?” I raise my brows, wondering what’s come over him.
“Yeah. I’m going to need someone to pass down my empire to, and I haven’t found a wife at my age.”
“You’re only thirty, Dario.”
“Yeah, and I’m not getting any younger, and you know fucking well enough my personality ain’t getting any sweeter.” Ain’t that the motherfucking truth.
“Nope, a prickly asshole as always.”
“So I need to find a girl soon, and so should you. You’re getting up there too.”
“One day I might find one.” He gives me a stare, reading my words a little too closely.
Chapter Four
June
I wake up at five in the morning, stressed, having been unable to sleep last night. Luckily, I showered before I went to bed because my brain is pure mush right now, and I need to get dressed, get coffee, and hit the road.
Zooming through the small apartment, I’m ready without managing to wake my sister, which must either be a miracle, or she was at her job all night and got in too late to bother to wake up from my noise. I see her keys and purse so I know she’s home, which makes my world a lot brighter. Still, she’s exhausted, so I move as quietly as possible as I get ready for my first day at the new job.
I’m out of the house by six, which I’m sure is plenty of time, but I refuse to be late. I arrive way too insanely early. It’s seven fifteen when I stand just outside the massive gates to the estate, and I could kick myself.
Nervously, I pace back and forth away from the main entrance until a man approaches. He’s surly and insanely handsome, hair messy and his suit not quite buttoned up, like he is still getting ready. When our eyes meet, I know I am in trouble. It’s the man from the temp agency. His five o’clock shadow from yesterday has thickened, adding to the sexy just out of bed look.
Did he personally select me? Shit. This is my first day, and I’m pissing off the owner already.
“Who the hell are you, and what are you doing roaming around here at this hour?” I guess he doesn’t even remember me.
“Um… I’m sorry. I’m the new maid, and I didn’t know how long public transportation would take to get me here. Since they can be delayed, I left early so I wouldn’t be late.” Tears fill my eyes, and I do my best to hold them back because that would surely get me canned on the spot. He softens his tough stance and opens the gate.
“Your name?” he asks.
“June Beaman,” I answer.
“ID?” I almost roll my eyes but remember this is my boss, so I straighten my face. Like why the fuck did you ask for my name if you were just going to ask for my ID in the first place? Anyway, I dig it out of my purse and hand it over.