Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33088 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 165(@200wpm)___ 132(@250wpm)___ 110(@300wpm)
“Okay. Let’s get you back to the house.”
“Thank you. Please don’t tell Nero I left the house.”
“If you wish it.”
“Are you just saying that?”
“No. It’s not my business, and as my wife would say—a happy wife, a happy life.”
“A smart man in the bunch.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” He drops me off and thankfully, Aria gave me the keys so I go back into the house and walk into the living room, taking a seat on the sofa. I need a break from all the drama that has encompassed my life the past few days. Since I met Nero, my world has been non-stop confusion mixed with nothing but riotous emotions. Despite knowing that my boss was in their home, I trust that it wasn’t for a pleasant visit, and only added to the truth to Aria’s words. Nero is willing to slay my dragons because he wants me to be his. Other than his actual profession, the man screams too good to be true.
I wait for him to come back, but as the time grows later, the doorbell rings. I look out, and it’s Luigi. I open the door. “What’s going on?”
“I’ve been summoned to inform you that Nero will be later than expected. He’ll be giving you a new phone tomorrow, but for now he doesn’t want you to worry. I’ve also brought you a dish from Giuseppe.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you want to come in?” I offer, attempting to come off okay, but I’m really not. I wanted to see Nero.
“No. I have to go home before my wife reams me a new one.” He smiles and turns to leave.
“Did he say roughly what time he’d be back?” I call out, hoping that he has some sort of answer to give me.
Shaking his head, he frowns slightly before adding, “No, but it will be sometime in the wee hours of the morning.”
“Okay.”
“I’m sorry, but like I said, it’s nothing to worry about.”
“Thank you. Have a good night.” He leaves the house, and I set the plated container on the table by the door. Looking out the window, I watch as Luigi pulls out of the gated drive and heads in the opposite direction of Aria’s home. Well, what am I going to do with myself? I guess it’s time to see what they brought me.
Taking it into the kitchen, I open the still-warm dish. It’s a lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread. This family definitely knows how to eat. I pour myself a glass of wine and take a seat at the island to eat.
Once I finish, I clean the plate so I can return it tomorrow. Then, I decide to explore the house. It’s a large home, but not as large as Dom and Aria’s. Still, there are lots of doors. I didn’t bother earlier because I thought Nero would be home sooner.
I find myself in the library, checking out the large stack of books that fill each and every wall from floor to ceiling. I never pictured Nero as a reader, but I guess I was mistaken. Maybe he’s a collector. I stroll across until I get to a large sliding wooden ladder. Immediately, I climb on it and pull a Belle move, sliding along the bookcase. I nearly fall when it stops. No one tells you it’s much harder than it looks. Climbing off before I break my neck, I begin to look for a book.
“Well, this isn’t an easy task either.” Finally, I settle on a crime novel and lie in the amazing settee to read.
Chapter Nine
Nero
“We’re so glad to have you here,” Domani says, stepping to the side and taking his seat behind his desk. “Please. Have a seat. Would you like a drink?”
“No, thank you. I got a call that your people wanted to meet with me to work on a deal.” Good. I’m sure Dom’s gritting his teeth, trying to remain civil. I’m itching to rip his head off.
“Yes. We have a beef with the Martinelli family, and well, we want to move in on their territory. They’re appearing weak because they don’t know you have dealings in their area.”
“Well, they are slipping, but when empires get too big, they lose track of their money and they start to crumble.” I growl, moving from my perch against the wall behind him.
“Yeah. We had a little problem like that recently.”
“You didn’t need to bring your goon in here.”
“Nero’s not my goon, as you put it. He’s my second-in-command, so you will do well to mind your manners.”
“Sorry. I just get jumpy when I’m outnumbered.”
“I can sympathize with that.” I toss my cousin a glare that the fuckhead doesn’t notice.
“So, let’s get down to business. We’re looking to expand and clean house.”
“What does this have to do with me?”
“Nothing, but we wanted to let you know because we wanted to make a deal.” All I want is to end his life, but I plan to take some time, making him squirm before I end him.