Page 64 of Wild Ace

“That’s not much better. But I’ll get them started if you two need more time with whatever is happening here,” I joke, waving my hand between them.

“No, no, you sit and have a rest,” nonno says, vacating his seat for me. “I’ll make them.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

He disappears into the kitchen and I take his seat. “He likes you,” I tell Vinny.

“What’s not to like?” His cocky grin has my core clenching, and I roll my eyes, honestly not able to come up with an answer to that. “Exactly.” He winks, and I narrow my eyes. “Save that feistiness for later, dolcezza.”

My core clenches again and my panties dampen.

Dammit.

Chapter 21

Vinny

I had the best night of my life with my girl last night, and a good morning and afternoon with her and Frank. He’s a great man, and I think I won him over today. I was able to dust off my Italian, which I noticed made Lexi smile. I’ll speak Italian all damn day if she wants so she’ll smile at me like that.

I had to learn it growing up because my grandfather always told us that it was important to know and remember where we came from. And if we were going to be Carfanos, then we had to speak like the Carfanos before us.

I thought it was pointless as a kid, but grew to appreciate it. It’s come in handy when we want to talk business in a situation that isn’t exactly private, and now I can use it to impress my girl.

My phone buzzes on my desk and I pick it up when I see who it is. “Hey, Carthwright, do you have news for me?”

“Yeah, we got a lead on Pastorelli. He got in a bar fight last night, but bolted before cops arrived. He was identified by the bartender.”

“Which bar?”

“O’Conner’s.”

“I know it.”

“The bartender also said he’s a regular.”

“Good to know. If you get anymore leads, let me know.”

“You too.”

Carthwright just gave me the only lead I need.

I go next door and knock on Alec’s door before walking right in. “Carthwright just called and said Pastorelli was in a bar fight last night at O’Connor’s. They didn’t get him, but the bartender said he’s a regular.”

“Are they going to sit on the place?”

“No, so I’m going to have two of our guys there every night until he returns. He hasn’t left town yet, which means he’s a creature of habit. I doubt he’ll leave what he’s comfortable with.”

“Good. We need to get him before he ruins another business.”

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦

“Are you free for another date tonight, dolcezza?”

“Two in a row? You’re not busy?”

“The only thing I’m going to be busy doing tonight is you, baby.”

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