Page 38 of Buying Angel

NICO

AS I GOT OFF THE phone with Hudson, Rosa walked into the room. We had spent the day so far chilling out watching movies on Netflix. I was surprised how similar our tastes were when it came to films. Unlike most women, Rosa wasn’t interested in chick flicks, but preferred action movies and especially anything with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in them, hence why we had watched Goodfellas, Casino, and The Irishman this morning. I also hoped that this would mean she would be less shocked when she finally found out who I was.

The more time I spent with her, the more I was smitten with her. I had never had these feelings for a woman before. I had always wanted to protect them, of course, but Rosa brought out a side of me that I had only allowed Hudson to see. The loving and caring side. So much so, she had sat next to me with my arm around her all morning. I thought at one point she had fallen asleep in my arms, until I felt her moving next to me.

There were only two things that worried me right now, as she was getting ready to go out with Hudson tonight. The first was exactly that. The fact that he was going to tell her everything tonight. The fact that he and I were lovers, that we wanted to share her in our relationship, along with the fact that I was actually the mob boss of the Veronese family. I knew we weren’t the biggest family in New York, but we were still well-known in the area. We mostly kept to ourselves, and most of our dealings were actually within the law, unlike most families here. That didn’t mean we didn’t break the law every once in a while, just that we made sure there was a good reason for doing so.

The other worry was Vincent. I’d already known that he was in New York, but had kept it to myself, not wanting to worry either Rosa or Hudson. However, now Hudson knew, and that was worrying him, which was the last thing I wanted, especially today. Today was meant to be the day we finally became a threesome.

“Was that Hudson on the phone?”

“Yes. He just called to say he was going to be delayed this evening, so he is going to get ready at work and meet you there tonight.”

I hated lying to her, but I had to come up with some excuse as to why I would be driving her to the club. To my surprise, she didn’t seem as disappointed as I thought she would be.

“So that means you get to drive me tonight?”

“Yes. And it also means you will have to put up with me a little longer. So I can annoy you while you’re getting ready and tell you what not to wear.”

I waggled my eyebrows so that she got my meaning when I said what not to wear. If it was up to me, she would only be wearing her lingerie. But I was sure Hudson would kill me for even thinking it, let alone suggesting it.

“Yes, I think I already know what your idea would be. I’m sure Hudson would have something to say about it as well. What time do we need to leave?”

I laughed at her reply. She was right, of course. Over the past couple of weeks, she had gotten to know me better than I knew myself.

“You have a couple of hours, if you would like a long soak in the bath. I can run it for you if you like?”

“More like join me. It’s fine. I’m quite capable of running a bath. Just make sure I don’t fall asleep in there.”

“Okay.”

With that, she wandered off into her bedroom to relax for a while before getting ready for the evening ahead.

I’'D CHECKED ON ROSA a little while ago, knowing we only had an hour before we needed to leave. Luckily she was just about to get out of the bath and start to get ready. I was currently sitting in the kitchen enjoying a strong cup of coffee when I heard someone banging on the door. It was unusual for someone to come straight up to the apartment, unless it was maintenance or another resident.

I got up from my seat and walked out toward the door. I was about to open it when something told me I should check the camera to see who it was. I was glad that I did because I saw Vincent standing outside in the hallway. I hesitated for a moment, wondering whether I should open the door or not.

There was another loud knock at the door and Vincent started to shout. “I know there is someone in there! Open the fucking door or I will break it down!”

He had little hope of breaking down the door with the security I had put in here. But I also didn’t want him causing too much disruption to the other residents here. We may have been the only apartment on the floor, being the penthouse, but you would probably still hear the banging and noise below. I just hoped that Rosa stayed upstairs and didn’t venture down, because I could at least deny that she was here if she didn’t. I placed my hand on the handle and carefully opened the door, ready to have Vincent try to slam it open in my face.

“About fucking time!” He barged past me as he spoke, walking directly into the apartment.

I couldn’t hold back my sarcasm. “Come in, why don’t you?”

He immediately turned on me in an offensive position. “Where are they?”

I didn’t need to ask who he meant. I knew without him saying a word. However, I was going to play the game and act completely dumb.

“Where are who?”

“Don’t fucking act all innocent. Where are Hudson and Gabriella? I know he was the one who bought her at the auction, and that he was the one who took her from my apartment. I have come to get her back, and my money that she has, so I will ask you again. Where…is…she?”

I couldn’t believe that Vincent thought he was any match for me as he spoke the last three words and moved slowly toward me, poking me at every gap. Did he really think I would be intimidated by him?

When I didn’t move, he started to realize from the look on my face that I was going to stand my ground. He took a step back, waiting to see what my reaction would be.

“Firstly, you walk into my apartment, shouting allegations. Then you step into my personal space and threaten me over something I know nothing about. Hudson is currently at work, where he has been all day. As for Gabriella? I have no idea where she is, but she definitely isn’t with Hudson.”

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