Page 23 of Mafia Baby

“Okay.” I put the address into my phone. Standing up to go, I notice that Vince has his walking stick out again, leaning against his desk. He’s been battling with his knee, and it’s obviously flared up again.

“Good man!” Vince beams at me, but I can see the hovering specter of his advancing age creeping up on him.

In the not-too-distant future, my adoptive father is going to be too old for the game. What will come of the family business when he’s forced to step down?

I have to admit that I don’t want to take it over, but I’m probably the one who is the most fit to do so.

The thought makes my stomach turn a little, and I hurry from Vince’s office as if that will help me outrun the impending change in my fortunes that Vince’s age might mean.

Time marches on, even in our dangerous business, whether we want it to or not.

***

I bump into the host’s wife as I’m leaving the bathroom after giving in to my every temptation with Gianna, and the wife offers me a house tour.

I accept, using it as an excuse to take a few photos. She starts downstairs, giving me a whole story about how the house was built, although I’m not listening.

The living areas are expansive, offering ample space for entertaining guests or hosting formal gatherings. A formal dining room, cozy sitting areas, and a grand ballroom provide options for socializing and relaxation.

The master suite is a retreat unto itself, boasting lavish amenities and expansive views of the surrounding grounds. Additional bedrooms and guest quarters offer comfort and privacy for family and visitors alike.

Outside, the grounds are meticulously maintained, with manicured lawns, flowering gardens, and a pristine swimming pool.

A network of pathways meanders through the estate, offering opportunities for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation. There’s no doubt that these people have money.

I have my photos, so now I can leave. I realized partway through the tour that Vince needed me to take pictures of the various priceless pieces of art that are hanging on the walls.

I know enough about art to be sure that some of these pieces are worth a fortune. No wonder Vince wanted someone to check out the house. He was expecting to find assets that would resolve the debt with ease.

Coming to the party was the easy part, but being here is a different story. And now I have yet another secret with Gianna that I’d prefer William doesn’t find out about.

Fucking Gianna yet again was a mistake. Doing it at this party, with Will here, and while I should have been working, was reckless.

This woman is going to be my undoing if I’m not careful.

I don’t know what has gotten into me, but I know I need to get Gianna out of my mind.

I haven’t spoken to Will at this party yet, because somehow, I’m sure he’s going to know that I was just banging his sister on the bathroom door.

I hang around for a bit longer, watch the family, and take a few more photos of the house. Then I leave.

Outside, I see Gianna standing at the stables and go to say goodbye. At least this way, I could say I was looking for Will.

“I came to say goodbye,” I say to Gianna as I walk up to her. She looks at me, her expression pained. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just…today was a close call with Will. And as nice and protective as my brother can be… he’ll convince my parents to send me away again if he finds out, Dom. And this time, it won’t be London. It’ll be some hellish place like Austria.”

“What do you have against Austria?” I stroke the horse in front of me, avoiding making eye contact with Gianna.

“Nothing.” She laughs lightly. “I just don’t understand the language, and I hear it’s freezing all the time. Plus, I’ve sort of gotten used to being at home, you know?”

I do know. I didn’t have a home for so much of my childhood that I am overly protective of my little place in the city now. It’ll probably be worse when I finally move into the house that I bought from Will.

“Look, you’re an adult now Gianna. You can’t let Will or your parents, dictate your life.”

“Well, I don’t have any of my own money right now, so they all have a lot of say on how my life goes.” She looks genuinely worried, and I feel bad for her.

“Take my number,” I hold my hand out for her phone, and she gives it to me. “And I promise that if you are about to be sent to Austria or Australia or Mars, I’ll come and save you, okay?”

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