Page 17 of Inherting the Mafia

Nicky's eyes rounded. "Dude!"

I shrugged. "It is what it is."

"But you're the boss," Nicky said. "The big boss. Vinnie isn't even the big boss. His grandfather is."

And I imagined that I'd have to visit and pay my respects to Vinnie's grandfather once we arrived in Italy. I hoped he was as pleasant as Vinnie seemed.

I doubted it.

"Maybe once you get your feet under you," Vinnie began, "we can sit down and discuss a shipping contract. I've recently expanded some of my business to Asia and need a good import and export company that can get my merchandise where it needsto go and on time. The one I was using recently...uh...went out of business."

There was a story there. I could feel it.

I wasn't going to ask.

"Why don't you give me a call once you're settled and we can talk?" Vinnie suggested.

I glanced at Vito, who nodded at me. "I will," I told Vinnie as I looked back at him. "It'll probably be a couple of weeks, though. I've got a lot to catch up on."

My head was starting to ache already thinking about it. I wasn't sure what all I had to learn, but Vito seemed to think it was important, and even Vinnie had hinted at it, but I knew it was going to drive me insane.

Or drive me to drink.

I really wished I'd asked for a drink instead of coffee.

Vito stood and then gestured to me. "We should probably get going," he said. "We just wanted to touch base with you since we were in town, but we need to head to the airport."

"Yes, of course." Vinnie stood and then shook Vito's hand.

I quickly stood up to join him, shaking the hand Vinnie held out to me. "It was nice meeting you." I also shook Nicky's hand. "And good seeing you again."

"Next time you're in town," Nicky said, "maybe we can get together for drinks."

I chuckled. "As long as we get someone else to make them."

Nicky gestured to the large man standing behind him, the one that had brought in the bags. "Gino makes pretty good drinks."

The bodyguard, Gino, snorted and rolled his eyes. Not sure what that was about, but again, this was another one of those questions I wasn't going to ask.

Vito didn't blow out a relieved breath until we were out of the building and in the limo driving toward the airport. I glanced athim, once again shocked by how handsome he was and yet so lethal looking. The power and strength that emanated from the man just from him sitting there breathing was as astounding.

It was an intoxicating combination.

When we pulled into the parking lot for the executive hangars, I whistled low under my breath. A guard stopped us at the gate, demanding identification. Only when we provided it did the guard open the gate.

It beat standing in line in the main airport.

When the car came to a stop and I reached for the door handle, Vito grabbed my arm. "What?" I asked as I glanced at him.

"You always let Boris check first."

Oh, right.

I doubted I would ever get used to needing security.

The number of things I doubted I would ever get used to was adding up quick.

Once we had been given the all clear, I climbed out and walked around to the back of the car. When the driver opened the trunk, I reached in and grabbed my bags.

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