Page 10 of We're Not Strangers Anymore

He pulls out files from his drawer, handing them to me. “These are the personal profiles of some of his people. One of them is the manager at Frank’s mattress store.” Great, a guy who has some intel on the money I launder.

“Luciano see this yet?” I ask, staring at the photo of the middle-aged man.

“Yeah. I gave him a copy of this file. Said he’s handling that one.” One less thing for me to have to do. Got to love my brother, he stays one step ahead just like Pop’s. I get to killtwo birds with one stone tonight– get some time with Rowan while Luciano eliminates one of our problems.

I walk into the library to find Rowan sitting in the lounge chair in the corner, reading. She looks adorable with her hair up in a messy bun and wearing one of my Polo T-shirts.

“Hey,” I call out to her.

She glances up at me with an indifferent expression. “I’m only wearing your clothes because I have none here.”

I bite back a smile. “I don’t mind. We’re going out tonight.”

“Out where?” She asks, looking disgusted that I’m even speaking to her.

“I have another place uptown. Floor cleaners are coming so we’ll be staying there tonight.”

She arches a brow at me. “Floor cleaners? At night?”

She’s too damn observant. I guess I should have had a better excuse. “Stop asking questions for once.” I say, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Whatever douchebag. Let me go pack my stuff– oh wait, I don’t have anything.” She snaps, rising from the lounge.

I close the gap between us and she plops back down onto the lounge, looking up at me with fear in her eyes. “Stop being a fucking brat,” I say, my voice a low growl. “You’ll have more than you need tomorrow. I’ll have Deirdra pick up some temporary clothes for you tonight.”

She nods. I’m impressed she didn't have something snarky to say, she’s learning. I turn on my heel and exit the library. I have to get up to my office and figure some things out before we leave tonight. I’m already letting Rowan distract me from business and I can’t let that happen.

I pace the length of my office, my thoughts consumed with Frank. The cartel is ruthless and of course he had to put everyone else in their line of fire. Their interest in Rowan isn’t just about money– it's about power and control. Keeping her under my watch is the only way I can make sure she’s out of their grasp. I still can’t figure out why Frank would need to offer them his daughter if he’s already working for them to infiltrate my empire.

I stop by the window, staring out at the manicured gardens that now serve as her gilded cage. Rowan’s hatred toward me is palpable, but I’d rather be her enemy than see her in the hands of those who would destroy her.

The door to my office swings open, and Luciano strides in, his expression tense. “We need to talk.”

I nod, gesturing for him to sit. “What’s the latest?”

He drops a file on my desk. “The cartel’s getting restless. Frank has already given them enough information to start poking around. They know about some of our operations and are looking for more leverage.”

A surge of frustration courses through me. “Fuck. What exactly do they know?”

“Names, locations, some business details. Nothing too damaging yet, but it’s enough to be a threat. If they find out that Rowan is actually here, shit will escalate quickly.”

“We need to keep her out of their sight.” I say, staring off in thought.

“And keep Frank in captivity. He’s our leverage right now.” Luciano adds.

I stare at him for a moment, my eyes cold. “Frank is a dead man after what he’s done.” He’s sold out every person in his life, he’ll be useless to us after this.

Luciano studies me carefully. “What about Rowan? Do you plan to tell her why she’s really here?”

“She can’t know,” I say firmly. “Our job right now is to protect her.” Truth is, she isn’t quite immune to this life. The last thing I need is for her to act out of emotion or open her mouth to anyone about it. Very few of my guys know what’s going on until I can figure out if anyone else is in on this with Frank. She needs time to process everything else that is happening before I lay this on her.

Luciano nods slowly. “You’re walking a tightrope, Grayson. If she learns the truth–”

“She won’t,” I cut him off. “Not until I say so. For now we focus on getting the cartel off our backs and keeping her safe.”

He rises from the chair. “Just be careful. Make sure you’re making the right move.”

Luciano exits my office and his words play on repeat in my mind. The cartel is our problem regardless of Rowan, but marrying her pissed them off more than I thought it would. Part of me thought they would back off because nobody fucks with us but the cartel is different.They’re trying to prove something.

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