Page 138 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

Her smile –

Her laugh –

Her eyes –

Everything.

Thinking about her – and not being able to have her – felt like being stabbed in the heart.

For the thousandth time, I wished I’d told DarioYes.

When I closed the book, Paolo looked over. I was in the front seat next to him, same as yesterday.

“Hey, boss – can I ask you somethin’?”

“Sure,” I said, expecting to hear a question about Florence or Tuscany.

“Could you put in a good word for me with the Don?”

I looked over at him in surprise. “What?”

“It’s just… I’ve been working as a driver for a couple of months, and they’re not moving me up,” Paolo moped. “I’m not makin’ hardly any money.”

“I’m sure they’ll promote you when they’re ready.”

“That’s just the thing – I’m not sure they’lleverbe ready,” Paolo griped. “Things don’t move as fast here in Sicily. People stay stuck in the same job for years.”

“What do you want?” I asked, then added sardonically, “You wanna be in Rocco’s crew?”

“It’d pay a hell of a lot better than what I’m making now. Those guys make four or five times what I do.”

“Don’teverjoin Rocco’s crew,” I warned him. “Those guys are fucking assholes.”

“I know, I know – but maybe, if you could put in a good word for me – ”

“You know I’m not exactly on Don Vicari’s list of favorite people, right?” I asked humorously.

“But you’re gonna be his son-in-law.”

“If he doesn’tkillme first.”

Paolo looked at me in shock.

“I’m kidding,” I said. After a second, I added, “Mostly.”

“You got pull, though, boss,” Paulo pleaded. “One word from you and I’d be set.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” I said, not wanting to make any promises.

“Thanks, boss,” he said happily. “Thanks a lot.”

I shook my head and sighed.

Paolo had no idea what he was asking for.

If he did, he might want to stay a driver forever.

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