Page 82 of Sweet Deception

I unbutton my jacket and sit down. "What's the word?"

Rome pats my shoulder and moves to sit back on the couch. "It's a go for Friday. Rafael's been a big help with the final preparations and we're as ready as we can be. Time to plan your weekend and take Kylie away from here."

I accept the glass from Tony as I look at Rafael, waiting for his attention. When he finally looks up from the plans, I raise my eyebrow. "Are you coming with us to Miami or staying here to help Rome?" I keep my expression blank in order not to sway his decision.

"Relax, Luca, he's already turned me down." Rome turns to Rafael and claps him on the back. "You're good at this and the offer is always open, but I understand your loyalty to Luca. I won't ever push you."

"Damn right you won't." I glare at Rome before moving my gaze to Rafael, who's smirking. I breathe out a sigh of relief.

"Okay boys, go to the kitchen for some of mamma's dessert and leave Luca and I to talk." Rome claps his hands and everyone in the room is in instant motion.

I nod at Gio and Rafael, letting them know it's ok to leave.

Rome stands and moves to the bar to make a drink for himself. I sip mine and wait, unsure of what he wants to talk privately about.

He waits until he brings his drink back to the couch before he finally speaks. "I want to propose a business partnership."

I tilt my head, curious what kind of partnership he's wanting that he thinks I'll agree to.

Rome nods toward the door. "Rafael is a genius at strategizing. I understand why you don't want him in the family business, but what I propose is hiring him on as a consultant. As you know, this isn't something that could work with any other outsider, but you trust him and I trust you to not screw the family. Whatdo you say?" He leans back, putting his foot on the opposite knee, and lays his arm on the back of the couch.

I take a drink and mull over what I want to say before leaning forward to set my drink on the coffee table. "Having witnessed the effects on Rafael myself, I've already made arrangements for both him and Gio moving forward. I'm bringing them in as partners. For Rafael, he will head up the security division since it's a passion for him. He will have full say and can take on any outside clients he chooses with the stipulation that my firm comes first. Normally, I wouldn't be telling you this, but what I'm trying to say is if he wants to do business with you, that will be his decision, not mine."

"Excellent. After this nasty business is taken care of on Friday, I will schedule a meeting with him. Will that give you plenty of time to inform the guys of their future with your company?"

"Yes. I'll warn you, I'll advise him that if he accepts your offer, there needs to be a stipulation that his contract ends when you are no longer head of the family. I will not allow him to be used if anything ever happens to you. I trust you to be good to him, but I won't put his fate in the hands of any other future head of the family."

Rome grins. "Smart. I can agree to that. I'll put my own stipulations in the contract to ensure any future head of the family won't know the extent of his involvement, so they can't say he knows too much."

"Much appreciated."

"You know, cousin, I would love to extend an offer to you as well. I'd like to partner with you on future investments."

"No." I look Rome dead in the eye to show him how serious I am. "Rafael consulting on security is one thing, but intertwining our investments will pull me into the family and you know it."

Rome smiles. "Like I said. Smart. Alright, cousin. You have a deal. And if Rafael turns down my offer, no hard feelings." He sets his glass next to mine on the table before standing. "Come. Let's check if any of mamma's dessert is left."

"Is it her tiramisu?" My stomach growls at the thought.

"Who knows? She's been in a baking frenzy lately. She probably has a bit of everything. Good thing too—between Gio and Leo, we wouldn't find any left if it's just her tiramisu."

Chapter thirty-four

Kylie

"We're here."

I look up to find us parked in front of Luca's brownstone. "Oh, sorry, Joseph. I wasn't paying attention." I gather my papers and stuff them into my backpack.

"It's okay, Miss Davis. I know you're studying. Do you have your final exams soon?" Joseph turns in his seat to face me.

"I do. I graduate in less than a month. EEK!" I give Joseph big eyes and he chuckles.

"As much as I've seen you studying, you'll do great." He winks at me.

"Thanks, Iamfeeling pretty confident myself." Shouldering my backpack, I wave to him. "Thanks again for the ride. I'll see you in the morning."

"Have a good night, Miss Davis. Call me if you need anything."

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