Page 25 of Sweet Deception

I contemplate if I've drunk too much to challenge him to a boxing match at the house. It's something we love to do when any of us need to let off steam. However,I can't afford to be slow on my feet with Gio. I should've left the damn scotch alone. I could've used a night punching him in the teeth.

"You're taking her to dinner with the chief of police and the mayor tomorrow night?" Rafael asks, raising his eyebrow.

"I am." Leaning back in my chair, I steeple my fingers and wait for more.

"Do you think that's smart? The chief is bound to know her through her father."

I shrug. "I have no reason to hide from her parents."

"Whoa. I thought you said she was temporary?" Gio looks from me to Rafael before shaking his head. "Fuck. I'm going to lose that bet."

"You're not losing the bet. I'm just not going to let her go as soon as I thought I would. We'll stick to the six-month contract. I just don't want her trying to divide her time between me and her parents. He's recovering. She won't stay away from him for six months. Not that I would ask her too, and I don't plan on sitting on the sidelines when she's with them. Besides, her dad needs to know he should protect her better."

Rafael tilts his head, studying me, but doesn't push for more. Gio, on the other hand, is always pushing.

"I like her. If I'm going to lose a bet, I'm good with this one."

I sigh. "Let it go." Standing, I grab my jacket and head for the door. "I need to go over the new hotel acquisition before dinner tomorrow."

However, instead of the acquisition, my thoughts are consumed with what I plan to request from the stylist for Angel. Something I won't admit to the guys or I'd never hear the end of it.

***

The moment I walk through the front door, my cell goes off. I throw my keys on the entry table before pulling my cell out of the inner pocket of my jacket, frowning at the screen when I see who's calling. Tilting my head back, I stare atthe ceiling and blow out a breath. I give myself a moment before straightening to accept the call.

"What?" I continue into the house, stopping in the living room to stare out the windows and brace for this conversation.

"A cop's daughter? What the fuck are you thinking, Luca?"

"He's a former cop, and how the fuck do you know about her already? Better yet, why the fuck do you care?"

"Your cousins use your service. If you go down, they go down and that's unacceptable."

"Come on, Rome, I'm smarter than that. Your boys were never put in the system. I don't want to get caught up in your shit just as much as you don't want to in mine. And if that isn't enough for you, forbid them from using my service. I don't need their money. The company is thriving with or without their membership."

"You'd rather lose cash flow than cut ties to this woman? I know you left the family after your father died and what time you were a part of it wasn't good, but having the link to us makes you a very protected man in the city. Do you know how many would try to extort you for information? You have a goldmine in blackmail, brother."

My nostrils flare. "Don't call me brother. We aren't brothers. And I'd never bow down to the pressure of snitching. My companies thrive because of my discretion. You've been good about staying out of my business. I don't mind some of your cousins—"

"They're your cousins too."

"—but if you think you can step in and dictate my business to me, you're dead wrong."

"Watch it, Luca. That sounded an awful lot like a threat."

"It's not a threat. I'mtellingyou to butt the fuck out. You have your options. You’re getting nothing more from me." Disconnecting the call, I toss the phone on the couch only for it to ring again. Ready for round two, I grab the phoneand check the screen. I breathe easier when I see it's not Rome, but my stylist. Unclenching my teeth, I take a moment to calm down before accepting the call.

"Yes?"

"Sir. It's Joanna. I got your request and I've already found a few pieces. I've emailed the options to you. Let me know what you decide and I'll deliver them tomorrow."

"Thank you, Joanna. I'll take a look and respond within the hour."

"Thank y—" I disconnect the call before she finishes.

"Fuck." Sitting on the leather sofa, my arms on my thighs and my head hanging down, I worry over the fact that Rome has someone watching my business. Is it only Sweet Connections they’re monitoring or all of my companies? Their interference is not wanted. I run a hand through my hair before sending a group text to Rafael and Gio, letting them know what happened and instruct Rafael to look into it.

I go to lay the phone down but pause.

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