Page 81 of Sweet Deception

"Yeah. Have you talked to Rafael?" I put the necklace back in the drawer before standing and picking up my cell and keys.

"I did. You'll be happy. It sounds like the take down is scheduled." Gio turns to follow me out.

"Good." I stop and push the button for the elevator before turning to Gio. "Do you have plans with Lisa after this meeting?"

Gio smirks. "She gave me a key to her apartment. Can you believe that shit? She's trying to swindle us and she gives me the damn key to her apartment. I'll never understand women." He shakes his head.

Stepping into the elevator, I wait for Gio to follow before pressing the button to the garage. "I don't know how you can listen to the shit that comes out of her mouth all the time."

"Easy, she can't talk if I stuff my dick in her mouth," Gio says, chuckling.

I grimace. "Damnit, Gio. I don't want that image in my head." The elevator dings our arrival to the garage. After stepping out, I toss the keys. "You can drive. I need to check in with Joseph."

Gio catches the keys. "You're worse than a momma hen the way you badger that guy for info on Kylie."

"Shut up, Fucker. We have a threat against us. I won't be like this when this is all over." I send off a text asking if Kylie is still with her mom. Joseph informed me earlier they were meeting for dinner.

"Since I'm losing the bet to Rafael, how about a bet between you and me? A thousand bucks says you'll still be this way even after Rome takes care of the threat."

"No."

"Come on, man, give me a way to earn my money back." Gio starts the car and looks in the rear-view mirror before backing out.

"You haven't lost your money yet." The phone buzzes in my hand and I'm rewarded with a picture of Kylie and her mom, arms linked. Her mom is saying something and Kylie is caught mid-laugh as they walk out of the restaurant—completely unaware of their surroundings.

"Yet? See! Fuck. I should be angry, but I like Kylie and she fits. Not just you, but all of us. Even Rafael."

I know he's right. If I can just get past the guilt thatI'm dirtying her.

It takes us a full hour to arrive at Rome's place. He's just outside the city and traffic was heavy. When Gio pulls in and parks on the circle drive, I study the massive home. You can't tell by looking at it, but it's protected like Fort Knox. We never would've made it to the drive if they didn't want us here.

Gio shuts the car off, but I don't rush to get out.

"What are you thinking?" Gio asks.

"Has Rafael said anything to you? About participating?"

Gio frowns. "No. Do you think he wants to?"

I glance back at the house. "I don't know. He's alive when he's strategizing. Rome would have a position for him if he really wants it. But fuck, man, I don't want him in danger." When I turn back to Gio, he's staring off in the distance, his brow furrowed.

"Come on. Let's find out what they have planned." I exit the car and set my worry for Rafael aside.

As Gio and I approach, the front door opens. "Cousin! How are you?" Leo greets us. The fucker. I'm dying to leave him with a shiner.

"Touch me and I'll punch that smile off your face." I threaten. My anger reignites at the image of him looming over Kylie at the restaurant weeks ago.

Leo sighs and steps back. "Rome advised me to stay hidden a bit longer, but I thought for sure you'd be over this by now."

I don't acknowledge his statement as I continue past him, but not before a quick jab to his stomach. It's not enough to truly hurt him, but he does bend with a whoosh as the air escapes him. Smiling, I head to Rome's office. My smile grows at Gio's words as I walk away.

"Luca isn't the only one you should worry about."

Leo whistles. "Rafael said you were just as protective. I just didn't believe it. Hell, I almost fell through the floor when he threatened me over this girl. She sure must be special."

That's the last I hear as I step into the office to find Rome and Rafael with their heads bent together. I feel a slight pang when I see it. This reiterates my concern that Rafael might want to join Rome and the family after all. I won't begrudgehim what makes him happy, but I hate to lose him to the family. If anything ever happened to Rome, Rafael won't be able to step back again.

"Good. You're here." Rome stands to greet me. "Tony, pour Luca his drink." Rome picks up papers off a chair opposite the couch and offers it to me.

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