Page 87 of Twisted Knight

“Yes, but…” He paused, his jaw ticking again.

Matteo was hiding something and it made me curious because whatever it was, Matteo was the master of keeping his face smooth. Whatever he was hiding was affecting him deeply for him to show even the smallest sign on his face. It had to be juicy and it would be good ammunition to have against him—just in case.

“I have not been able to join for the past few years.”

“I see.” Mateo was not an avoider; after all, he enjoyed confrontation and drama.

“So they decided to make it easy and come here.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “We need this.”

We needed the rat to make up for that and keep the Italians occupied while they were here. There was no two ways about that.

“What do you need?”I asked finally, no longer being an asshole to him. He clearly had a lot on his plate too. I could cut him some slack for once.

He looked at me with incredulity, as if he couldn’t believe I was giving in. “Mostly? Your time.”

I wasn’t sure what he meant by ‘mostly,’ but with India waiting for me in the other room, I didn’t want to spend more time here than was necessary. “Okay, when do we start?”

“We’re not starting right now.” He looked down at the phone on his desk and scrolled through it. “I have a few things to do now.”

I shrugged. “I can help.” I mostly wanted to know what secret he was hiding for me.

He gave me a half smile. “Be careful, brother. I might start to think you care about me.”

I rolled my eyes.

He waved his hand toward the door. “Just enjoy your woman, celebrate your engagement or whatever this was, marry her, start to procreate. Enjoy it while you can.”

That was again oddly caring for the sociopathic Mafia king.

“Be careful, Genovese. I might start to think you care about me,” I teased, mimicking his earlier words.

“Who said I didn’t?” he asked challengingly.

My jaw went slack with surprise. He had to be fucking with me. Yeah, there was no other choice. The only person Matteo Genovese cared about was Matteo Genovese.

“Mat—”

“Just go now. I’m done with you,” he ordered dismissively, opening his laptop and starting to type away.

A new wave of indignation filled me at his rude dismissal. He could go fuck himself for all I cared.

I stood up stiffly and walked to the door.

“Oh, and Domenico?” he started as I touched the handle.

I turned my head, looking at him silently.

“Next time I call you? Pick up the fucking phone.”

“Understood,” I replied with the same cold tone before exiting the room.

I tried to not look as annoyed as I felt when I came out of the room but the concern in her eyes showed I didn’t fool her. Of course I didn’t; this woman was so attuned to me it was surreal.

“See you soon,topolino,” I told Enzo before reaching for her hand.

“See you soon!” India called as I pulled her out of the room.

“You’re okay?” she whispered as we walked down the corridor.

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