Page 51 of Sexting the Don

"It’s just a rumor right now, but word has it Garadino thinks you’ve got a spy in his organization. And that your men are stirring up trouble in his territory," Sean finally says.

I frown at this. A couple of my guys have indeed been scouting some small businesses in Garadino's neighborhood. These moves were meant to be low-key and kept under the radar. They are simply preliminary feelers, nothing aggressive or overt.

"Those operations were supposed to be discreet, reconnaissance-only missions. How did Garadino get wind of them?" I mutter more to myself than to Sean, piecing together the implications.

Sean shrugs, his expression grim. "Don’t know. But if he’s putting this together with rumors of a spy, it could spell trouble.He might think you’re making a move against him."

This information shifts things slightly, adding a layer of urgency and danger to the upcoming meeting. If Garadino is already on edge, thinking I'm encroaching on his territory with spies and sneaky maneuvers, it could make negotiations more volatile.

"All right, keep your ears open. Tighten things up on our side. I need to know exactly what Garadino is thinking when I walk into that meeting," I instruct.

"Will do, boss. I’ll double-check our guys, make sure everything’s tight."

As Sean leaves to follow up on our security measures, I sit back, pondering my next steps.

I pull out my phone and dial Bo, one of my trusted men overseeing the business acquisitions. I need to get a handle on how things are progressing and ensure there are no loose ends, especially not now.

"Update me on the acquisitions. How are things on the ground?" I ask as soon as he picks up.

Bo's voice comes through, tense and braced with frustration. "Boss, we've got a bit of a situation. Jimmy Charles has been snooping around, asking too many questions. We had to set him straight and told him to back off."

I clench my teeth, my grip tightening on the phone. Fucking Jimmy Charles. Every time there's a problem, his name seems to surface. And now, with his family under my roof, the stakes are even more complicated.

"We need to keep a tight lid on this. How exposed are we?" I press, my mind racing.

"We're handling it, boss. Kept it clean; no way to trace anything back to us. But he's persistent, sniffing around like he's got something to prove," Bo reports.

I pause, weighing my options. Jimmy’s interference could not only jeopardize our operations but also threaten the safety and stability I promised Mandy and her mother.

"Listen, Bo, I’m not concerned just about the business here. Jimmy’s family, his wife and daughter, are under my protection now," I say, making my priorities crystal clear. "I need to protect Mandy from him, which means keeping her mother safe as well. We can’t afford slip-ups."

Bo's response is immediate, his loyalty unquestionable. "Understood, boss. We’ll keep it tight. And if Jimmy shows his face again, we’ll handle it more ... decisively."

"Good. Keep me updated, and make sure he doesn’t get wind of anything that could lead him back to Mandy and her mother’s whereabouts.”

Protecting Mandy and Florence is not just about their immediate safety from Jimmy. It's also ensuring they never feel the fallout from the darker side of my life.

"Will do, Mr. Martelli. You’ve got my word," Bo assures me before we end the call.

I hang up, frustration settling in. Jimmy Charles is becoming more than just a nuisance—he’s a potential threat to the peace I’m trying to create for Mandy.

As I set my phone down, my mind is already turning over the next moves, planning how to fortify not just my business but the sanctuary I’ve offered to the two people who are becoming moreimportant to me by the day.

Chapter 23

Mandy

Ihop out of the Uber and stand there for a second, gawking at the mansion that I'm currently calling home. It’s practically a palace and every time I see it, I have to pinch myself. Is this real? It is. For now, at least.

I spot a light on in the guest house. It's a relief that feels like a warm hug. Mom’s finally got her own space, no Jimmy in sight to stir up trouble.Knowing she's safe and sound gives me a little rush of happiness.

Still riding the high from my workout session with Natalie and definitely feeling the sweat, I head inside the main house. Walking into Enzo’s place never gets old—it’s like crossing into some fancy, trouble-free zone.

I make a beeline for the kitchen, desperate for a cold drink. I snag a bottle of water from the fridge, twist off the cap, and take a massive gulp.

Leaning against the counter, I take a moment to just chill and savor the peace. The house is quiet and serene. I think about dinner later with Mom, how calm she’s been since moving here,and what Enzo might have up his sleeve for just the two of us later tonight. Between the crazy chemistry we have and this unexpected domestic vibe, life’s feeling pretty wild in the best way possible.

I toss the empty water bottle in the recycling bin and decide it's time to freshen up before dinner. As I wander toward the bathroom I think of Enzo, how he’s been such an unexpected pillar of strength and kindness.

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