Page 48 of Mob Boss's Second Chance

The ears.

The desperation.The same desperation that drove me to kiss Natalie yesterday.I told myself I’d stay away, but when I walked into that aisle and saw her talking to herself, I couldn’t stay away.

It didn’t matter if her obliviousness was real or a well-placed tactic—I had to have her. And I did.

Then came the regret. No. I shake my head, momentarily forgetting Joe Geller’s presence. It wasn’t about regret.

Feelings. That was the problem. The way she made me feel. It was too much—too intense, too consuming, too foreign. I couldn’t handle it. So, I did what any real gentleman would do.

I left her there.

“Stupid,” I mutter under my breath, rubbing my chin.

Joe clears his throat, reminding me he still exists. “Uh… are we on board with the deal?”

I roll my eyes. The pest.

“Go,” I wave him off dismissively. “I’ll reach out when I’ve made a decision.”

He hesitates for a second, probably wondering if he should push his luck, but ultimately turns to leave. Before he reaches the door, I call out.

“Take that with you,” I point at the file he left on my desk. “I know every inch of what I control. I don’t need the prosecution’s office pretending they have the upper hand.”

When the door clicks shut behind him, I finally lean back, running a hand through my hair.

Natalie.

What have I gotten myself into?

My phone begins to vibrate at that moment, giving me a reprieve from my burden. It turns out to be my other burden, Anthony.

“What do you want, Anthony?”

“I’m close by. And no,” he adds before I can comment, “I did not go to a party or hang out with misfits. I came for legit business, and I thought I’d see my cousin.”

Perfect timing. I could do with Anthony’s help regarding the deal—although I’m not sure how sound his advice will be.

“Come,” I say. “I need to talk to you.”

He shows up minutes later wearing distressed jeans and a black shirt. “Hey, cousin,” he grins as he sits, crossing his legs. “What’s up?”

“Joe Geller came by.”

“The bastard?” he scoffs. “I told you I should’ve paid him a visit. Two broken kneecaps and a threat to take his daughter far away would’ve done the trick. What did he want this time?”

“A deal,” I say casually, careful not to put any persuasive inflection in my tone. I don’t want Anthony to think I’m considering it, so it doesn’t affect his response. “Intel on other mafia groups andgangs. In return, we give them one of our clubs. Or restaurants,” I shrug. “They weren’t specific.”

He’s going to say yes.

Anthony pushes the chair back in an explosion of anger. “The bastards,” he spits as he paces my office. “The fucking bastard. They’re trying to take it away from us bit by bit. Before you know it, they’ve taken everything.”

I click my tongue quietly.

Well, that makes sense. I don’t support the steps he took before arriving at his conclusion, but I respect it.

He turns to me, eyes filled with rage. “Let me send them a message. It’ll be subtle but firm. Nobody messes with the Cross family.”

“There’s nothing subtle about you, Anthony,” I say. “I don’t want to start a war with the law either.”

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