Page 25 of His Ruthless Obsession

"We need to start picking them off. Anyone sees a Mantione near the club, I want to know." I rise from my chair, pacing the length of my office. "Get eyes on their new shipment routes. I want to know where they're storing their product."

"Already got Ray and Carmine watching their warehouses by the pier."

"Good." I pause at the window overlooking the club's entrance below. Two of my men flank the doors, checking IDs with practiced efficiency. "What about our friend at the docks?"

"Says they're bringing in twice their usual shipments. Something big's coming."

The door opens and Marco steps in, phone in hand. "Got word from our guy inside their organization. Luca's planning to take over three more blocks in our territory."

"Like hell he is." I turn back to my men. "Tell our suppliers to cut them off. I want their cocaine supply chain disrupted by morning."

"They'll retaliate," Tony warns.

"Let them try." I pick up one of the photos, crumpling it in my fist. "I've got something better. Remember that cop on their payroll? Just found out his kid's got a gambling problem. Time to make a new friend."

Marco grins. "Want me to arrange a meeting?"

"Set it up. And get word to the Costas. Much as I hate dealing with them, we might need their muscle if this gets ugly. If they're willing."

"What about the club?" Ray asks.

"Install those new security cameras I ordered. And tell the bartenders to keep their eyes open. If they spot any unfamiliar faces asking questions, I want to know immediately."

I pull out my phone, scrolling through messages from my street-level informants. "One more thing. That warehouse Luca thinks is empty? Fill it with our guys. When they try to move in, we'll be waiting."

The tension in the room shifts to something darker, more focused. This is what we do best - strategic warfare played out in shadows and whispers, where every move could mean life or death.

“Another thing,” Marco interjects. “It seems the Mantiones have pissed off the Cappallettis. Heard the don’s niece got taken.”

I raise a brow. “Pity. Get me some info on her, yeah?”

He nods. “I’ll look into it.”

After wrapping up business, I head to the penthouse. The private elevator opens directly into her space, where I find her watering plants on the terrace. She's wearing tight black leggings and a cropped tank that rides up when she reaches for the higher planters.

"Working late again?" She doesn't turn around.

"Someone has to keep things running." I shrug off my jacket, rolling up my sleeves. It's been a fight, but I've got her managing the club in the afternoons and leaving before midnight. The club manager doesn't need to be there so late when we have bartenders and bouncers for a reason. "Need help with those?"

"I've got it."

I move behind her anyway, reaching past to adjust the spray nozzle. My chest brushes her back. She stiffens but doesn't pull away.

"The leaves are getting brown. You're overwatering."

"Since when are you a plant expert?" Jazz steps sideways, maintaining distance.

"I pay attention." I grab the water pitcher from her hands, our fingers brushing. "Here, let me show you."

She crosses her arms. "I don't need plant lessons at midnight."

I'm not great at leaving work before midnight. But for her, I'm trying.

"No?" I set the pitcher down, closing the space between us. "What do you need?"

Her breath catches. "Nothing from you."

"Liar." I trace a finger down her arm. "Your pulse says otherwise."

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