Page 60 of His Ruthless Obsession

"And you can find them?"

"Already have." He slides the tablet over. "These are their current camera positions. Notice anything interesting about the blind spots?"

I study the layout while watching Mikayla lean closer to Elliott, ostensibly to see the screen. Their shoulders brush. Neither moves away.

"Do you think you'd have time to come meet my…" Wow. I never really thought about how I'd introduce Nerio now. He's not just my boss. But is he my boyfriend? My…lover? I don't know what to say so I settle on, "Nerio."

He stands, offering a hand to Mikayla. "Why don't I drop Mikayla off at home, and I'll meet you over there now?"

My eyes are on my friend, who is smiling up at Elliott as she takes his hand. "That would be perfect."

I leave with Tony, not missing the way that Mikayla and Elliot are still standing alone in the office, staring at each other.

That is very, very interesting.

But I'm more surprised when I get to Nerio's office in the center of the city, and Elliott is already standing by the front door. He smiles at me, the look softening his otherwise intimidating demeanor, as I approach.

I lead Elliott through the glossy marble lobby of Nerio's office building, Tony trailing behind us. The elevator ride is silent, my stomach doing flips as we ascend to the top floor. I'm not sure how Nerio will react to me bringing an outsider into his space unannounced, but surely Tony would have said something if I shouldn't.

The doors open to reveal Marco standing guard. His eyes narrow at Elliott.

"He's with me." I step forward. "Is Nerio in?"

Marco nods, pressing his earpiece. "Boss, Jazz is here. She's brought company."

We're waved through to Nerio's office. He's standing behind his desk, radiating tension as his steel-gray eyes lock onto Elliott. The temperature in the room seems to drop ten degrees.

"What's this?" Nerio's voice is deceptively calm.

"This is Elliott. He's a friend of Mikayla's, and he might be able to help with our Mantione situation."

Elliott maintains a respectful distance from me, hands visible at his sides. Smart guy. "Mr. Bueti. I understand you're having some technical difficulties with your neighbors."

Nerio's jaw tightens. "And you think you can help?"

"I know I can." Elliott pulls out his tablet. "I've already mapped their security system weaknesses. Camera blind spots, network vulnerabilities, access points." He sets the tablet on Nerio's desk. "Their new setup isn't as impenetrable as they think."

Nerio studies the screen, his expression unchanging. "And what do you want in return?"

"A favor." Elliott meets Nerio's gaze steadily. "Nothing specific right now. Just the knowledge that if I need something in the future, I can call."

"You're one of Costa's guys." Nerio's eyes narrow. It's not a question.

"I do occasional work for them, yes." Elliott doesn't flinch. "But this would be between us."

Nerio circles his desk slowly, like a predator sizing up potential prey. "And why should I trust you?"

"Because I could have hacked your systems instead of coming to you directly." Elliott's voice remains calm. "And because Jazz trusts Mikayla, who vouches for me."

I hold my breath as Nerio considers this, his eyes flicking briefly to me before returning to Elliott.

Nerio's jaw works as he considers Elliott's offer. His fingers drum against the polished surface of his desk - a rare tell of his internal debate. A capo owing favors is dangerous territory, especially to someone connected to another family.

"And you're certain you can access their systems?" Nerio's voice carries that dangerous edge I've come to recognize.

"Already have." Elliott maintains his calm demeanor. "I could show you their security feeds right now if you'd like."

Nerio's eyes narrow. "Do it."

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