Page 39 of Destino

“Well done.” Giovanni downed a shot of his malt and swallowed an ice cube. He needed something to cool him off. The doors to the villa opened and in drifted the soft giggles of a woman. He glanced up as Lorenzo strolled inside with his arm draped over the redhead. Both of them had wet hair and deep flushed looks. It appeared that his cousin had done much better in his pursuits.

“This looks serious,” Fabiana smiled at the men. “Is Mira upstairs?”

Giovanni nodded.

She rose on her toes and kissed Lorenzo. “I’ll go find her. See you for a late lunch. Okay?”

Lorenzo nodded and let her go. Giovanni noticed how his cousin kept his eyes trained on her hips. “Woman is a firecracker. You have no idea.” Lorenzo whistled. Carlo snickered but Dominic cut his eyes away in disgust.

“How are things?” Lorenzo asked.

Dominic rose. “I’m heading back home, to see to Catalina.”

Lorenzo nodded. “You do that little one. I’ll handle business with Giovanni. That is until Flavio returns.”

Dominic glared. Lorenzo never missed a moment to point out that Flavio was consigliere and their young surrogate cousin was just a stand in. Giovanni waited for the tension to pass. He didn’t need to speak. The men gave each other a nod of reprieve and parted. Carlo rose next. He walked over and slapped Lorenzo on the back. Grabbing his neck, he whispered in his ear. Lorenzo roared with laughter. Carlo sauntered out.

“You don’t look to be pleased.” Lorenzo tossed Giovanni’s way.

“I have a lot on my mind.”

“And the designer? She was supposed to give you some relief. How was she?”

“Watch your fucking mouth. Don’t speak of her in that way.”

Lorenzo’s brows shot up. “Scusi.Guess she’s made an impression on you.”

Giovanni headed to the bar to refresh his drink.

“Are you falling for that designer?” Lorenzo pressed.

“What?”

“This is a first. You usually don’t visit Bellagio for long. On my way in, I saw the boys. Looks like you might be here for a few more days.”

“I have business in Bellagio thanks to you. Thecaberinerihave dispatched two inspectors. They’ve asked to see me directly.”

“Of course.” Lorenzo grumbled with forced restraint. “What are your plans for afterward?”

“Afterward?”

“Our guests?” Lorenzo’s gaze switched to the ceiling to emphasize his meaning.

“Aww, Mira. She and I have unfinished business. A private matter.”

“The favor she owes for the building you want in Napoli? Still negotiating?”

“I don’t negotiate, you know that.” He’d forgotten her rebuke of his offer. Fuck he’d buy her four buildings if she’d let him run his hand up under her skirt just once more. “She’s unlike any other woman I’ve met since my return to Italia. I find her interesting.” He turned from the bar and sipped his drink, locking gazes with Lorenzo from over the top of the glass.

“You do know she could never fit in your world. A fling is the best you could hope for.”

“What about her friend? You two look pretty cozy.” He returned to his seat and plopped down.

“Fabiana? Don’t let the red hair fool you. She’s Italian. A hot little sex kitten. I can’t get enough of the pussy, now that she’s finally given me a taste. But I’m not a man to settle down. She understands this. You, however, cousin, well let’s just say we see things differently when it comes to women.”

Giovanni chuckled. “No shit.”

“That friend of hers, I’m not too sure about. She’s a bit jumpy. A bit of adonna. Imagine molding her into a Battaglia wife?”

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