Page 3 of Clash Of Worlds

I just wish I could pinpoint what was going on. But I knew something was about to happen tonight.

I walked out of the room as I buttoned my jacket and fixed the cuffs, heading into the living room.

"Did you beef up the security, O'Malley?" I questioned as I entered.

"Yes, Boss. But do you think it will be needed with all of us there, plus others."

I merely lifted a brow at him.

It wasn't the question I had a problem with because it wasn't that he was undermining me. It was just the thought he had of not trusting me. And the fact that he was relying on other peopleto protect us. Each security detail there would protect their own, not help ours. "Do we know anything about this new threat?"

"Still checking into it, Boss."

"Then yes, every last protection detail is needed. Until you boneheads can hurry up with information, I will protect my family the best way I know how."

They all nodded and muttered their own ‘yes boss’ but I wasn’t hearing it. This was something that was common knowledge, I shouldn’t have to remind them. With a shake of my head, I left them and headed off to my limo, knowing that I needed to keep an eye on things while still being at the mayor’s side.

Well, me and Russo, for all he could be trusted. I didn’t think he was behind the attacks, not if the grapevine information was accurate. Which meant, we had a common enemy.

If there was ever fucking something I hated, it was being kept in the dark. I didn’t like surprises, and I didn’t like not knowing things. It always left you looking like a dumbass, and it was a look I did not care for.

I frowned to myself as the limo pulled up to the huge white house. I clocked the security men the mayor had and unless he had others hidden, there wasn’t nearly as much as I would think.

After another brief glance around, I made my way inside, easily spotting the man of the hour and walked over to shake his hand.

“Mayor,” I muttered, giving his hand a firm shake before turning to Russo, giving him a brief nod, which he returned. We might be rivals, but we knew when to be civil. “Nice turn out,” I replied dryly while taking a glass of champagne from a passing waiter.

“Not too bad of a gathering.”

I gave Russo a smirk, about ready to say something when a beautiful goddess who had looked simply breathtaking inher golden dress that only complimented her brown skin tone appeared at his side.

Lucia

“Dad,” I whispered, clutching his arm tightly, “I can’t find mom.”

“Don’t worry, sweetie. She couldn’t have gone far. I’m sure eyes are on her.”

I glanced around, trying to find her before looking at the man who was talking to my dad. A man I hadn’t met before, but by his devilishly good looks, and teasing green eyes, I knew exactly who he was.

“Doyle, have you met Lucia Russo, my eldest daughter?”

“No, I don’t think I have. Pleasure, Lucia.”

“Trevor Doyle.” I held out my hand for him, which he took and brought to his lips. I wished I could explain the strange sensation that a mere brush of his lips did to my skin, but there was nothing I could even compare it to describe it. “It’s a pleasure to meet the other mastermind of this city.”

“Oh, no, that’s not me. That’s all your father.”

“Doyle, flattery will get you nowhere tonight,” my dad told him, giving him an eye, which I felt was rather uncalled for. Trevor hadn’t done anything wrong, no reason to get so up in arms. Besides, it wasn’t stated that I couldn’t talk to the rivals, it was just frowned upon.

“Really, Dad?”

“Excuse me, Russo, may I have a word?” I peeked around my dad to see the mayor grab his arm and then turned my attention back to the man before me who filled out a suit better than anyone I had ever seen.

“Don’t you need to talk to him too?”

“Oh no Lucia, that man will not talk to both of us at the same time. It does seem, to me, that it was rather rude he left you alone.”

“Did he though? I believe he’s putting more faith in you that you won’t dash off with his child.”

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