Page 58 of Weaponized

“First of all, Luca and his brother don’t appear to be heavily involved in the family business. Luca told me that his father wants them to finish college first,” I lie. He raises a brow as if to say“Is that the best you’ve got?”so I continue, “And, Ihavespoken to my father, Seamus. I only report to him. I’ve told him what I know.”

He doesn’t seem surprised that I’ve talked to his boss. Our boss. He was obviously sent to follow up.

“Do you know what I think?” he asks as he steps right into my space. “I think that you care for this piece of shite. I’ve seen how you look at him. And, your father doesn’t need to bother calling you to check in. I’m here.”

I force a laugh. “My father has demoted you to campus babysitter and that’s what you have to report? That I’m playing my part? Is that what the Bratva asshole who is trailing me is telling him as well?”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

I told Rowan I could get the clan thinking the Russians would betray us. This may be one such opportunity so I plant the lie. “I recognized some of Tykova’s men on campus, watching me, looking for something. Did Da not trust you enough, Seamus?”

“Listen here, you little bitch,” he seethes in my face,“I know all about your father’s plans.” Yes. He’s lying through his teeth. He’ll question others about this later. His pride won’t let him rest until he knows what the Russians have been up to. He’ll definitely cause confusion, since they haven’t been up to anything. Yet, like me, he also hasn’t forgotten his original mission. “If you can’t get close enough—no, forget that. If you’retoo closeto the Italian to deliver what’s needed, things will have to change. We don’t have time for your bullshit.”

“I have no idea what you mean, saighdiúir.” I force a calm into my voice and he snarls as I insult his rank. “I was asked to secure a husband. I will succeed. Once I’m inside the Larozzi house, it will be ours. That is why I was sent here.” I don’t even choke on the vile words. I look him straight in the eye. Never show weakness.

“That better be the case.” I fight to stay still as he moves so that he is only an inch from my face. “Because there is more than one Larozzi boy if we need to get rid of this one. Fuck, they were born redundant.” He leans in and runs his tongue up my cheek. “You are so sweet. Maybe the other brother would like a taste. Do you think you could manage not to fall in love with that one?”

How I don’t flinch is beyond me. I am a ball of fear and rage all at once. I breathe in deep through my nose, but it doesn’t help. The smell of stale cigarettes is nearly suffocating. I swallow my disgust. “Step away, Seamus, or I will hurt you.” My words are a low growl.

To my relief, he steps back. Laughs. “Oh, Gráinne. I can see why they all fall in love. It’s the sass. Well, that and the tits.” He looks me over and then laughs again. “I almost hope you fail. Once you fuck this up, your father won’t hesitate to finally let the rest of us have a go.”

“I never fail,” I tell him heatedly. “My father knows this. He also protects what is his, Seamus. Remember that.” He wouldn’t tolerate someone touching his asset.

“You need to do your job, lass. We need access and youwillprovide it. Get a ring on your finger. Insist on a big engagement party. That’s an order.”

“You don’t give me orders.”

He laughs again. “That’s fine, Gráinne. Please, ignore me. See how that works out for you.” He turns and strolls toward campus without looking back.

I’m no closer to finding out what my father has planned than when I first stepped onto campus months ago. I only know that it must relate to the timing of the building sale. I suck air into my lungs. I’ve run out of time. I’m going to have to talk to Luca. I just pray he stays calm. Calm enough for us to work out a solution. Together.

Luca

I am deep into a game of Halo with Anthony, counting down the minutes until Gráinne comes over. By my estimate, I’ve got maybe fifteen minutes or so until she gets here. She said there is some family stuff she wants to discuss with me. No idea what that’s about but I’m happy to listen.

I get the sense that something has been bothering her. Maybe she’s decided it’s time for me to meet her parents. That would be something. I wonder what the infamous Cormac O’Toole will think of his daughter wanting to be with someone who isn’t Irish.

Whatever it is, I can take care of it for her. I’m not too worried. I’m just looking forward to seeing her, as always, which is why I cleared my evening. I worked out, then spent the rest of the morning in class, had lunch with my brother, and after an hour of writing a paper, I’m now hanging with Ant. I texted Gianni earlier but he didn’t reply. I was hoping to spend time with these guys before I take my girl to dinner. But, unfortunately, it’s just me and the wise guy that’s kicking my ass at this game.

“Cous,” he says as he shoots, “you gotta come down here and practice more!This is what this room is for, not doin’ the diggity dog.”

“The diggity what?” I laugh. Who the hell ever knows what Anthony is going on about.

“Awwww, Lukey, don’t get embarrassed. So your girl is a screamer. Good for you!”

Jesus. Apparently our media room romp a couple days ago wasn’t so discreet.

“Alright, dipshit, enough.”

He snickers and then continues to annihilate me on-screen. A few more minutes pass before I throw the controller at him. “You suck.”

He ignores me in favor of looking at who is coming through the door. “Gianni is in da house!” he announces. “Glad you’re here, brother! This little guy provides no challenge at all,” Anthony motions to the screen. “Grab the loser’s controller. Show him how it’s done.”

Gianni walks into the room with a folder in his hand. He takes a seat on one of the room’s leather chairs. Nods at Anthony. “Actually, I need to talk to Luca about something. Can I have the room?”

Anthony suddenly turns serious and, if I’m being honest, I’m a little alarmed. Gianni looks nervous. “Is it the Russians? Something else happen?” Anthony asks.

Gianni slowly shakes his head. “No. It’s about Luca. Do you mind?” He motions to the door.

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