Page 27 of Vanished in Vegas

“Vacations?” Her eyes widened. I nodded in response. “Vacations without you?”

“Yes. Vacations without me,” I laughed.

“Wow. That’s impressive.”

“Oh, yeah. Why’s that?”

“I just know that most boss– You’re a boss, right? I mean, I did some research into you before my life went to hell in a handbasket back in Jersey.”

She had looked me up? The thought of her wanting to know more about me meant I hadn’t been wrong about the attraction I felt between us. I was both flattered and turned on.

“And what’d the internet say?” I grinned. She rolled her eyes and laughed.

“Looking you up on the internet would be a sure way to lead the F.B.I. to your doorstep.” She took a drink of orange juice then set the glass back down. “I didn’t use a computer to ask about you.”

“Who’d you ask then?”

Her cheeks reddened and she lowered her eyes to the tray.

“I asked a few close friends of mine if they had heard anything about you,” she said, finally looking at me. “Then they asked a few of their close friends. People they could trust.”

“I see,” I nodded. “And what’d they find out?”

“Just that you’re the head of the Berlusconi Family. And like every other boss, not someone to be taken lightly.”

“And that didn’t scare you?”

“No.” There wasn’t any hesitation in her answer. The single word was firm and spoke volumes. “Guess I like to play with fire,” she shrugged.

“I assure you, Sofia. I won’t hurt you.”

“You keep saying that.” She set her fork down. “But what exactly is your plan with me?”

“I honestly haven’t thought one through yet. Wanted your opinion.”

“And I get a say in your plan?” She seemed shocked. Not that I could blame her. Mob bosses generally didn’t ask thehostagefor their opinions. It was usually pretty cut and dry.

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“You aren’t very good at this hostage thing,” she giggled, making me laugh.

“I’m starting to realize this.”

***

While Sofia ate, we had small-talked about the food and how she slept. Nothing else was mentioned about my plans for her or why I had even kidnapped her. She would teeter on the line but back away from the topic. I didn’t push the conversation because I honestly didn’t have the answers. I was still trying to figure it all out myself.

“Boss, you okay?” Niccolai asked.

“I’m fine,” I said, bringing my attention back to the room.

I was currently sitting at the head of the table in my office. Niccolai sat to my right. Eddie to my left. The rest of the table was filled with two of my other caporegimes– Carlo and Vincent– and soldiers.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Come in,” I announced. The door opened and Monty stepped inside.

“He’s here, Boss,” he said.

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