Page 42 of Consequences
Antonio jumps in straight away. “Nicolo is almost completely healed, and is ready to resume the majority of his duties. We’re still having to be careful on operations, with the LEOs sniffing around. However, the LEOs overall have been very quiet, which is concerning. I’ve been taking the lists that Marcus and Ignacio feed me and investigating them. We have found a few things.”
At Antonio’s gesture, Ignacio takes over. “We’ve found four more moles. They’ve been exterminated. There’s still no way they would have had access to everything on the list. Antonio also investigated a couple of LEOs, and we found some…concerning information there. We haven’t taken them out yet, as Antonio hasn’t finished completely. However, at this point, we are comfortable saying that the locals are fucked without federal oversight. For a while, they were scrambling, but then all of a sudden, they went quiet. It makes us think there’s someone else who stepped in to take control.”
Grunting, I acknowledge him. It pisses me off, but we knew Tom Court wasn’t truly in charge. I had hoped that there would at least be more information on him, but the fucker left things too clean, and Hollis is still going through the data Antonio acquired. It’s been a fucking month and we still have so little to show for it…
“Very well. Tomorrow there will be a formal meeting regarding everything both we and the Amatos have found. I want you to push more. I want more information that we can give to the Amatos.” I meet each of my Boys’s stares. They know not to let me down, especially as they haven’t faced their punishments yet.
“Will, uh, this be in person, or…?” Benjamin asks hesitantly, and immediately curses. I quirk an eyebrow at Emilio, who is sitting next to him, but my Caro gives me an innocent expression—one I don’t buy at all.
I ignore the question, not willing to give anything to the Boys. They’ll find out when it happens. Until then, I’ll keep them on edge.
Finishing the last of my dessert, I place my silverware down and wait for the maids to collect our dishes.
“Emilio, I believe you have another PT session tonight. I’ll be in my office doing paperwork. Come meet me there when you’re done.” I stand up and nod toward the table before leaving.
Reaching my office, I roll my shoulders back as I take a seat. The sanctity of my house still feels breached from those fucking cops. I haven’t put my “guest” room back, or the black room, even though I’ve been itching to do so.
Until this is straightened out, I agree with Jenna—it’s not the safest idea. But fuck if some of my Boys haven’t earned a spot in that black room. At least Emilio made sure the playroom and nursery weren’t touched. Laughing quietly, I wonder how much it crossed his mind to get rid of his nursery.
Shaking my head, I start going through the paperwork, but eventually, I can’t concentrate. Leaning back in the chair, I curse as I dial an all too familiar number. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I wait for it to connect. It doesn’t take more than two rings before it does.
“Amico Mio…this is becoming quite the habit.”Cristian’s voice is steady as he answers, not needing to say hello anymore.
I grit my teeth, because he’s right. As allies, it was rare that we talked, but now? Now it’s almost daily. I retort quickly, “If it’s not me, it’s you calling.”
With a burst of laughter, Cristian says,“This is true. Siamo ormai intrecciati. E non si tratta solo delle nostre famiglie.”
Snorting, I can’t disagree with that. “After everything we’ve been through, neither of us should be surprised.”
“Is something bothering you, Amico Mio?”
“Your…hacker…sent my Boy books. Again.” I purse my lips, dual anger and worry hitting my system.
“Ah.”Cristian pauses, seemingly searching for something to say. We both know I’m fucked though.“If it makes you feel better, I’m having to stop Carter from buying out toy stores for Cole.”
“That is much less worrying,” I grumble, although it’s fun to hear the sourness in his voice.
I hear the splashing of liquid in a glass, and I consider pouring myself a drink as well.“It could be worse. Tennant could be sending body parts to Benjamin.”
Grimacing, I shudder at the thought. “Your pet psychopath… Benjamin has changed completely.”
“From my understanding, your Boy encouraged Benjamin to train under Tennant. And after that…”
“Right, after that it cascaded from there, and all of a sudden, there’s an Amato-Martelli Curse that led to everyone pairing up. Except for Marcus and Keegan, thank fuck.” Neither of us mention each other—or Carter. It’s safer that way. Chuckling, I add, “Even Sarah seems to miss Doc, and who the hell thought that would happen!”
After sharing a laugh about our two doctors, we chat about the upcoming meeting. We’re still trying to decide whether to doit in person or over video. From the sounds of it, he’s having the same issue I am. My Family wants to see his. Well, perhaps it's slightly different for him. His Family wants to fucking own mine, and mine seem all too happy to let that happen.
As we sign off on the call, with no decision made yet, a quiet knock comes on the door. I don’t bother calling out. Instead, I head over to open it, and stare at my Emilio. The smile he gives me almost breaks me, and he doesn’t even realize it. I’ve seen him smile for his best friend, for others, but it’s never the same as when he does it for me. I lean in and capture his mouth, giving him a slow kiss.
“Are you done for the night, Master?” he asks huskily.
“Yes, Little One. I think it’s time we head to bed. After all, Sarah gave me a great report…” Emilio’s moss green eyes darken in anticipation. Sex hasn’t been on the table since he’s been injured, but tonight… Tonight I’ll have more than just him sleeping in my arms.
As soon as we make it into my room, I nudge him into the bathroom. No words are spoken as I turn on the shower. I run my fingers through his hair, gently kissing him, before taking off his shirt and workout pants.
I trace the bullet wounds he’s gotten from this life, a familiar sense of fury and fear filling me. I shove it away, trying to force myself to make peace with what happened—yet knowing I’ll see it in my sleep again and again.
I stop Emilio from helping me undress, enjoying his pout. There will be plenty of fun later, but for now…edging is just beginning. He whimpers as I unbutton my dress shirt, pushing it, and the suit jacket, off. It's clear he’s having to restrain himself. All the times he’s been taught to undress me, to make sure everything is folded or hung up for dry cleaning, must be running through his mind.
