Page 22 of Ruined By Protection
"Damiano," I answer, switching to Italian. "We were just finishing up the security review."
"Good." His voice is clipped, all business. "I need you in my office once you're done. We need to discuss the charity gala next month."
"The one at the casino?" I check my watch. I'd planned to review the shipment manifest for our Colombian friends this afternoon, but Damiano's priorities always come first.
"Yes. The guest list needs... adjustments." The way he says it tells me this isn't just about adding a few names to the invitations.
"I'll be there in twenty."
"And Matteo," Damiano continues before I can hang up, "once you're finished with Daniel, send him to Lucrezia. She wants to go shopping."
"Daniel will be thrilled," I say dryly, catching Daniel's grimace as he overhears his assignment.
"He'll survive," Damiano replies, no sympathy in his voice. "My office. Twenty minutes." He hangs up without waiting for confirmation.
I set my phone down and look at Daniel, who's already standing, resignation written across his face.
"Babysitting duty?" he asks.
"Lucrezia needs a shopping companion." I stack the blueprints neatly.
Daniel runs a hand over his buzz cut.
I check that all the security documents are properly gathered. These plans can't leave this room except in the secure briefcase Daniel brought them in.
"Children's Hospital Annual Gala. The casino hosts it every year—perfect opportunity to display the legitimate side of our business, while rubbing elbows with New York's elite." I slide the papers into the leather portfolio. "And an excellent chance to make certain political connections."
Daniel nods, understanding the subtext. The casino may be our most visible business but the real value comes from the relationships we cultivate there—judges who look the other way, police captains who ensure our territories remain undisturbed, politicians who can be persuaded to vote in our interest.
"Good luck with Lucrezia," I say, unable to resist a small smile. "Maybe take her to Bergdorf first. That usually puts her in a good mood."
Daniel grunts, clearly unenthusiastic about his assignment. "I'd rather face down a cartel hit squad."
"No, you wouldn't." I clap him on the shoulder. "At least Lucrezia won't shoot you. Probably."
"Funny." He secures the briefcase with a click of the locks.
I follow Daniel down to the underground parking level beneath the Feretti office building. The garage is pristine—polished concrete floors and perfect lighting. No dingy corners or suspicious stains here. The Ferettis keep everything immaculate, whether it’s their money laundering or their parking garages.
"I'll meet you there," I tell Daniel as he heads toward his black Audi SUV—the standard-issue vehicle for Feretti security.
My Ducati Panigale waits in its reserved spot, gleaming under the overhead lights. I run my hand over the sleek red body, feeling the cool metal beneath my palm. This bike is the one indulgence I allow myself—pure Italian engineering and speed.
Daniel gives me a nod as he slides into his car. "Try not to get yourself killed on that thing."
"Where's the fun in that?" I grin, swinging my leg over the seat and feeling the machine come alive beneath me.
I pull out first, the SUV following behind as we exit onto the street. The mid-afternoon Manhattan traffic is heavy but predictable. I weave between cars while Daniel remains trapped in the gridlock. The bike gives me freedom in a city where space is the ultimate luxury.
Twenty minutes later I pull up at the Feretti mansion in the most exclusive part of the Upper East Side. Daniel arrives a few minutes after me, looking annoyed at being left behind.
As I remove my helmet I spot Lucrezia waiting at the entrance. She's dressed in jeans and a leather jacket. Her dark hair falls in perfect waves around her shoulders and her expression is the usual mix of boredom and irritation. At least that's what she wants to show. We all know that she uses that as a shield. I can't blame her after what she's been through.
"Finally," she calls out as Daniel parks. "I've been waiting ten minutes."
I can't resist. "Daniel's really excited about your shopping trip. He was just telling me how much he loves holding your bags while you try on clothes."
Daniel shoots me a death glare as he climbs out of the SUV.
