Page 26 of Mafia King: Matteo
“I might need it to keep Alena happy during the engagement period. Its location will ease her into a more secluded lifestyle after we’re married.”
“Speaking of marriage, will you be taking a honeymoon?”
“Doubtful. It’s not safe to travel as long as someone is trying to unseat me.”
“Any idea who it might be?”
“My best guess is it’s one of my uncles. I’m not worried about Carlo so much, but the other two,” my voice trails off, and I shrug. “There’s always the possibility it’s one of the other Italian families here. Santino Moretti is Cosa Nostra, and he’s well-connected in Chicago, Detroit, Boston, and Philadelphia. The Morettis have the most to gain from taking over our territory.”
“No one has seen the old man in some time.”
“It’s better that way, isn’t it? It keeps your enemies guessing. I’m surprised his son isn’t running the business by now. Santino’s getting up there in age.”
“There is no age limit on crime. Besides, many of these guys end up in prison or sickly.”
“Speak for yourself,” I growl under my breath.
“Oh, well. You, my friend, are the exception,” Gio adds to recover from his unintended insult.
As the driver pulls up to the club, Gio pulls his gun from the holster under his jacket and puts it in the glove box. Then he gets out and opens my door. I step out and button my Armani suit jacket as we walk straight to the front of the line. Bouncers, knowing we mean business and have money to spend, let us in immediately.
Once inside, I glance around the cavernous club. There are two levels: the top, no doubt, the VIP level. I size up the competition dressed in expensive suits with personal security as their wingman. Some of these men are local officials or politicians, but I don’t recognize anyone I’ve bribed recently.
“Alena will be at a VIP table,” I say, scanning the faces on the second floor. “There she is,” I point out, spotting my future queen in a skin-tight red dress. “Who’s that with her?”
“His name is Kirill. He works for Pasnov. He’s a low-level threat and probably just her friend.”
“Or are they something more?” I growl, pushing past people to cross the dance floor. At the bottom of the steps, I stop abruptly.
“What’s the matter?” Gio asks.
“I need to lay low until the deal is sealed. Get me a napkin and a pen.”
Gio snatches a cocktail napkin off a nearby table, and the couple sitting there looks annoyed, but when I glare at them, they get up and leave. Good.
He hands me the napkin and fishes a pen from inside his coat pocket. I write “Meet me by the restrooms. Mr. Grey.” I fold it in half and hand it to him.
“Find a way to give it to her without tipping off Kirill. And make sure she’s not followed.”
“Got it.” Gio leaves to carry out my mission. I watch him climb the steps and bump into their table like he’s drunk. It’s a classic move and one I’ve used a few times myself.
Message delivered. I make my way towards the bar, and my heart races. What the fuck am I doing chasing after a woman in a club? Then I remember we met in a sex club and that we have a pattern of fucking in new places.
That’s what’s turning me on, the adrenaline rush of having sex in public. It’s the risk of getting caught that makes me horny.
Needing a drink, I order a vodka martini from the bartender and take it with me as I explore the club. Spotting a short corridor, I walk down the dark hallway until I find a door with a sign that reads Manager. I check the doorknob, and it’s locked.
I backtrack to a spot near the restrooms and wait, hidden behind a fat man who could use a gastric bypass.
My pulse quickens as she approaches. When she’s within reach, I grab her arm and pull her towards me.
“Oh,” she gasps before she realizes it’s me.
“Someone’s out late,” I say, sipping my drink.
“I’m beginning to think you’re following me,” she replies and playfully tugs on my tie.
I take a mouthful of martini and close my lips around hers so I can funnel the drink into her mouth. She swallows and sucks the vodka off my lips.
