Page 8 of Memento Mori
I sarcastically chuckled and pursed my lips. It was difficult to not interpret it as a personal attack. I worked my ass off for days gaining this information. Broke through major firewalls and encrypted networks. Of course, my information was accurate.
“I infiltrated the FBI and CIA mainframe, and the Colombian government’s intelligence agency. It is accurate.”
Antonio’s eyes grew wider, causing my stomach to flutter. My skills impressed him, and it made me happy. “You’re a hacker?” Antonio asked.
My gaze was fixed on him as I smirked. “I dislike the term hacker, but yes, I can slip into any computer mainframe if I need to.”
He stared at me, and everyone else faded away, like we were the only two people in the room. It was as if he were pulling me in with some invisible web until the clearing of Demon’s throat. My eyes shot to him, and embarrassment crawled up my spine, and over my face. I had been caught ogling my friend’s brother.
“Sorry. Hmm... kay. Where was I?” I stammered.
“Take your time,” Demon said, laughing.
Aaliyah this is work. Get your head out of the clouds.
“Oh, yes... Santiago won the internal dispute by eliminating Aldus Blanco Jr., although they haven’t recovered his body. As of now, the local authorities have him listed as a missing person, but it also seems that they are in no hurry to locate the body. Word is, they do not want to be on the bad side of the new leader. But he is still determining who is loyal to him and that is including the local authorities.”
“What do you have on Santiago Diaz?” Demon asked.
I reached for the stack of papers, briefly glancing through it, then handing most of them back to him. “You have received all I found on the guy. I’ll let you read through it on your own, but Santiago Diaz is as bad as they come, Austin. Blanco’s ruthlessness is legendary. I guarantee it is nothing compared to Santiago Diaz. Aldus Blanco chose his successor wisely.”
They all appeared deep in thought. There was a lot to discuss and plan.
“Well, this is the last I will say on this matter because I have to leave so I’m not late for my next meeting.” I glanced down at my watch and grimaced at the time. I was cutting it close and might be a few minutes late. “Santiago is ten times worse than Blanco. He’s putting people’s heads on sticks, for God’s sake. I’ve never experienced cruelty at this level other than Mr. Sefu. You guys should not take him lightly. Study the information and be safe.”
Razor embraced me as I stood. This enemy worried me, but I was sure that if anyone could handle Santiago, it would be the men sitting in this room. “I will see you the next time I’m in town,” I said. “If you guys need me for anything at all before then, do not hesitate to call Mr. Sefu. He will pass the message along to me, and I will do all I can to help.”
“Thanks, Aaliyah,” Demon said.
“Anytime, Austin. I will see you guys later.”
The scraping stool caught my attention. Antonio stood before Razor could escort me out. “Do you mind if I walk you out?” he asked.
A wave of excitement washed over me. I couldn’t quite figure out what it was about Antonio that intrigued me, maybe it was the stories Chantal told. I already felt like I knew him.
“That would be lovely. Thank you, Antonio.” I turned my attention to the other Rizzo. “And Alessandro, it was very nice to meet you.”
He gave a nod. I said my last goodbyes to Razor and Demon, then Antonio led me out the kitchen to the front door. The warmth from the palm of his hand against my lower back sent a shiver of want down my spine. A desire I’d never experienced with another man.
He opened the front door and escorted me out to the awaiting town car.
As I pivoted on my heels, my breath caught in my throat. The man was beautiful. He was at least six foot four inches of nothing but lean muscle. Tattoos peaked out from under the unbuttoned collar of a white dress shirt. With a short sleek haircut and manicured nails, the man oozed danger and sex appeal.
The breeze captured the fragrant smell of his cologne, and I bit my lip to trap the moan itching to escape my throat. Good smelling men were my downfall.
“Thank you for letting me walk you out,” he said.
“No. Thank you.”
He paused briefly, just gazing. His face lit up with a smile, and a deep chuckle escaped his lips, making me burst into laughter.
“I feel like a schoolboy with a crush.” He looked away, and my head dropped. Heat crept up my neck. When he focused back on me his smile widened. “Would it be all right if I called you some time?”
My eyes widened in shock. Was he serious?
“Um... sure if you would like. Let me see your phone.”
He retrieved his phone from his pocket, unlocked it, and handed it to me. I put my number in then handed him his phone. He glanced at it briefly before returning his gaze to me.
