Page 74 of Gamble with Me
"I want to meet with the Americans this afternoon," I replied, lifting a brow when Malin stood up and took the bowl in his hand. "What are you…"
I didn't get to finish. He headed to the kitchen, and five seconds later, I heard banging, coughing, and the cutlery hitting the marble floor.
"Seriously?" I shook my head in annoyance while Dorian chuckled into his mug.
"You know he gets violent when someone messes with his oatmeal," he pointed out, bursting into laughter when Malin returned with a deadly expression.
"Do I still have a cook?" I asked, leaning into my seat. The toast on my plate wasn't the most delicious I had ever eaten, either, but I needed someone to cook until Sandro returned from Venezuela.
"I don't think so." Malin shrugged, plopping on the chair beside me. "I broke his fingers."
"Jesus Christ," I sighed, rubbing my tired eyes. I’d barely slept three hours after I drove Valeria home. My stomach churned with disgust at the idea of her spending time with her husband.
The only camera I had at my disposal was the one in the teddy bear, which showed nothing. Her car was parked where I left it, and nothing suggested that something was off with her, but I was restless. She was at home, probably sleeping after an exhausting night, yet I couldn't find peace.
She belonged with me. She should be upstairs, sleeping in my bed while I dealt with the regular morning bullshit. She should be around to brighten my day after tedious meetings. She should be here, not with her idiotic husband, who didn't value and appreciate the treasure he had at home.
The inability to have her by my side kept getting on my nerves and prevented me from thinking clearly. I was hours, maybe minutes, away from throwing everything out the window, taking the gun, and shooting Chester Kellerman without blinking.
But it wouldn't solve my problems. It would clear my way to Valeria, yet it would also put a target on her back. I had to think about her and Zara's safety. I had to make it right so everyone understood that they were untouchable.
Still, it didn't mean I should be patient. The plan wasn't perfect, and we could end up in jail, but it was the path we'd chosen long ago. It had to be done if we wanted to ensure our family's prosperity and safety.
"So." Dorian interrupted the silence, wiping his mouth. "What time are we meeting the Americans?"
Malin checked his silver watch, casting me an expectant glance. I briefly closed my eyes, calculating how much time we needed to prepare everything.
"Schedule it at four pm," I decided, peeking at my phone for the tenth time in less than two minutes. "It shouldn't take more than forty minutes."
"Are you expecting an important call?" Dorian asked, smiling mischievously when I frowned at the screen again. Of course, he knew my frustration was deeply connected to Valeria.
"No," I snapped, flashing him an annoyed glare.
Sighing, I forced my brain to cooperate so everything went as smoothly as possible. If we messed this up, it could have irreparable consequences for our future.
"Who is our alibi?" I asked, pouring myself another cup of coffee. It was my third one, and I could already hear my heart thudding in my ears. Maybe whiskey would help.
"The usual combination of our trusted people and security cameras," Dorian replied, watching me as I walked to the dark cabinet and picked a bottle of expensive scotch. Returning to the table, I splashed the water on the plant to empty my glass and poured it to the brim with a honey-colored liquid. Shoving it down my throat, I released a satisfied groan that eased the tension in my chest.
"This is serious." Malin chuckled, moving his empty mug in my direction. "Do you want to talk about it?"
I filled his cup, offering some to Dorian as well before I sat back in my chair and exhaled loudly.
"Talking about your feelings is for women and pussies, son," I imitated our father, and my brothers erupted in laughter. "Never admit you care for someone. It's the biggest weakness."
"He was right," Dorian said, a grin still plastered on his face. "You're chasing your woman through the night with a mask on your face just to keep her safe."
"Can we stop pretending he doesn't enjoy it?" Malin countered, raising his mug to his lips. "Chasing a woman is insanely fun."
"Preferably with a knife and rope, too, right?" Dorian teased, nudging him with his elbow playfully.
"Everyone has preferences." Malin shrugged nonchalantly, and I rolled my eyes at their antics. We were all crazy in our own unique way.
"Can we focus on work, please?" I interrupted their banter, finishing my drink. "I need to meet Gravaldis before lunch. Make it happen."
"Of course, boss," Dorian quickly confirmed, standing up and following me to the elevator. "One more thing, brother."
I turned to him, surprised not to see his typical broad smile. His face was too serious for my liking.
