Page 54 of Unruly Obsession
He glances between his cards and the ones on the table. “I mean, deals are always stressful, aren’t they? They’re always a gamble. I just wish he wouldn’t bring me into his shit, then expect me to roll over like a good boy and do as I’m told. Like, you either want me to take over the business completely or you don’t, right?” He looks up at me then, hopeful, and when I nod, he seems satisfied by the validation.
“All in,” he says with a smile.
“If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know. I care deeply about your sister. I’d rather take away as many stresses as I can,” I say, matching his chips.
He watches me do so, a small swallow making his throat bob. He’s definitely bluffing.
The woman across from us squeals as Vince’s friend leaves the table, leading her by the hand to the second floor. Vince watches them with a wide grin, easily distracted in his current state.
“Thanks, dude, but unless you can dig my dad out of a financial pickle, I still don’t think he’ll accept you. You know, you kind of look like a criminal.” Vince chuckles as he reveals his hand. A pair of kings, giving him three in total, including the one on the table.
“If that’s what your father needs, then perhaps you should set up a meeting. I could be inclined to invest in something other than real estate,” I say, revealing my own hand, and he pales.
I see the corner of Dmitri’s mouth kick up.
“Fuck, that’s some wild luck,” Vince says, licking his lips. “And, nah, don’t worry, I’ve got my dad’s back. Just more work for me, you know. You’re good if I pay you back when I see you next, right? For now, I kind of want to enjoy the second floor." He turns his attention back to the woman on his lap and asks, "Care to join me?” She giggles flirtatiously, playing into the fantasy that’s expected of Lev.
He doesn’t wait for a response as he stands and takes her with him. We watch him stumble down the stairs.
“You’re just going to let him leave without paying you?” Dmitri asks curiously.
I have the distinct feeling that the other guy passed out in the bathroom. I pick up my glass of whiskey and take a sip, still noticing Dmitri hasn’t touched any of his.
“I don’t care about the money. What I want to know is what trouble his father’s gotten himself into.” It’s not uncommon for deals to go wrong, but the consequence always depends on the kind of people you've been dealing with.
“Have you noticed any Bratva dealings since you killed the lion?” I ask Dmitri. Something definitely feels underhanded here, and if it’s not by Luca’s or my hand, then we’ve got ourselves a problem.
“Not that I’ve heard. I’m assuming you haven’t seen anything out of sorts in the city either. You think they’re involved in the attack on Luca’s vacation villa?”
I’m still watching as the woman helps Vince down the stairs. This is precisely what type of guy I thought he might be. Someone like him couldn’t run a business effortlessly, not to mention showing such an increased profit in the way that he has.
The dealer starts converting my chips to cash, offering me the amount I started with plus some. I leave it on the table as I stand. My business here is done. “Keep the money. Think of it as payment for your assistance here.”
Dmitri chuckles as he leans back. “Always business, aren’t you, Lorenzo. I would consider this a favor between friends.”
I turn on him then, pulling my wolf mask back on. “I don’t do friends.”
He shakes his head and raises an eyebrow. “You also don’t smile, but I hear Lily Taylor can make you do that.”
An icy tension runs between us. I don’t like her name coming from his lips or what he might be trying to imply. I turn my back as I begin texting Tyson, one of the hounds. Despite his hot-shot temperament, he’s the best for a slow hunt. He likes to take his time. So I specifically request that until Vince leaves Manhattan, he follow his every move and update me on anything peculiar.
When I reach the second level, Vince is being pulled into one of the red rooms.
I’m not even out of the club doors before I hit call.
“Did you miss me, Lorenzo?” Sky asks with amusement in his tone.
“Don’t fuck with me,” I growl, irritated.
He chuckles, and I want to wring his fucking neck. It’s that cocky laugh that pisses me off so much. Most likely because it reminds me so much of my younger brother.
“Calling to see if your princess is all tucked up in bed?” he asks in a sing-song way. When I don’t reply, he continues. “I don’t know how to break it to you, buddy, but she’s on a date.”
My blood runs cold, and my hand closes into a fist. “What?”
“I tried to stop her, but damn, she’s a little spitfire when she wants to be, and who am I to get in between someone and potential love? Don’t worry, I’m keeping close to make sure she’s safe.” He’s intentionally winding me up, and although I trust him with her safety, I know for a fucking fact he probably didn’t even try to detain her in any way. If anything, his mischievous little mind probably encouraged it. “I mean, it’s not like anything’s happening between you two, right? It’s just a little security gig and all.”
I can imagine the fucking grin splitting his face right now, and I carefully bite out each word. “I’m. Going. To. Fucking. Kill. You.”
