Page 19 of His to Have
“How about you worry about your own innocence, Isa. I’ll see you in the family room.” I told her, as I stepped around her leaving her standing there. Her angry gaze burned a hole into my back, and I knew if she could kill me she would.
Some days I wish I would have never let that girl put her mouth on me. She was trouble wrapped in charm and beauty. I knew better than to get wrapped up with her in the first place, seeing that she was Gianni’s daughter and Sophia’s friend. But I let my dick do the thinking for me one night after seeing her in the club in a flesh-colored catsuit, leaving nothing to theimagination. We both had been drinking, I was horny as fuck, and she was willing and available. I didn’t fuck that night, but I did shove my dick so far down her throat that it became a regular occurrence whenever I found myself in need of a quick release. She was perfect for a temporary escape, but I soon realized, she was pushing for something I would never give her.
I’d long cut her off. But that never stopped her from being in my face or offering herself to me on a silver platter. She was something I needed to get a handle on before Yanna got here. I wasn’t worried about any of my other jump-offs, because none of us were exclusive. Isabella was about the only regular I had, and that was only because of her proximity to me and my family.
She was easily accessible.
Shaking my head, I pushed the thoughts of Isabella aside for the moment and focused on what mattered: finding the person who set a kidnapping plan in motion.
Gianni claimed to have information that could only be discussed in person. It was the only reason I’d flown back to New York the same day my girl learned of the arrangement. Of course I wanted to be with her tonight, but this was pressing. No one could threaten my woman and live to talk about it.
Finding the idiot who did this was my priority.
As I stepped into the family room, I heard the low murmur of my sister’s voice. Gianni was seated at the head of the table, leaning in, listening closely. His expression was serious as he focused on what Sophia was saying.
“Look,” she said, sliding the tablet in front of him. “Your entertainment expenses for your casinos uptown have doubled over the last six months.” Her fingers pointed out different numbers and graphs on her iPad. “If you drop the contract with Gangly Security and bring in your own internal crew. Maybe a few foot soldiers who’s ready for a promotion, then you can cut your cost by nearly half. Right now, you are shelling out toomuch money. That’s why you aren’t seeing the returns. Numbers don’t lie, Gianni.”
His head dipped in a nod as he considered her suggestions. “You’re right. Gangly was supposed to improve my bottom line. Not cost me more.”
“Exactly. And, if you move those profits from the casinos and funnel them through your construction accounts, you’re looking at a lot fewer questions from the IRS, too.”
Gianni’s eyes sparkled. “You’ve thought of everything, huh?” He tapped his index finger against his lower lip pondering the advice she’d just given him.
“She always does,” I said, slipping back into the room, taking my seat next to my sister.
And she smiled, then whispered. “Did you get everything straightened out?”
I knew she was referring to Ayanna’s phone call.
“Yeah, she is mad, but nothing I can’t handle.” I told her, ready to move on so I could go lay eyes on my angry fiancé’.
“She cussed you out, didn’t she?” Sophia smirked, knowing that Ayanna didn’t put up with nobody’s shit. Not even mine.
I couldn’t help the grin that covered my face because I loved that feisty shit. “Nah, but she tried, though.” I chuckled making Sophia join in on the laughter.
“That woman is going to give you hell.”
“I know.”
My smile had to be devilish because Sophia groaned and followed it with a playful shove. “Oh my God.” Her head shook in amusement.
She knew Ayanna well, even if they weren’t as close as she and I. Their age differences kept them out of the same circles, but it didn’t stop them from having a mutual respect for one another. Sophia was extremely fond of Ayanna, respected her asa businesswoman and couldn’t wait to have her here on a regular basis.
When Sophia saw Ayanna’s name flash across the screen, she quickly assured me that she would keep Gianni occupied until I returned. Now that I was back, I was just ready to get this information from the Vitale’s so I could leave.
“Damn, nigga, it’s been a minute.” Tommy eased into the room wiping his hand with a napkin, a grin spreading across his face. “I see you’re still wreaking havoc in these streets.” Tommy slapped my hand, pulling me in for a quick hug and I chuckled.
“Gottakeep’emin line. Let up for a second andmuthafuckasstart thinking they run something.
“Exactly,” Tommy laughed, nodding in agreement until his expression shifted to business. “Left the keys to your package with Rocco. Car’s parked in the usual spot.”
“Preciate it.”
“Handle that how you see fit.” He clapped my shoulder, turning to speak to the room. “Alright, I’m out. I’ll holla at you later.” He nodded to his brother before his gaze swept to Sophia. “Always a pleasure, sweetheart.”
My sister, ever the charmer, gave him a warm smile and waved as he left passing Isabella on her way in.
“Isa.” He greeted, pulling her into a quick embrace and planting a light kiss on her cheek.
