Page 85 of Luciano (Belles & Mobsters 1)

“Let go of me, Luciano.” She tugged on her arm, trying to get the grip loosened. Her skin flushed and there was a hint of panic in her eyes.

“Where?”

“Where what?”

“Where are you going?”

“None of your business.”

“One of my drivers will take you.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes, end of discussion. Otherwise, you are going nowhere.” I have had enough of her rebellion. “I won’t have anything happen to you while you are under my roof.”

She threw her head back and laughed. Although there was no amusement in it.

“Seriously?” she asked. “There are so many words I could say now, but unfortunately I have no time. Fine, I’ll take your damn car, Luciano.”

She pulled her arm out of my hold and strode away from me, like a queen doing a catwalk. Fuck, she was sexy.

A chuckle interrupted my longing stare after my wife, and my head snapped to my best friend. “Luciano, that woman is your vice.”

“Shut up, fucker.” Another chuckle. “Just you wait. You’ll get it back.”

By now, Grace disappeared from my view. I fucking hated that she didn’t trust me. That she kept secrets from me. I wanted to help her. Yes, I fucked up big time. My wife and I had to sit down and have a talk; starting with the way our marriage commenced.

At least she took my driver and she wouldn’t be wide open. I would find out where he took them and send someone to keep an eye on her.

“Besides, Cassio, aren’t you scheming for your woman?” I decided to taunt my best friend. And I needed to relieve some of my frustration. “How is that going?”

His face turned dark. “Fucker!”

I chuckled. “Don’t like it when the tables are turned, do you?” I joked bitterly. He flipped me a bird but his expression was still dark. “Anything I can do to help?” I asked, sincerely hoping his life wouldn’t become a major cluster like mine was.

“Thank you, but no,” he muttered. “You have enough on your plate.”

That might be true but I’d like to see my best friend finally get the family he wanted. It was one thing all of us had in common. Thirst for a family. I was lucky with my parents and seeing the love they shared, I always knew eventually I’d want the same. My friends weren’t as lucky. Cassio’s and Luca’s father killed their mother. Nico’s mother was a major alcoholic, Alessio’s father was a sick perverted predator.

“Well, my offer stands,” I told him. “Anytime, anywhere.”

He nodded. “Likewise,” he offered, and no other words were needed.

Cassio and I continued our plans. The fundraiser would start in two hours. Vasili would meet us there along with his wife and Alexei. The latter used to work with Cassio and I. A damn good enforcer. He could hunt down anyone, anywhere. When you hired Alexei, you knew without a doubt the hunted was dead. If only Alexei was still open for hire.

The door of my office burst open and Massimo ran in. Both Cassio and I turned our eyes to him in alarm.

“What is it?” Massimo looked disheveled, shaken.

“Where are the women?”

“They left about an hour ago.”

“Fuck.” His eyes darted like he was hoping by some miracle they’d reappear.

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