Page 35 of Luciano (Belles & Mobsters 1)

“What woman?” Cassio asked warily. He couldn’t stand his father, hated his guts for the cruelty he bestowed on everyone. But it seemed Benito constantly had something up his sleeve.

Raphael shrugged his shoulder. “Fuck if I know. But whoever the woman is, she is causing Alphonso trouble.”

“My kind of woman then,” I muttered.

“Yeah, and he mentioned that she should have been delivered years ago,” he added. The information didn’t make any sense, but we’d have Luca check into it.

We went through a few more details and called it a day. Cassio left, meeting Luca somewhere outside the city, and I wanted to rush back home. Instead, I had one more meeting to take care of. Reluctantly, I had to admit to myself that knowing my wife was in my home soothed me.

It hasn’t been even a day since Grace returned… correction, since I dragged her back, and I wanted to be wherever she was. Last night I found myself wishing she was in my room. I didn’t even care if she let me fuck her, I just wanted her within my sight. I wasn’t surprised she didn’t sleep in our bedroom, but damn if it wasn’t disappointing. Talk about being a drooling, lovestruck lover boy.

Yes, I slept better than any other night since my wife disappeared, but I also spent the entire night fantasizing about her… under me, on top of me, in the shower, bent over the couch. In turn, it made me agitated as fuck as the day progressed.

I dialed up Massimo as I walked into my office. “Everything ready?”

“Yes, they are all in a virtual lobby, waiting for you.” Seriously? Fuck, I finally get to see the Ghost. “Except for one.”

And the hope was squashed.

There was no doubt in my mind which one wasn’t. This was the meeting to kick off the plans and schedule for the next six months. I have kept the best for myself. As for others… even if Alphonso Romano or Benito King did business with them, I didn’t give a fuck. They weren’t that good and most runners avoided doing business directly with Benito King.

After that meeting, I finally went home. Once there, I strode directly to the surveillance room.

Massimo lifted his head. He could tell I was in a pissed off mood during the last meeting. I caught him more than once during our virtual meeting stifling his grin. Of course, it wasn’t anyone’s fault that the Ghost didn’t show. But I still wanted to shoot all those assholes. It was a good thing that only Massimo and I could see everyone, all they saw during that meeting was each other’s face, never us.

What was the deal with the Ghost? I need that motherfucker on my payroll. After my last email, there was no reply, and I found myself wondering if I lost that runner. The services of that individual were highly sought after, and the Ghost only took two jobs, three per month tops. The confirmation email with acceptance of my offer never came, and I debated whether I offered enough now. The Ghost was offered the highest retainage, but I was willing to up it to ensure the acceptance. But a response would have to come in order to start the negotiation.

I checked my emails on the phone for the hundredth time since the virtual meeting ended. My phone buzzed signaling an incoming email, and I saw the reply. I quickly swiped it open and read it.

* * *

To:Ruthless King

From:The Ghost

Agreed to retainage and keeping it exclusive to you. I’ll need a few days' notice for upcoming transactions.

Sorry, I couldn’t make your virtual meeting. My terms are unchanged in regards to privacy. If that’s a problem, I can’t do this.

Let me know. Otherwise, business as usual.

G

* * *

My lip curved slightlyat reading the response. Somehow it didn’t surprise me, though I had to wonder whether this runner had brass balls or just wasn’t afraid. The reputation of the Ruthless King on the black market wasn’t the shiniest one, but I paid well, and as long as you didn’t fuck me over, I was fair. At least I believed I was fair.

“Meeting went well, huh?” he retorted sarcastically. We had a bet whether the Ghost would show. I thought I made it appealing enough for the person to bite the bait. We were both curious to know whether it was a man or a woman behind that title. My intuition told me it was a woman, but the way the Ghost handled business made me think it was a man. Massimo was certain it was a man. I wasn’t so sure though. Especially after that email with the comment about the beach. Men are usually not excited to go to the beach.

“Yes, it went peachy,” I spat back dry. “As you well know. Though I just got an email from the Ghost.” I quickly started typing my reply, letting the Ghost know the privacy terms were fine. “The privacy terms are a deal breaker.”

“So, are you keeping the Ghost on or cutting him loose?” I noted Massimo saidhim.

I grinned. “I’m still not convinced it is ahim,” I told him. “But yes, I’ll accept the terms.” Switching to a more interesting subject, I tilted my head towards the surveillance monitor. “What have those two been up to?”

I tilted to the screen. It showed Grace and Ella by the pool.

“Pretty much this most of the morning.” His eyes lingered on Ella. I knew he had hots for her. Apparently, quite a bit of hots.

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