Page 20 of Brutal Don

“My fault?” Dante asked, amused.

She nodded. “I don’t know how to bring this up without sounding too greedy.”

“You don’t have a greedy bone in your body, Cara,” Dante said.

He’d given her one of his credit cards and she had only bought some basic essentials with it—cheap clothes and groceries for the house. Another woman in her position would have used his card to buy luxuries.

“I’m not sure if you’re aware of my father’s hospital bills,” Cara faltered, unsure of how to continue.

“I’m aware, and you don’t need to worry about that. I paid those off when I acquired you,” Dante said dismissively. She stared at him in shock. Dante furrowed his brows. Her debt had been a small price to pay.

“Why would you do that?” she whispered. “You barely even knew me at that time?”

Dante shrugged. “It’s a small matter. That’s all you wanted to discuss?”

“Dante, it’s a huge deal for me.” She grasped his hands. “I’ll find a way to repay you. Promise.”

“That’s not necessary. Consider it one of my wedding gifts to you,” he said.

“Wedding gift?” Cara asked. Her eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“When it comes to you, I never joke,” he told her in his most solemn voice. “Now, if there’s nothing else, there’s an important meeting I need to attend.”

This meeting involved Cara’s future so it was vital Dante not miss it.

“I’m sorry for taking up your time,” she said. “And thank you for your generosity. If you won’t accept money, then I’ll find some other way to repay you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” he said. He kissed her again, because he could.

Chapter Ten

“Mr. Massimo, Luigi Gambino is here for your meeting,” Andrea, Dante’s personal assistant, said through his intercom.

Dante glanced at his watch. Luigi came five minutes early for their meeting. Perfect. That told Dante the old man was eager to start their discussion.

The fact the Don was willing to come to his office, to his turf, spoke volumes—that Dante was the one in control of this situation. Luigi probably thought he had something to bargain with, or that he had the upper hand. Dante was about to prove him wrong.

“I set the meeting at 9:00 AM. It is only 8:55. Tell him to take a seat first,” Dante told Andrea.

“I’ll do that, sir,” Andrea replied promptly.

Few personal assistants could politely face down mob bosses and politicians. Andrea had been his PA for just three years but like every employee in his legal businesses, Dante chose her with care.

He always ensured his people were loyal to him and would have no reason to betray him. That guaranteed his businesses ran smoothly.

At exactly 9:00 AM, Andrea showed a bristling Luigi in. The old man clearly didn’t care that he was being vocal and heard by everyone on the office floor.

Dante glimpsed two large unhappy-looking men in cheap suits outside his office. It appeared Luigi brought two bodyguards with him but his own security team had reminded them to remain outside.

“Luigi, have a seat. Would you like a drink? Coffee, tea, or perhaps something stronger?” Dante asked in a mild tone.

“I could use some vodka. I suggest you take one yourself. You’ll be grateful for a strong drink after this conversation, Dante,” Luigi said.

“Just one glass of vodka for Mr. Gambino,” he told Andrea. Dante addressed Luigi, “I don’t drink this early in the day, I’m afraid.”

Luigi Gambino stared him down, or tried to. The old Don gave up when Andrea handed him his drink. Dante noticed Luigi eyeing Andrea’s ass as she exited his office.

“It’s hard to acquire good secretaries these days. How much for her?” Luigi asked bluntly.

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