Page 29 of Taken By the Mob Boss

The last thing I need is a lecture again, but my father was very insistent about the importance of us having lunch today.We must meet,he’d had his secretary tell me.

I click my tongue and look out over the marina. We’re in the private room of his restaurant. There’s a few yachts in the distance, some smaller fishing boats also huddled in their shade. Behind, a cruise ship is docked.

A lone gull is sitting on a boat not thirty yards away. It’s just taken a huge crap on the steering wheel of the vessel. The owner is there cleaning it and swearing like a sailor. At least I’m having a laugh while I wait.

I look again at the yacht that’s furthest from me though. It’s one I know well. One I’ve ridden in many times, and up until a month ago, one I owned. But a part of my father’s rage was to strip it from me—to strip a lot of control from me. He said he’d had some re-evaluations to make because of my actions as of late. At first it was the overly flamboyant drug deal dressed in a fashion show, then it was the party boat and almost murder …

But it was all worth it. I got to meet Sophie Russo, my mind blurts.

I cough. The wine tastes bitter on my tongue.

My anger boils up and I remember her lies, and possibly attempted hit …

Then there’s the mystery of the burner phone. As it turns out, the blackmailer who’s been messaging me lost their phone on board. It could belong to anybody, but Marco made sure to ask me very seriously:how much do I trust her?

I take the phone out and look at it.

I honestly don’t know who’s phone this is, but I do know one thing. A small corner of my heart wants thisnotto be Sophie’s phone. Desperately. Even though we’re enemies, even though I’ll never see her again. I just want to keep our few moments together perfect.

That’s why my anger at Sophie has struggled to continue. It’s softened in magnitudes since I last saw her a month ago. I keep trying to keep the anger going, but I only remember the good things about her now. And by good things I mean great things. The perfect hourglass body. The way her face softened when she came. But really, the one face I remember is the smile she gave me when she saw me getting out of the helicopter. It was like it was just for me. A gift that was mine and mine alone …

I hear the maitre’d at the front door perk up and soon there’s shuffling and greetings being made. The door opens and my father walks in, his face is smiling and welcoming.He’s brought guests.But it’s not just anyone.

My jaw drops. My eyes go wide.

He’s brought Tommy Russo to our luncheon.

Shit, did he find out?

Following Tommy is none other than his daughter.

My jaw snaps shut, I remember that I have to look cool.Look cool?What is this, high school? But I still think about it and prop myself on my elbow as if I’m bored.Jesus, I must’ve liked this girl.

I stand quickly to greet everyone. Tommy is in a pressed suit shirt and matching pants, he’s got a vest on and a gold watch on his wrist. Sophie is wearing the sun as far as I’m concerned and absolutely shines in something that clings to her body. Me? I’m wearing a damn polo shirt and jeans …

“Now, Thomas,” My father says. “I know you two definitelyhaven’tmet, but this is my son, Lucas. Lucas, I’m sure you’re aware of Mr. Russo?” he says, gesturing at the man behind him about the same age. He’s dressed in a well tailored suit. Dark color but light fabric, breathable in this humid weather we’ve been having lately.

“Nice to meet you Mister Russo,” I say, taking his hand and shaking it. I do anything tonotlook at Sophie. From the corner of my eye though I can see she looks even more radiant than ever. It’s like she’s graced us with just a brief moment of our lives to—I shake my head involuntarily.I’m meant to be hating this girl.

“No, the pleasure is mine. And call me Tommy,” he says. “This is not a business meeting.”

“Yet,” my father pipes up, and the two laugh.

Sophie is fidgeting with her dress. It’s cute in a way that I now find utterly pathetic. I’m set on being pissed at her for the whole thing with the boat.Myyacht! I’ve not had any leads on who marked the hit either. Whoever it was covered their tracks pretty well. Maybe she plays pretend better than I realize. But also, judging by the wide eyes she has at the moment, I don’t think this meeting is one she was expecting either.

“It’s always a pleasure catching up with you, Michael, and it’s good to see your son looking healthy. He looks a lot like you,” he replies to my father. “I’m sure Judy and Martha would be enjoying this.”

My father smiles genuinely.

What the fuck? He knows my Ma …

“If only he had my brains though,” my father replies, laughing. He gestures for them to sit at the table.

The gull on the boat that has shit on the steering wheel is being swatted at and flies away. Suddenly it feels like I’m the one who got crapped on.

“I’d say the same about mine too,” Tommy says, indicating his daughter. “But it seems our kids have already met.”

My father nods in agreement and for the first time, both Sophie and I look at one another.How do they know?

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