Page 95 of Mafia Kings: Dario

“Yes, well, perhaps you should do business withhim,”I said coldly. “I think that concludes our business for today.”

The Turk scowled. “No, itdoesn’t –”

I stared him down.“Yes,itDOES.My brotherwill show you out. Adriano?”

“With pleasure,” Adriano said as he walked over to the Turk’s chair.

“You’re passing up a major opportunity there,” the Turk snarled.

“Oh well.”

The Turk shook his head. “Unbelievable.”

“Believe it.”

Adriano started to take the man’s arm, but the Turk jerked it away and rose on his own. Then he walked out of the room with Adriano following close behind.

“Well,thatwas interesting,” Niccolo said after they’d left.

“Are you getting the same feeling that I am?” I asked.

“That this wasn’t about doing business with us, but sizing us up to see if he wants to make a move?” Niccolo said. “Absolutely.”

“If Fausto actually said that about us going soft, we need to have a talk with him,” Roberto said.

“I was thinking the exact same thing,” I muttered. “Niccolo, call our ‘dear uncle’ and arrange something for tomorrow.”

28

Alessandra

We ate lunch at a beautiful restaurant in old Florence. The tables were set with white linen and crystal glasses, and the food was amazing.

“The only time I’ve eaten a better meal was at your house,” I told Massimo.

He patted his full belly. “Two out of two experts agree.”

“You gotta admit, though,” Valentino said, “that place in Rome we go to is better.”

“Hey – the lady just applauded our cooks at home,” Massimo said good-naturedly. “Take the compliment, huh?”

“I wouldhopeyou think certain things are better at home,” I told Valentino with a trace of irritation in my voice.

“Uh-oh, sounds like I’m in trouble,” Valentino said.

“Sounds like it,” Massimo agreed.

“What’d I do, exactly?” Valentino asked me.

“You were flirting with every woman in the store when you’ve got a wonderful woman at home.”

“Ah,” Valentino said as though he finally understood. “Look, Caterina went into this with eyes wide open. I never lied to her. She knows what I am.”

“And what’s that?” I asked in a deadpan voice.

“A man-whore,” Massimo answered.

I laughed.

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