Page 26 of Dangerous Attraction

We walked into the main office of the construction business. I needed to make his team aware of the issue and let them know Donny was in charge in our absence. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was almost six. I’d spent most of the day dealing with my family’s issues and hadn’t checked in with Carlisle.

“Give me a minute. I’ll meet you in there.” I nodded toward the conference room, where the employees had gathered. They looked nervous seeing me there at this time of day. Tugging my phone free, I pressed Carlisle’s contact.

He answered immediately. “Boss?”

“How’s everything going there at the club?”

“Good. Maddie has picked it up quickly. I sent her and Julie out earlier to go shopping.”

I looked at the phone in confusion. “Maddie?”

“Oh, sorry… Madison. She told us that’s what her friends call her.”

“I see. She’s working out well then?”

“You could say that.” Carlisle chuckled, making me overwhelmed with anxiety.

“What does that mean?”

“She’s coming out of her shell. The patrons really seem to like her, and she fits in as though she’s always been here. Julie showed her around briefly, but she’s been on her own since.”

“Keep an eye on her,” I grumbled, hating the timing of my family problems. “We still don’t know who broke into her apartment. I’ll be there in about an hour.”

“Will do. I filled security in on the incident. They’re being hypervigilant. Maddie has made quite the impression on the guys her first day.”

Hearing that pissed me off. I wanted her protected, but since no one knew she was mine, it left her fair game for the others.

“While I’m glad they are taking extra precaution… they are not to touch her.”

Carlisle got quiet for a moment, as if he was mulling over my words.

“Yes, Sir. I’ll be sure to tell them.”

Disconnecting the phone call, my gut churned with jealousy. It was irrational, but I couldn’t stand the thought of men fawning all over her.

“Gentlemen.” I stepped into the room where everyone was waiting. “I’m sorry to keep you here so late, but it was of the utmost importance I bring you up to speed on an urgent matter. My grandfather has fallen ill, and my brothers and I will leave for Sicily in the morning. All matters relating to the business are to be directed to Donny. He will be in charge until we return.”

A few people asked some questions, but most understood what this meant. Every one of them knew the Anastasi family and what we stood for. This didn’t come as a surprise to the men.

“I’m headed back to the club. If you find anything or need anything, you know how to get hold of me.”

Donny nodded as I headed out to my car. He was going to keep digging into Jose’s life. We just needed to find the connection between him and Juan Carlos, then we’d find our guns.

seventeen

MADISON

This place was unbelievable.Julie had given me a tour but remained vague about what was on the second floor. She said it was a members-only area and that Massimo would show me when he thought I was ready. While I thought it was weird, I didn’t pry. She also informed me I’d have to work a few months before being assigned to one of the rooms in the back. That space was for the elite people in Vegas to rent out and host private events. Julie told me she made three thousand dollars in one night working as the bartender. That kind of money would be amazing to me. I’d be able to move out of the dump I was living in and wouldn’t need to stay with Massimo—even though the thought of leaving him made me feel weird.

I grabbed the tray of drinks from the counter and headed toward the group sitting in a corner booth. They were here celebrating the engagement of one of their friends. Said girl was currently huddled up to a man on the dance floor, who I assumed was her fiancé.

After delivering their beverages, I cut through the crowd toward Carlisle. Several men catcalled as I walked by, making me blush. Julie had taken care of making sure I was dressed the part. We’d found several dresses I could wear here to fit in, or in this case, stand out. The dress I wore tonight was a stretchy black fabric that clung to my curves. It only had one arm and was more like a tank top with one sleeve. The fabric had hints of glitter, making it sparkle beneath the club lights. She even talked me into a few pairs of killer heels. Carlisle smiled as I approached him.

“How are you feeling?”

“Good. It’s not hard at all—though my feet are killing me.” I smiled, glancing down at my shoes.

“Look, I don’t normally do this, but we’re in a bind. One of the waitresses called out, and she was supposed to work a private party in back. Julie is going to tend bar for it, but Dana doesn’t want to work with her. She’s still pissed Julie got promoted. How do you feel about a private party?”

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