Page 34 of Unbroken (Russo Mafia)

It’s been two days since my date with Lucca. I can’t stop thinking about where the night could’ve gone if I would’ve let it. Instead, I spent the entire weekend with Dad. He left the hospital when Frank woke up and told him to fuck off and spend some time with me. He reminded Dad he wasn’t dying yet. To be honest, I’m glad that he woke up. I thought Dad was about to go crazy if he spent any more time in the hospital. It's bad enough that he has to head there for his cancer treatments. So, we did yard work, went for a walk, then I forced him to relax on Sunday.

Now I’m heading to work. To be honest, I’d rather be staying home today. Something doesn’t seem right ever since we had that meeting with Colin. He was rather odd, and I had my fair share of odd people, but he took the cake. The way he spoke was off. He didn’t seem like a businessman that was starting off. He didn’t seem like a businessman period. I don’t think he knew anything about what goes on in the business world, let alone accounting. I’m surprised he could hold a conversation about finances the way he did. I have another meeting with him later this week. I wonder if I can reschedule with him or push him off to another accountant. I’m still waiting for Dad to get back to me with his background check. It makes me nervous that he hasn’t come up with anything yet. Usually, his fancy shit spits it out right away.

Oscar is waiting for me like always. I swear he never takes a day off. I even offered for him to head home early once, but he refused. He’s still a mystery to me one that I’ll enjoy when I finally crack him open.

“Morning sunshine. What do we have today?” I ask when I sit at my desk.

His lips thinned. “Colin Thompson moved his appointment to today. It’s in an hour.”

My body stilled. Oscar is keeping his gaze tight on mine. His body speaks for the both of us. Pissed. We both aren’t prepared for this.

“Shit on a cracker. Oscar, that guy creeps me the fuck out.”

“Tell me about it, and that’s saying a lot coming from me. Chuck, I tried everything to get you out of this meeting. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’m staying by your side and Jill can do our running around.”

I released a tight breath. “Thanks Oscar. I know you tried. I wanted to get out of it too. Let’s get prepped so we can get this over with. Maybe he’ll move on if we do something wrong with his paperwork.” I shrug.

“Here’s to hoping.”

An hour later, Jill knocks on the door. Her and Colin walk in. His grey eyes are the same as last time. Demanding that he takes charge of the entire room.

“Good morning, Colin, I’m sorry for not be so prepared. My PA only informed me an hour ago that you moved your appointment this morning.” I gesture to the chair in front of my desk for him to sit.

“That’s okay. I’m sorry that I had to move my appointment. Something came up and I have to leave town for a while and needed to get this meeting completed before I left.”

I nod. Seems legit to me so far. “What can I do for you, then?”

His eyes move to Oscar, then back to me. “I was hoping we could have a private talk. I don’t need my finances aired to the entire office.”

“Oh, I ensure you that my PA is trustworthy. Whatever is said in front of him does not leave this room. Either way, Oscar will know about your business. He does my paperwork for me,” I remind him.

The column of his throat rippled, making his tattoo dance as he swallowed. “I advise you not to go against my word, Charlotte. Now please leave the room, Oscar.” He turns to look at him.

I can tell he’s torn. He promised he wouldn’t leave me. I don’t trust Colin. I also don’t want Oscar to suffer whatever Colin has in store for him. I shot him a glance from the corner of my eye and slightly nod. Reluctantly, he gets up. Before he leaves, he waves his phone at me. Telling me to call if anything goes wrong.

“Back to what I was saying, Charlotte. I’m not a man you should cross. I think you figured that out the first time we met, hence why I moved my appointment up. I figured you were going to figure a way out of meeting me this week. I need something from you, and you need something from me—”

“What can I possibly need from you.” I cut him off.

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe something to do with a certain mafia boyfriend?”

The mention of Lucca has my back snap straight. My hands became clammy. I try to wipe them on my pants without him noticing. I had to gulp down a steady breath before I could talk.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” My voice shook just a little, betraying my true feelings.

His mouth gave a sardonic twist. “I’m sure. Should I have another gift delivered? Would that get my message across?” He raises an eyebrow. “I didn’t think so. Deliver a message for me or I’ll be back.”

He passes me an envelope, then rises from his seat. “I’ll see you around, Charlotte. Don’t forget you’ll be needing something from me shortly.”

I’m too busy staring at the envelope to watch him leave. What could I possibly need from him? I rather not find out anytime soon. I tuck the envelope in my desk drawer. It can stay there for a while.

After dropping Charlie off, I need a cold shower. I won’t be able to get her sounds out of my head for a long time. Not until I can have her the way I want. I understand why she wants to take things slow; I don’t blame her, although I was hoping for something tonight. Not that I would force her, I would however rush things along now that she’s given me the chance.

Pulling into my driveway I notice a box sitting on my front steps. I’m instantly on high alert. Pulling Rett’s name up on my phone I hit dial. He answers right away.

“Hey man, I thought you had a date with Charlie?” he asked.

“No time for small talk. Someone left a package on my doorstep. I need you to come by immediately and bring the guys. I think this has something to do with that finger.”

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