Page 240 of Power
Stuart parkedin front of the brand new, two-story building. As Luciano exited the Rolls Royce, he glanced up at the restaurant sign.
Santini
Unlike Willie Boy’s shithole, he was proud to be associated with this new, upscale eatery. Luciano walked inside, removed his shades. The place looked fantastic. Teddy had gutted the building and created a first-class restaurant that served Italian cuisine. A mix of classic dishes and modern creations. Teddy had thrown himself into this project, and Luciano was damn proud of what his baby brother had accomplished.
Teddy bounded over with the biggest grin on his face. “Whad’ya think?”
“You did good,” Luciano replied.
Teddy puffed out his chest. “I got it done!” Then, he chuffed out a laugh. “I’m in serious sleep deficit, but otherwise, all good.”
Luciano chuckled. “Who says the words ‘sleep deficit’?”
“Me. I do,” Teddy said. “The grand reopening is in two weeks. Are you coming?”
“Of course.”
Movement had Luciano glancing over Teddy’s shoulder, then he did a double take. “No fucking way.”
A tall, muscular man in a paint-smeared tank and tattered jeans sauntered into view. His long hair had been pulled into a ponytail, but most had fallen out. A shock of wild hair framed his familiar face.
His brother, Greystone Santini, was back.
“Yo, Lulu.” Greystone pulled to a stop.
“The renegade returns,” Luciano bit out.
Greystone didn’t extend his hand, didn’t try to hug him either. He just slipped his hand into his jeans pocket and shot him a cool stare.
“I told you I was hiring Grey to run the restaurant,” Teddy said.
“Cool joint, don’tcha think?” Greystone shoved his hair out of his eyes.
“Thisjointcost me several million to renovate,” Luciano said.
“Yeah, whatever.” Greystone slid his relaxed gaze from him to Teddy. “It’s got the vibe goin’ on, huh, Teddy?”
Teddy just stood there grinning. “Gotta say, Grey really came through for me. He helped with the build-out, kept the contractors on time, and made sure we stayed on budget. With everything I got going on, he saved my ass.”
“Sounds too good to be true,” Luciano said. “Are you gonna show me around?”
“I’ve got a meeting,” Teddy said before taking off toward the front door, leaving Luciano alone with a brother he hadn’t seen in over a decade.
“I got you, Lulu,” Greystone said. “It’s your basic food stop for people with dinero to burn.” Grey gestured to the plush leather booths lining the walls and the tables throughout the main dining room. Luciano spotted a skull and crossbones tat on his brother’s shoulder and a sword running the length of his forearm.
As kids, he and Grey had been the closest. Not anymore. Luciano was staring at a stranger.
Greystone moseyed toward the back, turned, and continued walking backwards. “You comin’?”
Luciano wanted to tell his brother to get lost, to go back to wherever the hell he’d come from, but he said nothing as he made his way toward the kitchen.
Grey pointed out all the upgrades. “Your money, so there you go. Teddy did a good job.”
“Where’ve you been Grey?” Luciano asked.
“Around. You?”
“For fuck’s sake,” Luciano bit out. “You take off without a goodbye. We thought you went missing.”
