Page 95 of War Within
“Let me finish.” She snickered, resting her hands on her hips. “While you have been so tough, it's toughened me up from my past, and for that it's been good for me. It's been an adventure for sure.” Folding her arms over her chest, she smirked slightly.
“Have you ever regretted working for me?” I stared into her gaze, attempting to read her.
“Not at all.” She shook her head. “I mean it’s been hard at times in the past.” She looked away, fidgeting. “But I’m almost done.”
“What?” I cocked my head. “Done?” Taking a step closer to her, I lifted her chin, forcing her gaze to mine. “Jane, do I scare you?”
She shook her head. “Not really, no.”
“I should.” I growled.
“Normally yes, but my ex was a cop, and his job was dangerous.” She inhaled deeply.
I lowered my hand, listening. I was not a fan of cops or hearing about exes.
“He was killed in the line of duty.”
“My life is very,” I paused, searching for the perfect word, “different.”
“True, but who am I to judge something you inherited? My real father died at the hands of someone in the maf…oops sorry.” She glanced around making sure we were alone. “My mother got remarried when I was seventeen. It was hard to handle at first. They only knew each other for six months.”
“Mind if I ask if they found who killed your father?” Cocking my head, I nibbled the inside of my lip.
“They never did.” She shrugged. “I wanted them to for so long but—”
Exhaling, I rolled my eyes, nodding. “We're all good at covering tracks. Especially those with connections on the inside.” Suddenly, diverting my gaze to the treetops, I closed my eyes.
“What is it?”
I lowered my eyes to her. “I'm going to find him.”
“What?!” She jumped back.
Fists balled tightly, I found myself getting extremely defensive about her. Anger simmered within me. I could not believe I was about to add one more person to my list of people who were going to die soon. “You need closure I can tell.”
She shook her head, eyes wide. “You really don't need to do that, Giovanni.”
“I do and I will.” Brow furrowed, I gritted my teeth as we left the park to go home.
My brothers, Carmine, Emir, and I strode through the entrance of my hotel, exchanging a slight nod with the doorman. Marching through the lobby in a herd, my security flanked us, surveying the open space for any sign of threat. The staff pretended to be busy instantly, finding anything and everything in their reach to clean or organize. I never peeked their way. It was easy to spot their anxiousness in my peripheral vision.
Once in the hallway, I stretched my neck, rotating my shoulders once, trying to relieve the tension. Xavier had demanded the meeting with me. This time he brought some of his men from South Boston. I knew it had to be serious, having something to do with the shipment.
Security took a step in front of us, each opening a door leading into the private meeting room. Once we were through the threshold, they shut us in. Xavier and his men were not relaxed, nor sitting at the large, round table. Five of them stood behind him, arms crossed, glowering.
“Have a seat.” I nodded once toward the table, striding to the other side, taking my place at the designated head.
Everyone pulled out a chair, simultaneously, sitting; my guys on my side, his men on his. Carmine and Emilio each took a seat next to me. Emir stood behind me. Folding my hands, I rested my forearms on the surface.
“What's going on, Xavier?”
He jeered, leaning back in his chair. “What kind of game are you playing, Rovati?”
Arching a brow, I titled my head. “Excuse me?” I darted my eyes toward the man beside him who adjusted his Irish flag hat, smirking with a narrowed focus.
“Someone only sent part of the shipment.” He pursed his lips, throwing his arms out to the side.
“I'm not sure why.” I shrugged. “I have extra at my place. A deal is a deal. You know I’m a man of my word. Emir.” I lifted my hand, twitching my index finger.
