Page 38 of Wretched Choices

“When I asked him why he lied about having a sister, he said he didn’t. That he had one, and he earned a lot of money from her. He was out before I could ask any more questions.”

“You think we have a trafficker on our hands?”

“Yes. Whoever he worked for or was associated with one. Not that he knows who he worked for. At least not his real name. He worked with a man called Snake.”

I tilt my head to the side. “Snake? He sounds like a character from some criminal movie.”

Dante rolls his eyes. “Probably some brainwashed lowlife wannabe mobster. The streets are full of them.”

I take my pen from the desk and slide it up and down between my fingers. “Is Marco looking into this?”

“Yes. He said he will need a few days.”

“Good,” I say at the same time Gabriel enters. He is still in his boxing gear, all sweaty, and his nose bleeding.

“I was in the middle of a match.”

“I can see that. But we have a problem on our hands.”

“What kind of problem?” he asks, and Dante passes him the tablet with the images on. “What am I looking at?” he asks.

“Those are Sabatini’s men. All of them were De Angelo’s men. I need you to contact Nico and find out who they are. Go there and deal with this. Nico needs to take care of the traitors. We need to know if Sabatini is trying to take Chicago and what is going on there. Because without a peace treaty, we are under attack, and I need to know what I’m dealing with.”

“On it.” He stands. “Valentino and Bastian are the ones that passed the test. They are waiting for your orders.”

When I married Isabel, I asked Gabriel to find me two soldiers who could guard her. The test was to see who could endure themost pressure, strength, and who was vigilant enough to notice every movement around them.

“I want to see them tomorrow morning in the gym at my workout session.”

“Got it,” he says and leaves.

I turn back to Dante. “I need you to find who the kid was talking about. Find where he was living before, and who his parents are, and who the hell was giving him orders. If Marco and all his technologies can’t help us, we can do this the old-fashioned way.”

I wait for Isabel in the living room. She was already in our room when I came home to get ready for dinner.

When I visualized my plans for opening a hotel chain all over the world and needed a partner, Robert Clements was the one I wanted to work with, not Adkins, but I never made a proposition because he doesn’t work with bachelors. He believes in family values. He once said that the person who can’t commit to one woman as his partner can’t commit to a business partner.

I believe in family values too, but the other kind of family. I never imagined myself marrying, and most certainly not procreating. I will never give my father that satisfaction.

As soon as Isabel agreed to this marriage, I contacted the man and made the appointment. It was almost perfect that he was planning to be in the States this week.

I look at the time, wondering how long she needs to get ready when the doors of her room open, and Isabel exits, taking my breath away. The dress she is wearing hugs her body perfectly, showing all her curves. The below knee-length cream dress has a slight slit on the back, and an open back. Her hair is in an elegant updo, showing her long neck. My mouth waters, and all I can think about is how it would feel licking and biting that neck. She looks delicious.

She clears her throat. I blink. I didn’t realize she was standing in front of me.

“You look beautiful.” I wrap my hand around her waist and pull her to my side.

“You don’t look bad yourself.” She pats my chest, straightening my tie.

This looks so domestic. Like we do this every day. Before I overthink, I lead us out of our suite.

A gentle laugh brings my attention to the woman beside me. My woman. My wife. She indulged Mrs. Clements all the way through dinner. Before we arrived, she asked me how importantthe dinner was. When I said it is very important, I never thought she would be so perfect.

“You got yourself a special one, if I may say.” Mr. Clements’ eyes follow mine.

I smile politely. “She is.”

“One thinks he can stay a bachelor all his life, but that’s not how people are. They need a person to share their happiness and their unhappiness, their fears and their calmness. Everyone needs yin to their yang, son. And you found yourself a good one.”

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