Page 95 of Vicious Vows

Angela liked to think she was in the know because of her relationship with our father, but she only knew as much as any other person who heard our last name. Did they assume we were connected to the mob? Yes. Did they know how connected? No.

“Who is it?” Milo asked.

“Lorenzo Garcia. He looks important in his expensive suit and sparkly pinky ring.” She grinned. “He’s easy on the eyes too.”

She had a thing for dangerous men.

“You can send him in, Angela.” I nodded toward the door. “Try not to offend him.”

“I can’t make any promises.” She winked before exiting the office.

“Now that she’s married, Dad might not have any reason to keep her around,” Milo said. “At least, we can hope.”

Angela had been holding out for our father’s affections for several years. She could be possessive of him, especially when a new female came to work at the dealership. My father never put up with her nonsense. While he treated her well, he always made it clear that he was not interested in a committed relationship.

“I doubt she’ll stay married once Dad gets back.” I took my jacket from the back of the sofa and put it on. “She got married so Dad would pay attention to her.”

“I do not need a stepmother who is only a few years older than us.”

“I guess it’s better than one who is younger than us.” I smirked. “Relax, Dad would never remarry.”

“And I never thought you would get yourself into a committed relationship, but here you are.”

“Shit happens.”

“Yes.” Lorenzo came into the office. “It certainly does.”

“Lorenzo,” I said as Milo closed the office door. “What brings you all the way to New York?”

“Are you in the market for a new car?” Milo asked. “We have some new inventory that I’m excited to show the right buyer.”

“Maybe.” He nodded. “Buying a car from you would give me an excuse for being here.”

“I’m going to sell you the most expensive car we have,” Milo said. “I hope you brought your checkbook.”

“Please excuse my brother.” I motioned for Lorenzo to have a seat. “He can be a shark when there’s blood in the water.”

“There’s about to be a lot of blood in the water.” Lorenzo unbuttoned his jacket and took a seat. “I need to move a shipment, but I can’t have a screw up like last time. It’s crucial there are no problems.”

“The timing isn’t ideal.” I glanced at Milo. “I have a major shipment expected for Juan. Two in such a short span of time could flag the Feds.”

“You must know some agents who look the other way.” Lorenzo arched his brow. “I’m certain you do.”

“What if we moved them at the same time?” Milo asked. “We already have Juan’s in place.”

“How fast can you make this happen?” I asked Lorenzo. “Is it ready to move now?”

“My associates would be extremely pleased if we made this happen sooner rather than later.” Lorenzo gazed out the window, taking in the lot full of luxury cars. “How is your Gian problem?”

“It’s still a problem,” I said.

“That’s disappointing.” Lorenzo shrugged. “I know you’re in a tough position, but you have to show the others you are in control.”

“I’ll figure it out.”

“Chello is in control.” Milo came to stand next to me. “Anyone who says something different doesn’t know what they’re talking about.”

I appreciated my brother’s confidence, but Lorenzo didn’t look as convinced as Milo sounded.

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