Page 96 of Vicious Vows

“People are talking. They know Gian came for you. The word on the street is that if your father were here, justice would have been served by now.” He ran his hand along his jaw. “My own cartel is worried about your ability to help us get this shipment through.”

“I came to you in a show of good faith.” I tightened my jaw. “Do I need to remind your cartel that Gian and Collins were the ones who fucked up your last shipment?”

“Do I need to remind you that you’re the one who interfered?” Lorenzo asked. “The reason there was a problem?”

“Your cartel didn’t investigate Collins thoroughly enough. If they had, they would have known that it is the Accetti family who runs the ports in and out of New York.” I clenched my fist, fighting back my temper. An alliance with Lorenzo was beneficial to my organization. “Collins provoked me, and I retaliated.”

“Which is why we offered to help you,” Milo said. “It’s Collins who owes you, not us.”

“I want to work with you,” Lorenzo said with a sigh. “My cartel trusts my judgment. I’m just offering you some advice. Get the Gian situation resolved. You’ll be in a much better position once you show the cartels and the other families that you are capable of handling your shit while your father is away.”

“I appreciate your concern, but as I said, I’ll get it taken care of.” I leaned against the desk. “Now, let’s discuss the logistics of your shipment.”

* * *

After leaving the dealership,I went to the docks to check on security. I also wanted to make sure my men knew how important it was to get these next two shipments into the city without incident. There was no room for error.

When I finally arrived at the penthouse, it was going on eight. Dom, my imposing bodyguard, was at his post to fulfill his night shift duty at the door.

“Mr. Accetti,” he said. “Long day?”

“You could say that.” I nodded. “I want to speak to you sometime tomorrow about a new responsibility.”

“Of course, sir. It would be my pleasure.”

“You might not say that after you hear the details, but I can only give this assignment to someone I trust.” It wasn’t that I didn’t trust all of my guards, or else they wouldn’t be here, but this was a sensitive matter that needed a special kind of man.

Dom had been with me for several years. He started out at the main house, guarding the gate, and moved on to my security detail a year ago. He proved to be loyal, attentive, and not afraid to do what had to be done.

“I understand.” He opened the door for me. “Whatever you need.”

“I need you to be Lissia’s guard.”

“Oh.” He glanced at the floor. “Like I said, whatever you need.”

“Is there a problem?” I didn’t have time for this.

“Not at all.” He looked into my eyes. “It’s just that, well, Ms. Gallanti has a reputation.”

“I’m aware.” I stepped into the penthouse. “Which is why I need you for this job. We’ll talk more tomorrow, but if you let her do what she wants within reason, and you don’t allow her to manipulate you, you’ll be fine.”

He nodded.

“This isn’t a punishment. I trust you, so that’s why I’m assigning you to her.”

“I appreciate your trust, and I won’t let you down.”

I’ll kill you if you do.

Dom closed the door but not before I saw the disappointment in his expression. What could I do? Lissia needed a guard, and he was my best option. He had no choice but to follow my orders. It was either that or he couldtryto look for new employment.

Most of my men knew that if they walked out of here, they wouldn’t get very far, especially not when you were a high-ranking soldier like Dom who knew too much.

As I made my way to the kitchen, the aroma of chocolate surrounded me.Brownies?

I leaned against the doorframe, taking in the beautiful woman who danced around the kitchen without any music. She swayed her hips to the melody she hummed as she wiped the countertops, wearing a tight black tank top and a tiny pair of matching shorts. Her usual bedtime attire. Easy for me to get her out of.

I loved seeing her light and carefree. I hadn’t made our time together easy, but she never displayed any weakness. She took everything I dished out and somehow managed to make my life better. Despite everything that happened between her father and me, she was still here.

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