Page 63 of The Mafia Heir's Obsession

“I don’t need a leash. Go make him a bed.” She turns to me.

I don’t move. “Are you ordering me around?” I ask in a dangerous voice.

“Yes. A little.”

“And I thought you didn’t like dogs.”

“I never said that.”

“You did.”

Her cheeks flush a deep pink as she stands and drops a piece of beef. Arnold scarfs it up, looking at her for more, whining pitifully. “I’m scared of them, but he’s not scary.”

She starts up the steps, and desperate for the beef, Arnold follows. Narrowing my eyes, I grab the dishes and follow as he looks anxiously back at me. “Don’t listen to the mean lady, you’re bad and scary and kick-ass.”

When we’re inside, Declan’s awake, sees the dog, and bounds over, scaring him. I tell him to make a bed, and with the three of them busy, I shower and dress, glad Lucie’s distracted. Because I might be tempted to haul her up here and fuck her senseless.

I straighten my jacket as I come down to meet Seamus and point at Dec. “You’re on Lucie and Arnold duty.”

Seamus raises a brow. “Arnold?

“Ready?” I ask, ignoring him.

We head out and into the SUV that Clive has waiting. “Who’s the dog?”

“Arnold?”

“Of course he’s fucking Arnold… And who is he?”

“Our new pet?”

He just side-eyes me.

As we head to Queens, we map out the day. There’s going to be blood and death later. A gang of upstarts that are fucking up a supply chain we have needs to be taken care of. We just took over that particular cog, so cleaning out the debris is number one on the list.

“What’s on the agenda?” I ask.

“Volansky’s in town from Europe and we promised an introduction. We have a table booked in Manhattan.”

“Okay,” I say. “What else?”

Seamus consults his iPad. “We’re supposed to arrange a meeting through de Rosa with Butelli.”

I tap my fingers, thinking.

“Let’s flip the script. Do we have Butelli’s number?”

He nods. “You wouldn’t be looking to cause trouble now, would you, Cal?”

“Trouble? Just in the mood for some boat rocking. Call him, then Volansky and de Rosa. I’ve got a plan.”

He looks at me. I shrug. It’s not much of a plan, but it’s something.

“You’re a control freak, Callahan.”

“Don’t be rude, Seamus. I prefer ruthless cunt.”

I’m not sure how much I trust de Rosa.

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