Page 16 of Christmas with the Mafia
As he pulls me along after him toward the huge ballroom doors, my breath comes fast and desperate. What happened back there was all encompassing and I am still trying to process who the hell this man is.
Eight
NICO
Regina will soon learnwhat being my woman involves. Nobody touches what’s mine and disrespects her. If they do, they will suffer the consequences, and the two people who flew onto my radar had a lucky escape tonight.
She hated the confrontation. I saw it in her eyes, and yet nothing would have stopped me from calling them out. She deserves respect, and I demand it. They got off lightly because of her, and they should be thankful for that.
We enter the ballroom, and it’s already crowded with more people than I can stand to be among. I hate stuff like this, and as my guards move with us; they keep the public away from me. I make for the private roped-off area I always demand, and as we enter, I note the booth set up with a huge magnum of champagne nestling in the bucket on the table. Crystal champagne flutes are set, and a waitress is waiting to deliver whatever we demand.
“After you.” I guide Regina into the booth and take the seat beside her, my leg touching hers — a deliberate moveon my part. I am increasingly aware that I’m not immune to this woman’s charms, and it’s fortunate I have the penthouse reserved for my use at all times. We will be utilizing the space tonight—both of us.
Trent sits opposite, and his companion, Alyssia Raven, slides in beside him. Trent and Alyssia have a mutually beneficial arrangement. She accompanies him to events as his plus one as a cover of sorts. She gets to enjoy fine living and a night with a guy who put the secret in front of service.
She gazes at Regina with interest and smiles. “Hi, I’m Alyssia. I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“No, I’m Regina. I’m pleased to meet you.”
I say nothing because words are not needed now, and as the women chat shit about the venue, I tune out, accepting the champagne and mulling over the sheer tedious nature of this event.
One of the guards responsible for rope duty moves beside me and whispers, “Jonathan Benson would like a word, boss.”
My heart sinks. Great, just what I need, but I’m conscious tonight is all about securing contracts, so I nod. “Let him through.”
As Jonathan and his wife approach, I note their footsteps falter as I welcome them with my usual hard glare.
“Jonathan.”
I don’t stand because this guy deserves none of the respect I would usually offer my associates.
“Um, Mr. Ravera. It’s good of you to accept my request.”
The women stop their chatter, and I’m aware of Regina’s interest as she smiles sweetly at the couple, who are extremely on edge. She wouldn’t be smiling if she knew what a sleaze Jonathan is, or the way he screws half his staff and then fires them if they make a fuss.
“What is your business?” I ask, determined to get this over with.
“Um, the Chasen contract. I, um, learned today that it has been canceled.”
“That is correct.”
The Chasen contract is one between our two companies and pays Jonathan’s company twelve million dollars a year for distribution rights. I’m aware that without it his business will possibly go under, and I pulled the plug knowing that when it does, I will make him an offer he can’t refuse and step in and take over myself. Viper Holdings is good at that. Building up our competitors and then pulling the rug out from under them, catching the proceeds as they fall. It’s why I am worth billions because I have no fucks to give, and this is just another deal that will reap dividends for me and my family.
“May I ask why?” He is sweating, and his wife appears puzzled, the enormity of their situation completely lost on her.
I settle back and drape my arm along the back of the seat, allowing it to rest on Regina’s shoulders, loving how her breath hitches as I stroke the back of her neck.
“I have found someone who charges less. Its simple economics and nothing personal.”
“I see.” His mind is working quickly. “But the bid was competitive.”
“Not competitive enough.”
I shrug, sipping my champagne as I gaze at the man who has just lost everything—to me.
“If I revise it, would that alter the situation?”
“Doubtful.” I shrug. “The company I am going with is new and hungry for business. Their bottom line is so far under yours you would never survive.”
