Page 56 of The Apprentice
He frowned at me and shook his head. “I’m not quite sure what book you’re referring to. Would you care to elaborate?”
I hesitated. His confusion seemed genuine, and I had the inclination to give him the benefit of the doubt. Sloan would call what I was doing weakness, but I had no reason to distrust Elio. “We came across an Italian detective, nowretired, who told us he gave the book to your men for money. Like I said, we want it, and to be completely honest with you, the fact that you haven’tshared it with us is quite disheartening from the perspective of our business relationship.”
He made a disgruntled sound and threaded his fingers together, resting his elbows on his desk. “I could say the same for you. This Reyes situation is putting a strain on our business in New York. Also, this feud between Sloan and Thiago, not us, is less than great. As your allies, we’re suffering the consequences.”
“I understand. I’ll pass on your frustration to my uncle—I promise. I can assure you that the Reyes issue will be dealt with ASAP.” I raised my chin. “Now, the book?”
Elio squinted at me and sighed. “I’m not sure what you’re referring to, but we don’t have this book that you claim passed into our hands.” He raised a finger when I opened my mouth to speak. “However, if this detective says he gave it to one of my men, I will investigate, because if he did, that means someone is hiding very valuable information from me, and I don’t treat that kind of betrayal lightly.”
I tilted my head in respect. “We appreciate it, Elio, and we value your friendship.”
He snorted. “I like you more than Sloan.”
“Don’t tell him that.” I smiled politely. “But I’ve learned a lot from Sloan. You and I are both new to this game, and we had good teachers. Your father and my uncle have been through hell and back to give us not only a future but a business to run. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here.”
Something akin to respect slid across his face and he nodded. “I agree. It hasn’t been an easy journey.” He stood and held out his hand. “Now, if that’s all, I have work to do.”
I rose and took the proposed peace offering from Elio by shaking his palm. We gave each other a final smile before Matteo strode over to the door, opening it for myself, Daire, and Mancini.
Daire led the charge to get out of the house, but as soon as we reached the front door and were ready to exit, Michele called my name.
I grinned as Daire spun around and glared over his shoulder. “We don’t have time for this. We’re busy men.”
“Speak for yourself.” Mancini smirked and leaned against the threshold, arms crossed and foot kicked up. “This is about to get good.”
Daire shot him a glare as I turned to meet Michele.
“I had to catch you before you went.” Michele lit up the room with a wide smile, but as handsome as he was, I was more interested in watching Daire from the corner of my eye. Guilt gnawed on my insides because I couldn’t stop myself. Michele deserved my attention more than Daire.
“Really?” I licked my lips and tried to focus on Michele because while I wasn’t as interested as Ishouldbe, he was still a pretty nice guy. Hot, too. It wasn’t a mental strain to stare at him.
“Yeah.” He stopped right in front of me and leaned down slightly, and the room seemed to fill with tension.
Daire moved closer and so did Mancini and a few of Elio’s men, as though they expected Daire to hit Michele. They might not have jumped to the wrong conclusion, either.
I held my breath.
“Go out with me tonight. Have you heard of Vincenzo’s Italian Esperienza Culinaria?”
“Do you mean Vincenzo’s down near the Hudson?”
He winced, and I thought I might have said something insulting. “Eh, yes. That’s what the locals call it, though, I personally prefer the full name. It gives the restaurant the true reputation it deserves.”
“Whatdoesit mean?” I asked.
He chuckled. “Vincenzo’s Italian Culinary Experience.”
“It sounds delicious.” I smiled.
“You’re a busy man,” Daire snapped, earning a surprised glance from me.
I frowned. “I’m not needed tonight. Sloan’s got paperwork to do, and he already gave me the night off.” I flicked my gaze back to Michele. “I’m available. I can meet you there.”
“I could pick you up.” He winked. “I’ve got quite the collection of cars. I’ll even give you a choice on which one we’ll drive into the city.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “That’s an unnecessary drive, and I doubt my uncle would want you on his grounds without his permission.”
“Well, how am I supposed to seduce you, then?” Michele’s grin was salacious, and my cheeks went hot.
