Page 94 of Extradition (Mobsters + Billionaires 1)
JOE
Randand I circle each other throughout the cocktail hour. He spends a lot of time with a gorgeous man who hugs him. Twice. But then Rand looks at me as he’s talking to the guy, and I have a feeling my ears should be burning.
Whatever he’s saying is making him incredibly happy.
I’m looking at him again when I run, quite literally, into a trim, elegantly dressed man.
“Sorry, wasn’t paying—” I cut myself off when I see who I’ve nearly knocked down.
This isn’t some random man in a nice suit. This is Luciano Stefano, the newly crowned head of the Stefano family. Mortal enemies and begrudging allies of the Portelli family.
The answering smile is a shock, and I swallow thickly, wondering if I’m about to die. I can’t look away. I’ve seen pictures of him in the news, but he’s a different vibe altogether in person.
Where I look like a goon in a suit, he fits in with this crowd. He’s the love child of Sicily and old-school Hollywood, with a beguiling openness to his expression and pretty morning-after eyes fringed by eyelashes so dark and black they’re almost feminine.
I step back and thin my lips. “No offense or injury meant, boss,” I say, uncomfortable with that word in my mouth.
“None taken. And I appreciate the recognition, but maybe not in a room full of billionaires, eh? They know who I am, but they don’t necessarily like to be reminded.” Even his voice is elegant.
I remind myself that as fancy as he looks and sounds, it’s no accident that he’s here tonight. “Of course…” I trail off, not sure how to address him.
“Luca,” he says, holding out his hand. Going against everything I’ve ever been taught, against every fiber of my being, I accept his hand and shake it.
Somebody take a picture. The Portelli and Stefano families just made physical contact without bloodshed.
“Of course. Luca.” I close my mouth. I dare not make any small talk because I’m flying blind here. He’s approached me with an agenda, and I’ll let him make it known.
“I hear you’re persona non grata with your family these days.”
My jaw tightens. “Sometimes you make choices based on what’s good for everybody, not what’s popular.”
He nods. “The Portellis forget that they don’t just bring heat on themselves when they go off-script. But you always understood that. Which is why I haven’t questioned your presence on my island. Though I did notice that you didn’t come visit me first.”
I shift, catching his men at every exit. Jesus. Does Edgerton know about these guys?
“You’re right. I didn’t. To be honest, I wasn’t sure that it was my place, and you were dealing with your father’s funeral. Again, no disrespect intended. And my condolences.”
“None taken. And your condolences, while appreciated, aren’t necessary. I’m not exactly unhappy that he’s dead.”
Luciano Stefano is known for his razor-sharp honesty, so his words aren’t all that shocking. The fact that the late don and his oldest son didn’t get along isn’t exactly a state secret. I am surprised, however, that one of the younger uncles didn’t take over.
Though looking at the man in front of me, murder in his refined fingertips, I take that back. I’m not surprised at all. I’d bet my shiny new salary he’s got family at the bottom of the Hudson.
“I’m curious. Why wouldn’t you feel it’s your place? You’re a Portelli.”
“Yes, but I’m just the bastard. I was never more than a dock worker to my father.”
He taps his lip with a manicured finger. “I think it’s strange your father doesn’t embrace his bastards. They would only strengthen his hold on his territory.”
His use of the plural is purposeful. I’m the only bastard my father ever acknowledged. He’s telling me there are others. A brutal truth designed to test my reaction.
I school my face, not allowing anything to make it to the surface. “Eh, he’s old-fashioned that way. Probably only let me work the docks because I look too much like him to deny me.”
Luca nods. “Maybe. Though I didn’t come to you tonight to discuss old news.”
“Oh?”
“I’m here in part to warn you that your father’s not done with this. He’s not going to take the win and be grateful.”
