Page 96 of Extradition (Mobsters + Billionaires 1)
I nod because I have no other choice. He gestures over to Ford. “That’s your finance guru, no?”
I check out the youngest member of the Wolfe Athletics Board of Directors. He’s been a crucial tie-breaker vote for several of our ideas. A warm, quirky presence in an otherwise stuffy space. His eggplant-colored suit is perfectly tailored and set off with a simple white button-down and sparkly turquoise tie.
“Yes. He’s our newest board member, but he’s already working with our CFO to identify ways to pay for the changes we want to implement.”
“Excellent. I’m sure he’d love to meet my nephew. And because I’m efficient, he’s my second favor.”
The muscles that were just beginning to unlock freeze up again. “I don’t do the wet work. I can only present your nephew in the best light possible.”
He shakes his head, laughing softly. “I don’t want to threaten him, Joe. He’ll see that my nephew’s got the goods. Of that, I have no doubt. I just want to get to know him better. What’s his story?”
I draw my brows together, confused. I’ve never heard word one about Luca Stefano’s sexuality. And I wonder how much of our shared sexuality is why he’s chatting with me at a charity gala and not, say, in a dank warehouse with electrodes taped to my junk.
He sees my expression and winks. “What can I say? I like everything, but mostly beautiful men. And tonight, I really like him.”
Shaking my head, I blurt out, “I really can’t make him fuck you.” Grimacing, I hold up my hands. “No disrespect, of course.”
Luca’s pretty eyes narrow, and my blood pressure spikes. I can fucking hear my own pulse. When he touches my arm, it’s all I can do to not jump out of my own skin.
“I need you to hear me on this, Joe. I never make anyone do anything except keep their promises. Not even the people on my payroll. Nobody gets forced to do anything.”
I don’t think I could wipe the shock off my face if I tried.
He raises a gesturing hand. “Happy employees make more money. I spoil them rotten and charge a premium. Besides, do you know how many times someone on my books has alerted me to something going on in my territory? You know why I showed up tonight?”
“Because I’m causing you all sorts of drama?”
His laugh is unexpectedly warm, and I hate not knowing what that means. “True, but you haven’t done anything wrong. On the other hand, one of my girls said that Randolf Wolfe Sr. was in a mood over some Portelli guy and got rough with her.”
“Shit. Is she okay?”
He nods. “Nothing too bad, but he’s been suspended, and his security team has been given a warning.”
“I bet he’s unhappy.”
“Quite. But it worried her handler enough to tell me. I put a few things together and decided I needed to see what you were about. Didn’t hurt that a certain money guy was also going to be here.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Glad you like the work I’m doing then.”
“Me too.”
The Portellis could learn a thing or two from this guy. My father runs girls in Brooklyn, but they look hard, unhappy, ripe for any of his enemies or, hell, an agent looking to make RICO charges stick.
The Department of Justice quietly gutted the Mafia of old, turning the screws on people in high places to turn state’s evidence. It’s been a successful tactic, leaving the mob a shadow of what it once was. The Stefanos are the only family who hasn’t had someone turn state’s evidence. I’d assumed there was a trail of dead informants leading to this man’s door, but now I’m not so sure.
Refocusing on the request in front of me, I glance over at Ford. He’s sporting a fresh haircut, and his fingers keep running up the new fade, a nervous habit. Still, he’s rather dapper tonight, despite his appealing awkwardness.
Fuck it. I know Luca is a man of his word. If Ford doesn’t bite, he’ll walk away. “Follow me,” I say, aiming toward the intended victim.
Luca’s brow raises at the order, but he falls in step with me. We reach Ford as he lands a punchline, and the guy he’s talking to—who looks like royalty and just as inbred—laughs.
His laughter comes to an abrupt halt when he sees and recognizes Luca. Closing his mouth, he gives Ford a quick wave and dips his chin in his direction before speed-walking somewhere else.
Shrugging off the weirdness, I clasp Ford’s hand. “Hey—how’s it going this evening?”
His grin is wry and his green eyes twinkle behind his geek chic glasses as they follow the man across the room. “Eh, I’d rather be at my Saturday night D&D game. Colbert was going to drop by, and he’s always good for side quests.”
His eyes flick to Luca, appreciating his features for a few seconds. He swallows hard, running his hand through his hair. “Honestly, I’d take working on a spreadsheet formula before drudging through another conversation about cryptocurrency. Fuck’s sake, just buy in now, people.”
