Page 124 of Extradition (Mobsters + Billionaires 1)
I think to my family, my brother, who hated me regardless. And to the countless other half-siblings I don’t know at all. “You’re a good man, Luca Stefano.”
“Yeah, keep that under your hat, okay? I have a reputation to maintain.”
“Noted.”
We get started on the first round of poker, and Mads does, in fact, wipe the floor with us, though Sherry wins some kind of side bet with Luca. The conversation is flowing and we’re topping off our beverages when there’s a knock at the door.
Luca gets up to answer it, and Edgerton’s jaw tenses. I’m guessing he’d rather be the one to open the door, but I doubt that’s an argument he’d win.
“Ford,” Luca says. We don’t have a clear view of the front door, but the smile in his voice is unmissable. “I’m so glad you made it.”
“Oh, uh, me too. I got waylaid in a meeting but didn’t want to miss the game. And the company. Of course.”
They join us in the library, and Ford startles when he sees the participants. He comes right up to Sherry, Rand, and me. “It’s nice to see familiar faces here. And Mads! What’re you doing here?”
“I’m cleaning up like a mobster in here.” He grimaces and looks around the room, sheepish. “Uh…no offense.”
Luca’s quiet for a second, his eyes glinting with amusement. Mads looks like he’s about to stroke out, and Ford is eyeballing the exit. I catch Edgerton’s expression, and he seems like he’s just about to break.
Mads’ voice shakes as he continues, “No, really, guys. I’m cool. I didn’t mean anything by it. Please don’t, like, fit me with concrete shoes and throw me in the river or anything.”
Luca tosses his head back, laughing from deep within his belly, then Edgerton, of all people, joins him. I follow suit because that shit is funny and because I don’t know if anyone’s ever seen Edgerton laugh. Eventually, the billionaires unclench and join in, with Mads pretending to pass out on Edgerton’s shoulder.
“It’s a good thing I’m late then,” Ford says, grinning widely. “Mads, buddy, you’re about to lose, big time.”
“Whatever, Crypto King. I’m the poker night champ.”
“Yeah, well, I made half a billion dollars last year running the numbers. And cards are all about the numbers.” Ford cracks his knuckles. “Prepare to have your asses handed to you.”
The threat is somewhat diminished by his magenta skinny jeans, bright-green argyle sweater, and black horn-rimmed Ray-Bans, but I’m pretty sure everyone at this table likes a challenge. Luca, especially.
He and Edgerton exchange another look, and Rand leans into me again. “I don’t know what’s going on, babe, but I think our friend group just got really, really interesting.”
I kiss his forehead, watching it all play out. No way in hell could I have guessed this is where we’d end up, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
