6. Hello, Again
6
HELLO, AGAIN
SIMONE
S imone loved hanging with Slash. Years earlier, when they worked together at ALPHA, the two had become close friends. After Simone left, she’d let those relationships go.
She needed time to heal.
Over time, and with the help of a skilled therapist, Simone learned coping skills for her survivor guilt and PTSD. As she reemerged, she reached out to the ALPHA Ops she’d once been close with. Slash was at the top of that list and they picked right up where they’d left off.
Simone and Slash chatted on the porch while Carrera’s grandmother put the finishing touches on dinner. Simone glanced into the kitchen. “We should be helping.”
“Carrera’s got Elsa,” Slash said before topping off Simone’s wine glass. “Plus, it gives us time to catch up.”
“I like this chianti,” Simone said.
“It’s Santini Chianti,” Slash said. “Carrera’s cousin, Luciano, sends it over by the case.”
Just hearing his name sent a thrill thrumming through her.
“A perk of being a Santini.” Simone sipped the wine.
After a beat, Slash said, “Red, I need to talk shop with you.”
The French door opened and Carrera’s grandmother walked into the room. “Room for one more?”
Slash patted the sofa cushion next to her. “I’m glad you’re taking a break.” She glanced inside. “Did you leave Carrera in charge?”
“Of course not,” Elsa replied, and she and Slash laughed.
Slash poured Elsa a glass before turning her attention back to Red. “Come with me to rescue training.”
Simone glanced over at Elsa.
“I went with Amanda May,” Elsa said. “Watching the team work was an absolute thrill.”
“Elsa knows about the rescue team?” Simone asked.
“I don’t know anything,” Elsa said with a sly smile.
“She came with me once,” Slash explained. “I didn’t want to leave her alone. It’s a long story, but someone tried to burn her house down?—”
Carrera walked onto the porch.
Elsa put her arm around Slash. “Amanda May rescued me. Carrera too.”
“It was all Slash,” Carrera said.
“Team effort.” Slash smiled at her husband. “Red, you should come to training. You’d love it.”
“I left the group,” Simone reminded her.
“It’s time to come back,” Slash said. “At least, check out our training.”
Excitement pounded through her. I would love that.
“Don’t you need to clear that with someone?” Simone asked.
“If I could bring Elsa, I’m sure Rebel would have no prob if you joined us. Even if you just did target practice, it would be great shooting alongside you.”
“I’ll let you know,” Simone replied.
“Simone, let’s chat before dinner,” Carrera said.
“Absolutely,” Simone replied.
In the kitchen, Simone collected her computer bag, followed Carrera down the hall to his home office. He sat behind his desk, she eased into a guest chair.
She eyed the framed photos on the shelves behind him. Two snagged her attention. One of him and Slash at their wedding, sharing cake and laughing. She loved that Slash had found her person. The second was of Luciano, Carrera, Teddy, and Gabriel on the Omega, big smiles on their handsome faces.
They’re living their best lives.
“Do you go by Simone or Red?” he asked.
“At work, I’ve always been Red, but either works.”
“Alright, Red. I reviewed your history with the Bureau and with ALPHA. Impressive.”
“I had a good run.”
“Ever consider returning?”
“It’s crossed my mind,” she replied.
“Have you been keeping up with target practice?”
“No.”
“Tucker Henninger built a training town at Henninger Security. If you check it out, flash your badge and there’s no charge. The Bureau has an account with him.”
“Gotcha.”
“Let’s talk about your accounts.”
She set her laptop on the edge of his desk. “I tap out around thirty jobs at a time.”
His eyebrows jutted up. “That’s twice what the other watchers can manage.”
“I like staying busy, plus I work a lot of gigs at night. People get crazy when the sun goes down. I was reviewing a Baltimore detective for an Op position. On paper, he was perfect. I was about to send my report to Z, but decided to follow him one night.” She leaned back. “My squeaky-clean cop was in tight with a drug dealer, and I’m not talking about someone working the streets.”
“Nice work.”
“Z was pretty hands off,” she continued. “He sent me cases, I’d upload my reports to the portal. On occasion, I’d meet with him in the dungeon.” A smile flitted across her face. “That basement office is one creepy place. Did you meet Ralph?”
“Who?”
“Ralph the rat. Fattest damn rodent I’ve ever seen. Talk about a wide-load.”
Carrera laughed. “Thanks for the heads up.”
“It’s good to meet in person,” she said. “The job can get lonely.”
“For some, it’s a great gig, but for someone like you, it served a purpose.” He paused. “What does your therapist say?”
“I’ve been cleared to return.”
“Consider coming back, okay?”
Simone nodded. “Who would I talk to about that?”
“Do you know Cooper Grant or Providence Luck?”
“No.”
“They run ALPHA now. Slash or I can introduce you.”
“Gotcha,” she replied. “I’ll upload my files to the portal. Of the thirty I’ve been working, I’m sending you seventeen.” She logged into ALPHA, sent him her assessments.
“What about returning to the Bureau?” he asked.
“Why the push?”
Carrera stroked his beard. “Sometimes we have to confront our fears in order to get past them. From what Slash told me, you were a great Op. I’m concerned you’re using this job as a crutch.”
A myriad of emotions—sadness, guilt, anger—rushed over her. “Thanks for being direct.”
“I want what’s best for my employees,” he said. “Any questions or concerns for me?”
“Nothing.” She closed her laptop, slid it into her satchel.
“Thanks for your flexibility,” he said. “Appreciate you coming to the house.”
She smiled. “This is a much better deal for me. I get to hang with Slash.”
His warm smile touched his eyes. “Come over anytime.”
Tell him.
After a beat, she said, “There is one thing… Z had me watching Luciano.”
The lines between his brows deepened. “How long?”
“Six weeks.”
“Did you include that report?”
“No, it was off-the-books.”
“Whad’ya learn?” he asked trying to sound casual. But she was good at reading people. Carrera didn’t like that she’d been spying on his cousin.
Luciano’s strong, hard body flashed in her mind. The passion in his kiss, the way he tasted, how he undid her with very little effort. She wanted to say, “He’s erotic, he’s intense, and he’s a god in bed.”
“Red?” Carrera asked, snapping her from her arousing thoughts.
“Nothing,” she replied. “I got nothing.”
The knot between Carrera’s brows relaxed.
What are you hiding Carrera? Is there more to your frequent visits to the mansion beyond visiting a blood relative?
“Is there anything in ALPHAnet about Luciano?” he asked. “Notes on your phone or at your house?”
That had her arching an eyebrow. “Nothing.”
She was being honest. No reason to jot anything down because everything associated with Luciano Santini was tattooed in her brain.
“Did you notice anything unusual?” he asked.
“Unusual?”
“Anything that would make you think he’s doing something illegal?”
Interesting, coming from his cousin.
“No.”
“Glad to hear it.” He stood.
She shouldered her laptop and rose. Be transparent. He’s one of the good guys.
“He knew I was tailing him.”
Carrera smiled. “I’m not surprised. Did he confront you?” He opened the French door to his office, waited for her to exit.
“He did,” she replied as they walked down the short hallway.
“You can stop surveilling him.” After entering the kitchen, he said, “Consider my job proposal with ALPHA.”
“I will.”
“Going forward, we can meet here or at the Bureau?—”
“And risk running into that asshole Hirzog?” asked a man, his deep, raspy voice thundering through her.
Simone stopped short, her gaze seeking and finding the source.
Luciano.
The seconds passed while their heated stares made her heart pound hard and fast in her chest.
Him… again.
He stood alone near the cooktop, a wooden spoon with pasta sauce poised near his seductive-as-sin mouth, those insanely kissable lips beckoning.
“Ciao, Simone,” he said.
“Luciano.”
“I heard no introductions are needed,” Carrera said.
“We’ve met.” Luciano’s heated gaze stripped her bare.
And she fucking loved it.
He placed the spoon to his mouth, tasted the pasta sauce. “Simone, try this. It’s gotta be Elsa’s best batch.”
A beaming Elsa walked into the kitchen. “You always say that, Lulu.”
Lulu?
“There’s gotta be a story with that nickname,” Simone said.
Elsa patted Luciano’s back. “He’s always been my Lulu.”
After kissing his grandmothers’ cheek, Luciano held out the spoon to her. “Simone.”
No way would she let him feed her in front of his family, but resisting Luciano? That was impossible.
Slash entered wearing a stunning dusty-rose gown, hijacking everyone’s attention.
“ Wow ,” Carrera said. “You look amazing.”
Slash did a slow three-sixty, modeling the couture formalwear. “It’s a Santini Original. What do you think?”
“That’s an interesting color, Lulu,” Elsa said. “It’s soft, very feminine. I like it.”
“My astute grandmother.” Luciano walked over to Slash, eyeing the fabric. “It was a mistake. Rather than discard the shipment, I needed them modeled.”
Simone moved closer. The dress was full-on couture. An off-the-shoulder gown with a chiffon bodice that showed off Slash’s figure, without looking slutty.
“What do you think, Simone?” Luciano asked.
“It’s beautiful. I love the hourglass fit.”
Luciano walked over to a garment bag hanging over the French door and pulled out two gowns—a pale green and a charcoal.
“This should have been a vibrant green and this ebony.” Luciano walked over to Simone, held each one up to her, then offered her the charcoal one. “Please.”
She stilled.
Slash took the dress, then Simone’s hand. “We got this.”
Up the stairs they went. Behind the closed door of Slash and Carrera’s bedroom, Slash removed the dress from the hanger. “This’ll look great on you.”
“I’m not trying that on,” Simone said.
“Why not?” Slash replied. “Luciano needs our help.”
Simone removed her shirt and pants, then slipped into the gown. After Slash zipped her, she stood in front of their full-length mirror. As she eyed the dress, Simone ran her fingers down the silky material. This one had a high collar and a halter back.
This is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever worn.
“Wow,” Slash said. “It’s a perfect fit. Great color on you.” She stood beside Simone and stared at herself. “I’m not a dusty-pink person, but it’s a pretty color for someone else.”
“The color works with your light eyes and blonde hair,” Simone said eyeing her friend in the mirror. After a beat, she said, “Carrera thinks I should return to ALPHA.”
Slash beamed at her. “Yes!”
“He mentioned a training town?—”
“Yeah, at Tucker’s shooting range. I’ll schedule something.” She opened the bedroom door. “Time to model a Santini Original.”
Together, they returned to the kitchen.
The second Luciano saw her, everything went into slo-mo. The intensity in his bedroom eyes pierced her soul. As he made his way over to her, she felt like the luckiest woman on the planet. She was wearing a Santini Original and the man himself was coming over to examine the goods.
A foot away, he stopped, his complete attention focused on her in his dress. “Turn.”
She turned slowly until she was facing him once again.
“Bellisima,” he murmured. “It was made for you. What do you think?”
“It fits perfectly, it feels sensational, and I love the color,” she replied. “What do you think?”
He lifted his phone, dialed. “It’s different… I like it.”
“Hello, darling,” a man answered. “Tell me you love them.”
He had been studying the dress on her, the dress on Slash, and glancing over at the green dress, still on the hanger.
“Limited run.” His gaze slid to Simone. “We’ll call it the Dreamy Collection.”
“Brilliant. I’ll place an order.”
He hung up, flashed Simone a smile, sending her heart tripping into the stratosphere.
Take it down a few.
“I appreciate your help,” he said to her and to Slash.
“Of course,” she replied. “I’m going to change.”
“Same,” Slash said.
Simone forced herself to walk toward the stairs. She could stare at him for hours, but she’d had her fun, then she’d rejected him. Time to move on.
She thought about Carrera’s questions about Luciano. Had she made any notes? Did she notice anything unusual? Anything that would make her think he’s doing something illegal?
What are you up to, Luciano Santini? And how much does Carrera know?
The women returned to Slash’s bedroom.
“Luciano’s been checking you out pretty good,” Slash said.
“Not me, the gown.” Simone turned and Slash unzipped her, then Simone returned the favor.
“Nope, it’s you,” Slash said. “Did you two just meet?”
“We met at a party last weekend.” Simone slid the dress onto the hanger.
“Luciano doesn’t go to parties.” Slash laid the dress on the bed, pulled on her jeans.
“It was a private party, and he was there stalking me.” Simone shouldered into her shirt. “I’m sure Carrera will tell you later. Z had me watching him.”
Slash’s eyes widened. “Why?”
“We’re talking about Z.” Simone started buttoning her shirt. “He’s very secretive. He just asked me to tail him.”
“What did you see?” Slash pulled on a T-shirt, tucked it into her jeans.
Simone tugged on her pants. “I saw nothing, but the way Carrera was questioning me, I think I totally missed the elephant in the room. Anyway, he told me to stand down.”
“So, Luciano went to the party for you ?”
“To confront me.”
“Was he angry?”
Giving Luciano a blowjob popped into her thoughts. “Angry? No. More like charming, but I denied watching him. I couldn’t tell him.”
Simone draped the dresses over her arm.
“Of course.” Slash opened the bedroom door.
As they walked down the hall, Slash asked, “Are you thinking of coming back to ALPHA?”
“Maybe. I miss it… a lot.”
“I miss working with you.”
Back in the kitchen, as Simone hung the gowns in the garment bag, she spotted Luciano on the porch alone, staring into the darkness.
“Dinner,” Elsa said as she pulled plates from the cupboard.
“I’ll let Luciano know.” Simone walked onto the screened porch.
Luciano turned. Their connection was immediate and intense. She felt pulled to him, like a magnet. She couldn’t have stopped herself even if she’d wanted.
Only she didn’t want.
Halting inches away, she peered into his eyes. “Dinner.”
“Are you hungry?” he murmured, his deep voice rumbling through her.
“I am,” she replied, passion igniting her insides. “You?”
“I’m starving.” The gritty need in his voice halted her breath. “Wait until you taste Elsa’s skillet chicken. “Deliziosa.” Then, he cupped her cheek, stepped so close his warm breath heated her skin. “Like you.”
“Ohgod.” She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t look away. In that moment Luciano Santini became her entire universe.
“Kiss me,” he whispered.
That made her smile… until she realized she’d wrapped her arms around his back, and was clinging to him like a vine. She started to untangle herself when he kissed her.
Powerful, yet gentle, and overflowing with sinful promise. A moan floated into the air.
Her moan.
Her body and her brain had separated.
“Bene, no?” he asked.
He could speak Italian to her all day, every day. It didn’t matter whether she understood. His gravelly, commanding timbre rumbled through her, captivating her completely.
“Your turn,” he said. “Kiss me.”
She pressed her lips to his, only this time, she lingered. The air crackled around them while heat flowed through her like lava.
“You shouldn’t have left me the other night,” he whispered. “Don’t make that mistake again.”
She’d defied him, something no one did. Ever . But she didn’t give a damn how the world kowtowed to the magnificent Mr. Santini. She would never fall in line.
“I left because it was the smart thing to do,” she pushed back.
“You left because you’re afraid of getting hurt. Maybe you thought I was using you.”
“Maybe I’m not attracted to you.”
“Instead of the back and forth, tell me. Why did you leave?”
She could lie, she could walk away from him… or she could answer his question. As she mulled her answer, the fire in his eyes burned brightly. Being seared by Luciano was the best punishment she could ever imagine.
“You wanted answers. And you figured you could fuck them out of me. I wasn’t going to tell you and I didn’t want to be manipulated. We had fun?—”
“Simone,” he growled, the bite in his voice catching her ear. “I invited you to dinner on my yacht for your company, and because we had unfinished business.”
Carrera walked outside. “You two can eat out here if you want privacy.”
Simone severed their cozy connection, missing the warmth of his body and the desire in his eyes. “No privacy needed.”
Being around him was addictive. Plus, she was curious. Why did Z tell her to watch him, and why did Carrera ask her all those questions about him? Where did he go on those late-night flights beyond running his billion-dollar empire?
“Excuse me.” Simone hurried inside.
The delicious aroma of chicken, red sauce, oregano and garlic made her stomach growl.
Slash was pulling the garlic bread from the oven. Elsa was busy adding extra-virgin olive oil to the large salad. Then, she sprinkled in organic balsamic vinegar. When finished, Elsa wrapped her fingers around Slash’s long hair and gave it a loving tug.
“Love you, Elsa,” Slash said.
“Love you more,” Elsa replied as she handed Slash a plate.
“You go first,” Slash said.
“After my babies.”
Slash selected a chicken cutlet, then scooped risotto from the large skillet. With a plate in hand, Simone sidled over.
“I’ve never seen Luciano kiss anyone,” Slash said. “You’ve put a spell on him. Don’t you think, Elsa?”
Elsa smiled at Simone. “He liked you in his gown. You wore it so well. I’ve always wished I’d been taller. How tall are you?”
“Five ten,” Simone replied.
“Whew, that is tall,” Slash said.
“Not when you’re a gangly teen, but I’ve learned to be more accepting of myself. The good and the bad.”
Simone took a chicken thigh, a scoop of risotto, and a slice of garlic bread. “Honestly, I could eat the entire loaf. This smells amazing.”
“My models don’t eat bread,” Luciano said as he forked chicken onto his plate. “I tell them bread is okay. Moderation, right?”
“Sometimes abstinence, sometimes going all-in.” With a playful smile, Slash waggled her eyebrows at Simone. “Depends on what it is.”
Simone loved spending time with the Santinis. She loved how comfortable they were with each other, how easy the conversation came.
Elsa left her post at the stove and dished out their salads, handing each of them one as they made their way toward the table. Once everyone was seated, Carrera took Slash’s hand. Luciano clasped her hand, and both men clasped their grandmother’s hands.
“Heavenly Father,” Carrera began, “Thank you for this food, for our family, and for our good health. Please watch over us, watch over those in need, and thank you for bringing Red— Simone —back into our lives. Amen.”
“Amen,” everyone said, but all she felt was the squeeze of Luciano’s hand against her own.
Their eyes met and he winked.
I’m a goner. He’s gonna take me on a wild ride, then dump me at the end, but I’m gonna enjoy the hell out of it.
Everyone dug in, pausing to praise Elsa for the meal.
“Elsa, this is so good,” Simone said. “Is your secret butter?”
“EVOO,” she replied, “and a mix of spices that ignite the taste buds.”
“Ignite the taste buds?” Carrera asked. “You should write a cookbook with those killer words.”
Everyone laughed.
Luciano pushed away from the table, retrieved a bottle of white wine and a bottle of Chianti. “The Chianti is a Santini wine, the white wine is not.”
Chianti all around. As he walked back to his chair, he brushed his hand over her shoulder and across her upper back. Tingles of delight had her turning to acknowledge him as he eased onto the cushioned chair.
“Elsa, Simone is a personal shopper,” Luciano said.
“That’s wonderful,” Elsa replied. “You two must know a lot of the same people.”
LUCIANO
Luciano sipped the Chianti before regarding Simone. She was waiting, her intense green eyes blazing with light.
“Yes, several,” Simone replied. “Someone who comes to mind is a terrific man named Philip Skye. He goes by Z. It’s kind of a fashion thing.”
Carrera chuffed out a laugh. “Okay, wow.”
“You’ve met your match, Luciano Santini,” Slash said.
“I have a small client base,” Simone continued. “Loyal people who have been with me for a while now. My area of expertise is home furnishings, some fashion. I’ve even helped my clients with their houseware needs.” She shot Luciano a hard stare. “You know, blenders, toasters. Common-folk items.”
“Toasters?” Luciano asked. “What’re they for?”
Everyone laughed.
Luciano had wanted to ruffle Simone, but she’d run with it. As she chatted away about the art of selecting a sideboard or a coffee table, he couldn’t take his eyes off her. She carried herself with a confidence he found refreshing, but it was her inner beauty that intrigued him.
“If you’ve worked with Z, then you must know home-furnishing icon, Schezan,” he continued.
No such person existed.
“Schezan? Oh, I heard he left the biz,” she quipped, “ and he left the country.”
Slash’s right. I’ve met my match. She’s calling me on my bullshit.
With an arched eyebrow, she slid her gaze from him to Elsa. “Elsa, were you married for a long time?”
Elsa’s smile brightened her face. She and his grandfather had been close. When he died, Luciano had been concerned for her.
“I was married for over fifty years,” Elsa replied.
“What a blessing,” Simone said.
Years earlier, Elsa had told him, “I miss G-Pa every day, but I feel his presence. Life is different without him, but he knew how much I loved him. We have an unbreakable bond for eternity.”
Those words had stayed with him. That sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime love. Something he’d had… and lost.
Pain gripped his chest. It followed him wherever he went, keeping his life in a constant state of gray.
“I mentioned to Luciano that he should consider a home furnishings line,” Simone said. “Why stop at fashion and spirits? Maybe Schezan could return and help with that.”
She plucked him from his sadness, spurring a flicker of hope. Simone Redding was a firecracker who was taunting him for the fun of it. Would this game of cat and mouse never end?
For the first time in a long time, he hoped not.
When they’d finished dinner, Simone helped clean up. “Thank you for having me. Elsa, you’re an amazing cook who should write a cookbook. I’m sure Luciano could help you get it published. The Santini name alone would make it a bestseller.”
Elsa clasped her hand and patted it. “Thank you. It was lovely meeting you, Simone. I love meeting Amanda May’s friends. Please come back.”
“I’ll book us some time at Tucker’s,” Slash said, “and I’ll text you the date.”
“Sound great,” Simone said. “Carrera, thanks for talking shop.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Luciano offered.
He took her computer bag from her, slung it over his shoulder. Together, they walked toward the foyer. Their evening wasn’t over. She just didn’t know it yet.
“Plans tonight?” He opened the front door.
“No. You?” As she walked past him, her baseline scent caught his attention and he breathed her in.
They walked down the driveway toward her car, parked curbside. “I have a meeting tonight, around eleven.”
“Well, no worries that I’ll be following you.” She opened the back door of her vehicle and he stashed her satchel on the floor behind her seat.
“Why’s that?” he asked.
“Gig’s over.” She turned to face him. “Of all the people I’ve been tasked with tailing these past two years, you were the highlight.”
He appreciated her honesty. “I’m going to miss you skulking around, but I like you better without the binos.” He stepped close, but he stopped short of kissing her.
“When do you ask for permission?” she whispered.
“I loved our sparring in there,” he murmured.
“Schezan?” Her lips curved. “I almost fell for it.”
“Almost?” he whispered before his lips brushed against hers.
Her whimper urged him on. He pulled her flush against him while she sunk her fingers into his hair at the nape of his neck. The pressure of her mouth on his was a direct hit to his cock, now firming in his pants. Though he wanted to deepen their embrace, he ended it. His goal? Leave her frustrated and eager for more.
“Drive safely, Simone.”
Without a word, she got behind the wheel of her SUV, started the vehicle. She didn’t unroll the window, didn’t say another word, but she didn’t have to. He could feel her energy pouring into him. She put the car in gear, seared him with a sultry gaze, before driving into the night.
Back inside, he found Elsa in her family room chair, busy with her crossword puzzle. Carrera and Slash were finishing up in the kitchen while the Keurig churned out a coffee.
“I’m having a cup,” Slash said. “Coffee for you, Luciano?”
He slid onto a barstool at the island. “Sí.”
She set the mug of freshly brewed java in front of him, then got busy making another. “What do you want to know about her?”
Luciano chuckled. “Who?”
Carrera pulled up a chair beside him. “Schezan?” He barked out a laugh. “What the hell was that?”
Slash laughed. “I can’t believe she mentioned Z.”
“Tell me about her.” Luciano sipped the hot drink, appreciating the robust taste. Carrera and Slash exchanged glances.
“No point in lying,” Slash said.
“Agreed,” Carrera said.
Slash collected her mug of coffee, stood across the island from them. “Do you want to sit babe?” Carrera asked her.
“I’m good.” She slid her gaze to Luciano. “Red used to be an ALPHA Op.”
I wasn’t expecting that.
“Okay,” Luciano said.
“She came from the Bureau,” Slash continued.
“Who does she work for now?” Luciano asked.
“Me. She’s a watcher,” Carrera pulled his wife’s mug over, drank down a mouthful, and slid it back. “She worked for Z.”
Frustration slithered down his spine. “Fratello, did you know she’s been watching me?”
“Not until tonight,” Carrera replied. “She came to the Bureau to meet with me, but bolted when she saw Hirzog in the lobby.”
A growl rolled out of him.
“Did you guys get into it?” Slash asked.
“Yeah,” Luciano replied. “Hirzog’s scum.”
“He was Red’s old boss,” Slash explained, “and he’s well liked at the Bureau.”
A snarl curled his lip. “Figlio di puttana.”
“Translate,” Slash said.
“Motherfucker,” Carrera clarified. “Z had her watching you, but it wasn’t on any of the reports he gave me. If she hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known.”
“And?” Luciano sipped the beverage.
“She said she saw nothing, and I told her to stand down.” Carrera’s phone rang. “It’s Cooper. I’m putting him on speaker.”
“Elsa—” Slash called out.
“I won’t say anything,” Elsa replied.
Carrera answered. “Hey, Coop, what’s going on?”
“We got a tip on a bomb maker’s possible location,” Cooper explained. “We think it might be The Bomb Maker, so we’re sending in a team this week.”
“Arrest or hit?” Carrera asked.
“We can’t take him out,” Cooper explained. “We don’t have positive confirmation it’s him, and we’ve got little to go on from five years ago.”
“Where?” Carrera asked.
“Silver Spring.”
“When’s the mission?”
“Wednesday, three A.M.,” Cooper replied. “We’re watching on a live feed. I’ll let you know the details.”
Carrera thanked him and hung up. “I’m gonna watch this one go down.”
“Why’s that?” Slash asked.
“The last time ALPHA went after The Bomb Maker, the mission was an epic fail. This time, there can be no mistakes.” He regarded Luciano. “Watch with me.”
“I’ll be there.” Luciano finished the coffee, rinsed the mug, set it in the dish drainer.
“Look at you,” Slash teased. “Red doesn’t think you can do menial labor, but here you are cleaning up after yourself.”
On a laugh, he kissed Slash on both cheeks. “Smart ass.” Before zipping the garment bag of couture gowns, he offered one to Slash.
“I’m not much of a pastel girl,” she replied. “You designed a black wedding gown for me.”
“And you looked amazing,” Carrera replied.
“She did,” Luciano agreed before pulling out the charcoal dress. “Take this one.”
“No way,” she replied. “That’s for Red.”
“I hadn’t thought of that,” he replied with a flicker of a smile.
“Headed there now?” Carrera asked.
“A gentleman never kisses and tells.” Luciano said goodbye to his grandmother. “Ti amo, Elsa. La cena era perfetta.” He leaned down, kissed each of her cheeks.
“Ti amo, mio Lulu,” his grandmother replied. “I like Simone. Do you?”
“I like Simone too,” he replied.
“You’re a good boy, Luciano.”
“I’m many things, Elsa. Good isn’t one of them.”