Power (The Santini Assassins #1)

19. One Step at a Time

19

ONE STEP AT A TIME

LUCIANO

A fter Stuart pulled up in front of the State Department, Sin handed Luciano a badge.

“Looks legit.” Luciano read the name—Malvagio Peccatore—and laughed. In Italian, his name meant Wicked Sinner.

“And I work for the FBI. That’s irony.” Luciano glanced at Stuart’s reflection in the rearview mirror. “Stuart, I’ll text you on the way out.”

“I’ll park around the corner.” His driver opened Luciano’s door and both men exited the Range Rover.

They made their way through security without issue.

“How’d you do it?” Luciano asked as they walked to the elevator. “Malvagio Peccatore doesn’t exist.”

“Sure he does,” Sin replied. “Check the system, you’ll see he’s there. I gave you a hella title too. It’s equivalent to King of the Universe.”

“I knew I liked you for a reason.”

They rode the elevator to the fourth floor, entered the Bureau of Consular Affairs, stopping at reception.

“Sinclair Develin and Malvagio Peccatore for Cary Newburg,” Sin said.

The woman slid her gaze from one man to the other and color flooded her cheeks. With her eyes locked on Luciano, she made a call. When finished, she said to Sin, “Mr. Newburg is in a meeting.”

“It’s about Guy Chenkus,” Sin said.

The men stepped away from the desk, and the receptionist made another call. Seconds later, she said, “Someone will be right out.”

Of course someone will be right out.

A different woman bustled over, escorted them through the department and over to a small waiting area near a corner office. “Mr. Newburg is finishing a call.” She returned to her seat and popped a piece of chocolate into her mouth.

A moment later, the door opened. A pudgy man wearing a hideous light gray suit exited his office. He eyed both men. “Cary Newburg.”

After he shook his hand, Luciano wanted to wipe the dampness off, but he sure as hell wasn’t using his suit for that.

Mr. Newburg ushered them into his office. “What can I help you with today?”

After Luciano sat, he stuck a micro listening device to the underside of the guest chair as Mr. Newburg hollered for his assistant to come in and take notes.

“No,” Luciano said, the smell of mildew turning his stomach.

Mr. Newburg glared at him. “Did you just tell me no?”

Luciano nodded, once.

“Why the hell not?”

Sin sat, crossed his legs. “Because we say so.”

“Never mind,” Newburg yelled out before shutting the door.

When he lowered himself into his desk chair, the furniture creaked from his weight. “Are you law enforcement?”

“I’m Sinclair Develin with Develin and Associates.”

“The Fixer, right?”

An acknowledgment nod from Sin. “This is Malvagio Peccatore with the Bureau. We spoke with Guy Chenkus about his side gig here.”

Newburg’s elbow jerked out, like a nervous tic. “What side gig?”

“You forced him to create passports for Haqazzii terrorists on the No-Fly list.” Luciano said.

“Now, wait one goddamn minute. I didn’t force anyone to do anything, and I have no idea what you’re talkin’ about.” Beads of sweat broke out on Newburg’s temples.

“Who do you work for?” Luciano said. “Who’s behind this?”

“Behind what? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Silence.

Mr. Newburg fidgeted in his chair, the creaking sound bouncing off the walls of his drab government office.

“I get why you’re scared,” Luciano said. “Chenkus is dead. Let us help you. Tell us who you work with.”

“If you don’t, we’ll open an IG investigation,” Sin said.

“I… um, er… Guy was lying,” Newburg said.

“This is a serious offense that carries jail time,” Luciano said. “And the Bureau will come down hard on a traitor.”

Newburg feigned surprise, but his open mouth and wide eyes only made Luciano want to shove him against a wall and knock the answers out of him. This was a total shit show and a complete waste of his time, but they had to do it this way first. When this failed, they’d do it his way. That would get them the answers they needed.

“If you don’t cooperate, not only will the Inspector General be on your ass, you might find your investment accounts have a zero balance,” Sin growled.

A sound, like the air being released by a balloon seeped out of Newburg. “This is much bigger than me and the small part you think I played. If I were you, I would march your asses out and crawl back under the rock from where you came.”

Luciano and Sin exchanged glances.

“Wrong answer,” Luciano bit out.

Sin flashed a smile. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

“Get out!” Newburg shoved out of his chair and waddled to his door. He threw it open and glared at them.

The second they exited, he slammed the door shut.

As Luciano and Sin strode down the hall, Sin said, “He should have told us.”

“He is.” Luciano checked his watch. “My money says he’s making a call right now.”

That ten-minute visit would start a chain reaction that would blow the case wide open.

Luciano handed Sin an earpiece. They slipped the tiny devices into their ears and listened.

“We got snoopers,” Newburg said. “Sinclair Develin and Malvagio Peccatore dropped by to ask me about Chenkus. How the hell do I know? Look, I was freaking the hell out, so I didn’t ask a lot of questions. No, he didn’t leave his card. Shut the hell up for a minute. You gotta make this problem go away. Do you hear me?” Silence then, “What do you mean take a few days off? I’ve got a goddamn department to run.” Newburg slammed the phone on his desk.

Luciano smiled. “Now, we’re gonna have some fun.”

Sin chuckled. “Here comes the shit storm.”

After dropping Sin at his office, Luciano checked his phone. Over a dozen texts waited for his review, but he scrolled until he found the one from Simone.

Call me

He tapped her number, the phone rang.

“Mr. Santini,” she answered, her whisper-soft voice making him smile.

“Ms. Redding, should I pay you a house call?”

“That depends,” she murmured. “Will you be a help or a distraction?”

“That’s up to you.”

“Swing by.” The line went dead.

Blood whooshed through his veins. He couldn’t wait to see her. He lowered the privacy screen, instructed Stuart to drive to Simone’s. Fifteen minutes later, Stuart pulled into her driveway.

“Would you like me to carry the clothing inside, sir?” Stuart asked.

Luciano had his assistant put together a collection of Santini Originals for her. Not wanting to overwhelm her, he said, “Only the shoes now. The rest can wait.”

Luciano rang her doorbell. She opened it, and a punch of adrenaline powered through him. The effect she was having on him was addictive. He kissed her hello, letting his lips linger on hers.

“Can’t stay away, can you?” Her playful smile sent another hit of energy through him.

He held out the gift bag.

She didn’t take it. “You don’t have to?—”

“Open it,” he urged.

Before she closed the door, she peered outside. “Is Stuart waiting?”

“Yes.”

“Ask him to come inside,” she said. “I can make us a pot of coffee.”

“I was hoping I could convince you to work at my place today.”

She hitched her hands on her hips. “Go ahead.”

“And?”

“Convince me.”

He snaked his arm around her waist, this time kissing her breathless. “Should I continue?”

She sucked down a deep breath. “I’ll get my laptop.”

Again, he offered her the gift bag. “You don’t need to buy me gifts,” she said as she took the bag.

“These are for me.” He winked.

She pulled out the Christian Louboutin shoe box, opened the lid. “They’re stunning.”

“Feet as talented as yours deserve a pair of luxury leather platform sandals.”

“These are too much.”

“Too high?”

“No, too expensive.”

They were a grand. That was nothing to him.

As soon as she slipped them onto her bare feet, he started to harden. Being around Simone was too damn easy. She sashayed toward the kitchen, turned slowly, and walked back, her heated gaze making his balls ache with need. When he eyed the shoes on her gorgeous feet, he bit back a groan.

“They’re perfect for you.” He pulled a small black jewelry box from his pants pocket, opened it, and displayed a silver toe ring.

She laughed, then kissed him. “I love it. Toe jewelry.”

“I wanted to get you one with diamonds?—”

“Ouch,” she said. “That could have hurt.”

He knelt, removed one of the sandals, and slid on the simple, gold ring. Then, he kissed her foot, appreciating her silky skin before he slid the shoe back on. When he stood, she ran her hand over his bulging crotch.

“I definitely appreciate your fetish. You’re easy.”

“It’s you,” he said. “It’s all you.”

“Work now, play later,” she said.

“I’ll hold you to it.”

She smiled. “And I’ll deliver.”

With her computer bag in one hand and her handbag over her shoulder, she paused in front of him. “Thank you for these gifts. Gotta say, I’m not used to being spoiled like this.”

“Spoiling you would be buying you a car… for fun.”

“Thank God I don’t need one,” she murmured. “I’m having dinner with Jerod tonight. He’s introducing me to his girlfriend who’s in from Atlanta. Let me grab a change of clothes.”

She set down her bags and trotted upstairs. It took every ounce of strength not to follow her. A few minutes later, she returned, pausing to kiss him.

Her presence soothed his soul and kick-started his libido. Her sweet smile should have made him happy, but the guilt and grief crept back in. Would he ever forgive himself and allow himself to feel joy? It was his job to protect his family, not send them to their deaths. He shook his head as he took her overnight bag from her.

Pausing, she furrowed her brows at him. “You just shook your head at me.” She ran a gentle hand down his whiskered cheek. “You okay?”

“All good,” he replied.

After she locked up, they made their way down the walkway, but she stopped at her SUV. “I have to drive. I’m meeting Jerod at Carole Jean’s in Tysons.”

“I’ll take you there,” he said. “Ride with me.”

“Thank you.” She continued on to his Range Rover.

Stuart opened the trunk.

“Hello, Stuart,” Simone said.

“Ma’am.”

In went her bags before they climbed into the SUV. There, she crossed her legs, eyed the shoes. “These are beautiful.”

He laid a possessive hand on her shapely thigh. “They look great on you.”

“I’m not dating you for your money,” she murmured.

When his gaze found hers, worry filled her eyes. “I know that,” he said. “You have money.”

“How do you know?”

“I ran a background check?—”

Her eyebrows crashed into her forehead. “On my finances?”

“You were stalking me for weeks. I had no idea who you were.”

She nuzzled close, leaned up, and murmured, “And now you know my brother got all the fashion sense. You saw his condo. He has a sense of style I don’t have.”

“You know what looks good on you and what doesn’t.”

“That’s kind of basic, don’t you think?”

“You’d be surprised.”

She smiled. He loved the way her eyes lit up, the way she held his gaze. “I’m more like my dad. He’s very practical when it comes to clothing. And you’re right, I have money, but I’m more of a saver than a spender. I spent more in my twenties?—”

“Wait, you aren’t still in your twenties?” Luciano asked. “I can’t date a woman?—”

She shot him a little smile. “If you know how much money I have, then you definitely know how old I am.”

He kissed her hand, then set their clasped hands on his lap. “I know I like being with you.” They came together in a tender kiss, her soft moan filling his ears. “I like how you respond to me, how you feel in my arms.”

“I like you, Luciano Santini. You zhuzh me up like no one I’ve ever known.”

“You make me feel hopeful,” he murmured.

She shifted toward him. “I have to tell you something.”

He waited.

“It’s about Peter Hirzog.”

He curled his lip. “Was I right about him?”

“You might be.”

That got his full attention.

“I went in with a plan?—”

“I would expect nothing less.”

She smiled. “He invited me to lunch to apologize for the spying thing. I confided that I’d left the Bureau for ALPHA, headed up The Bomb Maker mission, and was the lone survivor.”

“You put it out there.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear. “I did it so he’d feel like he could trust me.”

“Did it work?”

“It did. He told me he worked at ALPHA, but Z fired him. He mentioned how much the group has grown over the years, like he keeps up with it.”

“The Director could have told Hirzog about ALPHA.”

“I still don’t think he’s The Bomb Maker, but he’s on my radar.” After a beat, she said, “I ruled everyone else out.” She updated him on ATF agent Nina Roy.

“Follow the white rabbit,” he said. “That’s Hirzog.”

“I did see something. After lunch, I said goodbye to Peter in the hotel lobby, but he circled back and took the elevator upstairs. First, I thought he parked under the building?—”

“There is no underground parking.”

“I know. Turns out, he was meeting someone.”

“A woman.”

“No, a man.”

“Who?”

“Jerod De Clerq, my friend from ATF. The one at the dinner party who told Peter to stop obsessing over you.”

SIMONE

“Do you think they had a meeting there?” Luciano asked.

“My gut says no,” she replied. “That’s a pretty upscale hotel to hold an off-site government meeting.”

“You think they’re lovers?”

“Why else would you meet someone in a hotel guest room in the middle of the day?”

“Would either confide in you?” he asked.

She hesitated. “Hard to say, and I’m not sure its relevant. I just found it intriguing.”

Stuart pulled up to the gates of Luciano’s home.

Luciano unrolled the window, rattled off a code, said hello to his guardsman, and they drove onto the property. Today, the yard was bustling with workers. Several were blowing leaves while others were manicuring the gardens. Being there felt familiar and comforting. Never did she imagine she’d ever be back. Stuart parked at the fountain.

As she and Luciano collected her bags, Stuart said, “I’ll be in the gym if you need me.”

They all went inside.

Stuart headed toward the lower level as Luciano escorted her down the hall and into his office. It had been redone since Colton had lived there. He’d removed the dark paneling, had the walls painted white, and hung an oversized piece of abstract art. The room felt open and airy, and filled with natural light.

Her gaze floated over the desk and executive chair with the built-ins behind them. Nearby stood a small conference table with four chairs. A large white sofa took up real estate in the center of the room, but it was the second desk near the French doors that caught her eye. That one stood completely empty, the first had a closed laptop on it.

“Take whichever desk you want,” he said.

“Have you always had that second desk?”

“No, I had it moved in here for you, but if you need your own space, you can work next door.”

Her heart expanded in her chest. He did that for me.

She pointed to a closed door nearby. “Brigit worked in there.”

“That’s the size of a closet, so I converted it to one of my safe rooms,” he explained. “Can I get you something to drink?”

On their way toward the kitchen, he showed her the room next door. Like his office, it housed a desk, an executive chair, a wall of built-ins, and a love seat.

“If you need privacy, you can work in here,” he said.

“I’m good with you,” she replied.

His smile made her heart quicken.

In the quiet kitchen, he pulled a bottle of sparkling water, but she filled a glass with water from the beverage center in the refrigerator. With drinks in hand, they returned to his office. She pulled out her laptop, set it up on the desk by the patio.

“Sin and I met with Chenkus’s boss, Cary Newburg,” Luciano began. “We threatened him, but he wouldn’t talk.”

“Of course.”

“I left a micro surveillance device in his office?—”

She shook her head. “That’s not a federal offense or anything.”

“And he made a call right after we left.”

“Nice,” she said. “I’ll check his desk phone and his cell, but he probably used a burner. It’s gonna take me some time to get that info. If I’m on the phone, will it bother you?”

He placed his palms on her desk, leaned down and said, “No, Simone, it won’t.”

His hushed, compelling voice, paired with the fire in his gaze, made her heart flutter. “I’ll let you know if you’re a distraction.”

With a wink, he returned to his desk. She admired his broad shoulders and nice, tight ass.

Maybe I should work next door. I’m never gonna get anything done in here.

She dragged her gaze to her computer, logged in to ALPHA, and requested Cary Newburg’s phone records.

Her money was on a burner, but she had to go for the low-hanging fruit. Ten short minutes later, an employee on ALPHA’s Internet team called.

“I’ve got Mr. Newburg’s phone numbers and I’m uploading his recent calls to the portal, but I can’t help you with a burner this fast. It’s gonna take time for me to triangulate it in DC.”

“Thanks for the heads up,” Simone replied. “I appreciate the help.”

Simone hung up and read the report.

Shortly after Luciano and Sin left Newburg’s office, he made three calls from his desk phone to other employees at State. She added their names to her follow-up list. Next, he sent two texts from his personal phone, both to the same number. That number was assigned to a woman. After more digging, Simone discovered the woman was his longtime girlfriend, Trish Benderson. She worked at Social Security Administration.

One text said, “I’m thinking of using up some leave. Maybe head out of town. Can you join me?”

She replied with, “Talk later?”

He’d replied with a thumbs-up.

Simone continued working, her attention diverted when Chef Louis entered pushing a cart. A platter loaded with sliced apples, peeled Mandarin oranges, plump raspberries and vibrant blackberries. The second platter offered a variety of cheeses and crackers. There were two sparkling waters, a teapot and two mugs.

Cookies or chocolate would have gotten her vote.

“Hello, Chef,” she said.

“Simone, how are you? If you don’t like tea, I can make you a coffee, a cappuccino, espresso, whatever you’d like.”

She sauntered over. “This looks great.” She slipped a raspberry into her mouth.

“Are you staying for dinner?” he asked.

“No, I’m just working here this afternoon.”

He acknowledged her with a nod before leaving.

She poured herself tea, added a little honey before sipping the hot beverage. With the mug in hand, she returned to her desk and paused to feast on her delicious-looking office mate. He was on a video chat, doing more listening than talking.

“What’s the bottom line?” he asked. After listening, he said, “Tell them they’re price gouging and shop that around.”

He ended the call, answered another. “Santini.”

As he listened to the caller, his gaze found hers. Even from across the room, she could feel the magnitude of his strength. It permeated everything around him, her included.

The call ended and he rose. She stayed focused on him as he stalked toward her.

The power he exuded stole her breath. Everything from his walk, to the sophisticated way he carried himself, to the intensity in his bright eyes. Even the air crackled with an invisible fire that held her complete attention.

“What’s Newburg up to?” he asked.

“He might be headed out of town.”

“Running from the devil, but I’ll still find him.” He eyed the food on the conference table.

“We need to put a tracker on his car.”

A devilish smile filled his face. “I like the way you think.”

Unable to stay away, she sauntered close. He picked up a blackberry, slipped it into his mouth. Her attention jumped to his perfect lips, his chiseled jaw.

“Try one.” He held out a blackberry.

With a tender touch, he placed the bulbous fruit in her mouth. She bit down and a burst of tartness tickled her tongue. He brushed his lips against hers, the jolt of energy careening through her.

His phone started ringing. One more kiss before he answered. “Santini.”

“Hey, brother,” said a man Simone recognized as Liv’s husband, Jericho Savage. “I gotta switch up our meeting from tomorrow to tonight. You good with that?”

“I’ll be there,” Luciano replied, his attention still on Simone.

“Come hungry.”

After he hung up, he said to Simone, “I can take you to Carole Jean’s. I have a meeting in Jericho’s wine cellar.”

“When you’re finished, join us for dessert,” she said. “You can meet Jerod and his girlfriend.”

“ You are dessert.”

She dropped a light kiss on his lips. “Mmm… I can’t wait.”

He stole one more kiss before walking over to his safe room. There, he punched in a code, stood in front of the scanner, and vanished inside. Curious, she stood in the doorway.

Instead of finding cases of bottled water and non-perishable foods, stacks of cash lined the shelves.

What the hell?

He opened a black container, pulled out a small device. When he turned, he chuffed out a laugh. “You look surprised.”

“Don’t you use a bank like everyone else?”

“This is boodle.”

“What?”

“Counterfeit,” he replied, before closing the door. “My contribution to my family’s business.”

He held out a tracking device. “For Newburg’s vehicle.”

“I should get ready,” she said. “Where can I change?”

He collected her overnight bag, brought her upstairs into a guest room. As he was about to leave, she said, “Stay.”

She unzipped the duffle, pulled out a folded pair of pants and noticed a tear in the seam. “I can’t wear these.”

“I got you.” He left the bedroom.

She slipped off her new designer shoes, removed her shirt and her pants. With her essentials bag in hand, she went into the bathroom. What she really wanted to do was go for a swim—unless Luciano had removed the indoor pool in the lower level—or go for a run on a treadmill—unless Luciano had taken out the gym. But she didn’t have time to fit in a workout and get to Carole Jean’s by six-thirty.

After brushing her teeth, she returned to the bedroom to find Luciano hanging up a pair of black pants and two shirts in the closet.

“Those are nice.”

“They’re from my design center. I thought you’d look beautiful in them.”

“I’ll wear something tonight, but I can’t accept them.”

“Simone, Simone,” he murmured. “The clothing is made to be worn.”

He did this special… for me.

“I’m sorry. You’re being generous and I’m feeling uncomfortable.”

“If you feel smothered or like I’m trying to control what you wear?—”

“It’s not that. I’m not used to someone being so generous.”

His wicked-handsome smile set his eyes alight. “It’s my pleasure.”

She leaned close, kissed him. “The clothing is beautiful. Thank you.” One more kiss before she eyed the items on the bed. “I’m going to wear the pink shirt with the black camisole and black skirt.”

After zipping into the skirt, she pulled on the camisole, shouldered into the pink shirt and zipped it halfway. “These are luxurious… and comfortable.” She stared at herself in the full-length mirror. “Form fitting without being too tight.”

“It’s a propriety blend of fabrics.”

She could see the pride in his eyes. He’d built his empire from nothing. Of course he would want to share his success with others.

“All these gifts, and I have nothing for you.”

The divot between his brows softened. “You bring me peace, you challenge me, you give me hope. Those are far greater gifts, and something I never expected.”

They came together in a hug, their connection so strong, she felt like she could melt into him. They shared a passionate kiss filled with love. It was real, it was happening, and she couldn’t stop it if she tried. For the first time in a long, long time, she would accept the joy.

“I’ve felt so guilty and sad for so long,” she murmured as she stared into his eyes, “it feels foreign to feel anything else.”

“I know. One step at a time.”

“One step at a time, together ,” she said.

As he kissed her, his lips lifted in a smile.

She liked that… she liked that a lot.