Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Rush
Matteo enters my office and I quietly close the door, as I stare down the man who was just openly appraising my woman.
I don’t like it.
Killian gives me a side eye as he slides into his preferred spot, leaning against a windowsill.
Matteo turns to me, a brow lifting. He’s even harder than I remember. If Vigo is all bluster, this Italian is quiet control that masks real power.
He’s just Gigi’s type, which makes me hate him.
“Nice view,” he says with a smile.
“The skyline?” I grit out, stalking around the desk and taking a seat.
“The assistant,” he answers, his grin widening. “I’d ask if you’re doing more than looking, but I already know that you are.”
“Mind your fucking business,” I lean forward, staring daggers at him.
Killian shifts, and I get it. I’m fucking this up. I’m supposed to be testing Matteo as an ally, not starting another fight. But Gigi is not up for discussion.
Matteo doesn’t look bothered. If anything, his smile widens. “Did I hear that Vigo was here yesterday?”
The shift in topic has my brows drawing together. “You know he was.”
“What did he think of Gigi?” Matteo asks, twisting his neck so that the snake tattoo moves as his bones let out a crack.
My eyes narrow, as I try to decide where this conversation is going. “He didn’t meet her.”
His hand comes to his jaw as he strokes his chin. “Probably for the best. Vigo’s one redeeming quality is his taste in women. Of course, he has no idea how to treat them, but that is a sin he’ll pay for, I’m sure.”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
A knock sounds at the door. It opens, Gigi appearing with a coffee service, neatly arranged on a tray. Setting it on the coffee table in front of the sofa, she turns to Matteo. “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”
“Please do,” he drawls, his eyes moving up her in a way that makes me murderous all over again.
“Cream or sugar?”
“Cream.”
With a nod, she bends down to fill his cup, her ass on full display. My hand clenches under the desk as I stand, moving around the desk.
“Gigi.” Her name comes out harsh and rough. She straightens, her eyes wide as she turns to me.
“Yes?”
I take a breath, relaxing the moment I’m between her and Matteo. I knew I was liable to be jealous, but even I didn’t expect this level of emotion.
I’ve got it bad.
Which I should have known. I spent a thousand dollars at the American Girl doll store last night.
But Killian is winning Emma’s heart, and I want to be the man who provides for both Gigi and Emma.
I want them to be mine.
I force my muscles to loosen. “I’ll serve the coffee, love. Thank you.”
Her brows lift, her lips softly parting. If she’s questioning why I don’t want her in the room, she doesn’t ask, as she gives a nod and then turns to leave.
The door clicks behind her, and I return to my seat behind my desk.
Matteo gives me a long look before he gets up and retrieves his coffee. But he doesn’t look upset, only amused.
He’s a man of control, I’ll give him that.
I give my shoulders a quick roll, knowing that we’ve started on the wrong foot. Is there any saving this meeting?
He takes a sip of his coffee. “Good.”
I dip my head, shaking off the tension pulling at my limbs. “Thank you. And thank you for coming. I appreciate you making time for me.”
“Thanks are not necessary. I owe Mason everything, and I know you are his most important partner.” He sets the cup on my desk and leans forward. “To clear the air. Your message has been loudly received. Your lovely assistant is not available.”
I relax back in my seat. Plenty of men decide to tap their assistant. But what I’m doing with Gigi is far more than that. Not that I can or should explain.
Killian shifts next to me, looking upset. He’s protective of both Gigi and Emma as well. And while I don’t like him showing me up in the gift department, I’m always glad for his second set of eyes where their safety is concerned.
But I’ve got this situation well in hand. I give him the eye, to let him know to stand down, and he pushes off the window, moving to the couch, his legs spread wide as he sits.
Matteo notices. If he was amused by my behavior, he’s leery of Killian’s.
I get it. First, my brother has a reputation. And second, his irritation is far less explainable and far more lethal.
And now it’s my turn to clear the air. “She isn’t. Available. And she isn’t likely to be in the future either,” I say, for both Killian and Matteo’s benefit.
Matteo turns back to me, his eyes lighting with interest. “Excellent.”
That catches me off guard. “Why would you say that?”
“Married men make for good business, honestly. Look at Mason. Which leads me back to our primary topic.” He rolls his neck again. “What are your goals, where Vigo is concerned?”
I grimace. I feel like I’m missing something in this conversation. We keep moving from Gigi to Vigo and back again. “He’s been a pain in the ass at every turn. And yesterday, he arrived uninvited, tossing around threats while he attempted to gain favors.”
Matteo’s mouth twitches down. “His temper and his ego are at constant war for his worst trait.”
“You know him well?”
“Not well. I avoid him as much as possible. But he reaches out on occasion, when he needs goods moved quickly on the West Coast. In the past, I’d take them if the money was good enough.
” Matteo clears his throat. “I ran drugs for him two years ago. Ended up at a party at his house, to deliver his money. I got a good look at his personal life, and it’s a fucking mess. ”
There is a hardness in his eyes I haven’t seen this entire meeting. Mason trusts this man, which means a lot. “You didn’t like it.”
“He’s got an ex-wife who could give you the real details. I would tell you to just kill him and get rid of the body, but honestly, he’s got a lot of powerful men on his side, and thanks to his father, Vigo now keeps the balance in New York. I say buy him off for the short-term gain.”
I scowl. “I risk him trying to regularly dip into my pockets if I do that.”
“Offer him little enough that he’ll know he’s small, but enough that he’ll be quiet for a bit. My guess is, if Killian is given some time, you can find all the skeletons, and then really do some damage.”
It’s good advice. It’s strategic, and not ego driven. My estimation of Matteo rises.
“And when you do strike, do it publicly and make certain he loses his temper first. The other bosses will be less likely to retaliate if your actions are easily justified. And…” He leans forward.
“Make sure you start grooming a successor to his empire. You know that your world here in the light runs smoothly when the dark is managed.”
I cock my head, impressed as hell by the man in front of me. No wonder Mason chose him to take over the Vegas Mafia. “Thank you, Matteo.”
“You’re welcome.” He reaches for his coffee and takes another sip. When he lowers his cup, his eyes sparkle. “When you do make your move, I’m happy to provide any assistance you might need.”
I cock my head, not answering right away. Offering help most certainly means that Matteo has a stake.
Does he wish to be considered as Vigo’s replacement?
Or is it something else?
Matteo rises and so do I, showing him to the door.
Gigi stands as he exits, her hands primly folding in front of her as he passes by. He gives her another long look, before he strides toward the elevator.
I might work with Matteo in the future, but not until I’ve tucked Gigi deeper into my side. Her questioning gaze meets mine, worry flicking through them.
I’ll ease her fears in a moment. First, I need to speak with Killian.
I close the door again, turning toward my brother. “So?”
“Vigo is a snake. He’s got a reptile brain, and it makes him dangerous because he’s always waiting for the opportunity to lash out and strike,” Killian starts, pushing up from the couch. “But Matteo…” He goes back to his spot by the window, sitting on the ledge, and staring down at the city.
“Calm, cool, collected,” I say with a nod.
“Playing a game that we don’t know the rules to,” he grunts. “He’s already been behind the scenes pulling strings. I know it.”
“I thought that too. He knows things he’s not telling us.”
“His interest in Gigi is strategic. I just don’t know why.” Killian turns away from the window. “But I’m going to find out.”
I look at my brother. People think that Killian is just muscle. Or that he’s crazy. But what they don’t understand is that he’s more attuned to subtle patterns in behavior than anyone else I’ve ever met.
As he speaks, I know he’s got the right of it. “You have a theory?”
“Maybe. But I’ll tell you when I know for sure. It’s too dangerous to be wrong.”
My jaw clenches.
I trust my brother. And I know whatever he’s searching for, he’ll use to help me protect Gigi and Emma.
Because what I know is that for the first time in my adult life, I’ve fallen in love.
And Gigi, she’s rewriting every rule I have.