Chapter Twenty-Five
We've spent the last twenty-four hours combing through every piece of paperwork that Frederico left in this house. I'm exhausted and infuriated. I lift my head to see Milo going line by line on the current stack in front of him. Michael lets himself back in my office with a fresh round of coffee. The fragrance of Mrs. D's dark roast fills the room and a jolt of energy hits before I even get my first sip. Milo snorts when I leap from my seat to grab a cup. The steaming liquid hits my tongue, and I flinch at the heat. I don't even care, it's doing its job of waking me up. Bring on the pain.
“I don't understand why the money that is supposed to be allocated to help those coming into the city for a better life legally and safely has dwindled so much.” I groan through gritted teeth. “This was agreed upon years ago, back when Frederico started accepting payment from the corrupt fucks at City Hall for protection from anyone digging into their extracurricular activities.” My tired eyes rake through another page of data, and I let out a long huff. All of these numbers and words are blurring together.
Everything points to Barone, as it has since we began this wild fucking goose chase. The math isn't mathing because how he became so entwined with our business, illegitimate and legal ventures alike, doesn't make sense. There's no fucking way that millions of dollars a year are going out for drug distribution. We should be in the goddamn black tenfold with how much cocaine and heroin go for on the streets.
The more time we spend trying to figure out when it happened and what started it, the angrier I feel. Anger radiates through me as I re-read the same line for the third goddamn time.
“We need to get this figured the fuck out and back to taking care of the people of this fucking town.” My words come out jumbled into a growl and snarl. I stand and begin to pace the length of the office weaving between the piles of paperwork that are strewn about.
I throw myself back onto my chair when something catches my eye, but before I have a chance to register what it could mean there's a loud bang on the office door, Danny Boy comes tumbling in, clearly in a panic. I cock a brow at the soldier who has been an integral part of my team since I've returned home. He's never one to burst in so it's obvious to anyone who pays attention that this is serious.
“Sorry to interrupt, boss. There's chatter on the street that Barone is claiming you've abducted Nina and are holding her captive.” He explains, rushing through his words. “He's trying to recruit more people to come in at night. One of my men heard it down at the barbershop. They didn't realize who he was.”
My blood turns molten in my veins, fury ready to explode on this motherfucker. In a heartbeat, Nina appears in the doorway. She’s dressed in a tight pair of yoga pants that show off every curve and what looks like one of my dark hoodies, which thankfully, covers her assets. The expression on her face tells me she heard exactly what was said. What her father is claiming.
“I'm not a fucking pawn!” She screams so loudly the windows practically rattle in their frames. Her feet are planted in place where she stands just inside the doorway glaring at me. She's got a book in her hand hanging by her side. I cock a brow when I see a half-naked man on the cover. A mixture of curiosity and jealousy begin to take over, but before I can make a comment, she breaks the silence. “Take me out. If we're seen in public, anyone who is concerned will be able to tell I’m not a prisoner, that I'm perfectly happy here. With you.”
Her determination and confidence is sexy as sin. I'm not sure where it's come from, but fuck me. I cross my arms against my broad chest as I keep my eyes trained on her. Nothing about her body language tells me she's afraid. She's pissed and ready to bring hell to earth. Just the thought of her ready to set fire to anyone who stands in her way has my heart pumping with pride.
“While I would love to have you on my arm, are you sure you're ready for that, Bella ? If we do this I can't call in a favor to force limited seating. We'd have to go with no buffer.” I urge her to consider everything before making a decision.
“No, but I’m done being treated as his possession. Plus, you're not leaving my side this time.” The confidence and determination she's got on display has my dick stiff as stone.
I keep my mask of indifference in place and snap at the men to get out and close the door. The three of them rush out and comply, leaving the two of us alone. It's not lost on me that this is the first time I haven't asked her if I can close the door, but right now I can't share her attention.
I hook my finger and motion for her to come closer. She stalks toward me, like a lioness ready to pounce on her prey, but before she can, I wrap my arm around her waist and drag her into me. My lips crash against her soft pout. My tongue dips into her mouth savoring every soft whimper and moan. I tease her tongue the way I want to tease other parts, which has her moaning louder as she melts against my chest. Her body is pliant, ready, and willing to do anything I please. I chuckle as I pull away, knowing I need to give the power back to her. She whines in protest when I don't go back in for another kiss, her beautiful silver eyes imploring me to take it further.
“I'll do anything for you, Short Stack.” My lips twist into a grin before I press another soft kiss to her forehead.