Chapter 9
CHAPTER
NINE
DISRUPTIONS
LUCA
I can’t say that I was surprised that Mindy agreed to go out with me. She can’t hide the lust that sparkles in those onyx pools of hers. That look alone had me wanting to barge in her cousin’s place and have my way with her.
However, I’m not an animal. If there’s one thing I’m an expert at, it’s compartmentalizing emotions. It’s easy for me to keep my composure and meet Mindy’s cousin before whisking her into the car.
I would normally drive, but I wanted my full attention to be on Mindy.
She looks gorgeous in her off-the-shoulder purple dress.
The smooth, dark brown skin of her shoulders looks soft to the touch.
It’s funny that with all my normal self-control, I find it hard not to touch her.
It’s like the essence of her calls to me every time I’m near her.
I know she’s not ready for the intensity that I bring, but there’s no stopping this train from moving forward.
I will do whatever it takes to make her mine and to keep her that way.
I’m not her asshole ex. I won’t mistreat or abuse her.
But I can’t say that I’m any better than he is because I don’t want to let her go either.
“This is a really swanky place. I never knew there was authentic Italian so close by,” Mindy says before taking another bite of her vodka pasta.
“If you really want authentic, I’ll take you to meet my parents. My Mama’s food is the best you will ever taste. You’re going to meet them soon anyway.”
Mindy looks up at me in surprise, but I don’t break eye contact. I know it’s fast, and she doesn’t know me, but she might as well get used to the idea. Whether she realizes it or not, tonight is the first of many nights together.
“Oh, wow. Ummm,” Mindy nervously clears her throat. “So, I already guessed you’re Italian, but you did promise to tell me where you grew up,” she says, changing the subject.
I smirk, but I don’t push her to talk about her future in-laws. If she wants to change the subject, then I will allow it for now. Mindy will come around. I just have to remember that most people don’t think the way I do. She may need a little more time to get used to me.
I can’t help but chuckle, “My family is from Palermo. Have you ever been?”
“No. Unfortunately, I’ve only ever been to Jamaica and Mexico. But I bet it’s beautiful.”
“It is a very beautiful place. Not as gorgeous as you, but…” I let my words hang as I take in Mindy’s beautiful face.
“Thank you.” She dips her head again, and I know she’s blushing.
The woman is gorgeous. Her round face and big, dark brown eyes make her look innocent. It’s one of the reasons I call her coniglia or rabbit in Italian. She also has a way about her that tells me that innocence is skin deep. I know she’s been through some shit, but she’s definitely a survivor.
She’s perfect for my lifestyle.
Our conversation is effortless as we share a Tiramisu.
I have plans for us after this, so Mindy can continue to get to know me better.
I know everything there is to know about her, of course, she doesn’t know that.
Besides, it’s better to get to know someone personally and not through reports and files.
So impersonal.
“Mindy? Girl, where have you been?” A woman’s voice breaks into our conversation, and I frown.
“Talia? What’re you doing here?” Mindy’s surprise is written all over her face.
Mindy stands, and the two women quickly embrace before the woman steps back and looks Mindy up and down. She smiles at Mindy, then she shakes her head, her face morphing into a stern expression.
“No, what are you doing here? Your number was disconnected, you haven’t been posting on social media, andyou haven’t sent me any messages. Like what is happening?” Talia rushes out.
I keep my face neutral even though Mindy’s friend is asking inappropriate questions in a very public space and loudly asking at that. Obviously, she doesn’t know what has happened, but she could still have a little decorum.
I know who Talia Gates is and that she’s a party girl who’s always on the scene. I didn’t look into her too close because she and Mindy don’t really hang out much. But from what I gathered, she’s pretty harmless.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch, that’s my bad. But I would rather not talk about any of that right now.”
“Well, obviously something bad happened…” Talia’s words trail off as she seems to finally notice me.
Talia’s eyes narrow slightly before she looks away. She smiles at Mindy, but I can see tension in her shoulders that wasn’t there before. I study her a little closer as she begins to fidget.
“I should tell you that Ross came by looking for you. Of course, I didn’t tell him anything.” Talia’s eyes slide nervously in my direction again before she quickly looks away. “Um, we should really talk when you are alone.”
“We can talk later, I’m in the middle of something now, though,” Mindy says, looking at her friend with a small smile.
“Right, of course. I’ll talk to you soon , okay? As soon as you’re able.” Talia rubs Mindy’s shoulder, then she glances back at me before leaving.
“Your friend is weird,” I say, watching the woman leave.
“Luca, Talia is not weird. Although her behavior was a little strange, she doesn’t usually act like that.”
I’ve noticed that Mindy always sees the good in people. That’s probably why I’m so infatuated with her. She sees the good in me even through the darkness that she doesn’t realize is there.
“Hmm. Well, I’m glad we’re alone again. I love spending time with you…”
Before I can finish my sentence, Jules comes into the restaurant. I know it’s about to be some shit because I told them not to disturb me unless it was important.
Fuck! Another disruption!
“Luca, if you have business to take care of, I understand. You can take me home. There’s no need for me to go with you,” Mindy says for the hundredth time since we left the restaurant.
“I told you, Coniglia , this won’t take long. Then I will take you to the second part of our date.”
Mindy finally nods her agreement once we pull up to the club. Roman is taking care of some business, so that means I’m in charge. Although I would rather stay in the background, my brother is the only person I would step into the forefront for.
“I don’t have to go inside. I can stay in the car if you like.” Mindy looks like she’s seen a ghost as she looks at the velvet rope and long line.
I should’ve considered the possibility that she could be traumatized by being at a club. Even though it’s not the same one she was attacked in, the situation might be triggering. However, we’re here now, and I refuse to let her sit in the car like I’m ashamed of her.
“I apologize for bringing you here. I didn’t think about how it would affect you.” I run my hands through my hair and sigh.
“No, no. It’s not that.”Mindy looks away. “I just…”
“Look, you’re with me. I will take care of business as quickly as possible, then we’ll be gone.”I snap my fingers. “Just like that. Now, come on. Get your beautiful ass out of this car.”
Mindy smirks, taking my hand as I lead her inside. I’m relieved that she’s so easy going, but I do need to make sure she’s not uncomfortable while we’re here.
Once we’re inside, I step away from Mindy. I need to make sure she’s guarded at all times because my family is at war. Normally, being in Dalonzo territory, I would feel safe, but the other families are unpredictable at the moment.
“Jules,” I call.
“Yeah, boss?”
“I’m not Ro, don’t call me that shit. I need you to stay with Mindy, be entertaining.”
“I can do that.”Jules smiles.
“Don’t get too friendly or I’ll have to kill you.”
Jules smirks, but he knows I’m serious. I want Mindy to feel comfortable while I’m not around. I trust my cousin, Jules, even though he’s notorious for flirting with any and everybody. But I know he’ll keep her entertained.
I stride a few feet where I left Mindy, and call Jules over. “Baby, Jules here is going to sit with you in the lounge. There’s live music and drinks. I’ll be in the office, but at any point you need me, call.”
“Okay,” Mindy softly replies, before turning to Jules and smiling sweetly, “Nice to meet you, Jules.”
“Pleasure is mine.” Jules bows and sticks his arm out for Mindy to hold. She giggles and intertwines her arm with his.
I side-eye Jules, and the bastard shrugs like I didn’t just threaten his life. I know he can’t help himself because he’s a Dalonzo. My family is known for being charming. He’d better be glad that he’s my cousin and I have shit to do, or I would beat his ass.
There are Dalonzo soldiers all over the club, so I can relax slightly. I head to Ro’s office, where Albert Clark, an old family friend who is a private detective is waiting for me. He very rarely sees anyone of us in person, so I know whatever information he has is important.
Although we do a sweep every day for bugs, the club is open to the public.
We don’t usually hold meetings like this in such a public setting, but sometimes it’s necessary.
However, we know to keep our conversations as coded as possible, so if anyone is listening in, they wouldn’t know what we were talking about.
“Luca, sorry about the timing. But I’m only in town for a short time,” Albert states, handing me a flash drive.
“I understand. You know that friends are always welcome. So, I heard there was a problem with one of the charity events. Does our account need to be updated?”
Albert nods his head, which means he’s got information about someone snooping around in our business dealings. It comes with the territory. Everyone suspects that we have illegal dealings, but our legal business is a global conglomerate, so they can’t prove shit.
“There’s been some recent concerning activity.” Albert puts a card and a flash drive on the desk and slides it to me.
Detective Lisa Wiley is written at the top. I search my brain for any recognition, but there isn’t any. I know I don’t know this woman, but if Albert is here, then she’s definitely a bigger issue than usual.
“I’ll be sure to look into it. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure all concerning activity is clear before it becomes an issue.”
I will give the name and flash drive over to Niro so he can investigate the detective. We have enough bullshit going on right now to have some ambitious interloper poking her nose in our shit.
“Well, I’m glad that’s settled. I’m sure I’ll see you in a few weeks at the Contemporary Gala. I know you won’t want to miss that,” Albert chuckles.
“I’m sure I don’t.” I scowl.
I hate any type of social gathering. There is always unnecessary schmoozing and talking. However, I know the importance of these things for my family. It helps us fit into the high society circles that keep us well-connected.
Albert stands, and we shake hands before he leaves. The man is a vital part of our network, and his paranoia has kept us ahead of numerous investigations. I will make sure to take his warning about the detective as well as the gala invitation seriously.
It only took about twenty minutes for the meeting, so I headed to the lounge where I sent Mindy and Jules.
When I find them, they are bobbing their heads to the music.
Mindy isn’t as relaxed as she appears to be at first glance because even though she’s moving with the music, I can see her slightly turning to take in her surroundings.
I can’t knock her for being vigilant; I’m the same way.
I approach her from behind and bend to whisper seductively in her ear, “Are you enjoying yourself, Coniglia ?”
She turns her face up to mine, and I can’t resist stealing a kiss. The growl that escapes me is full of hunger. My dick swells painfully in my slacks, and I know I’m going to lose a battle for control if I don’t stop.
But the feel of her soft lips on mine is causing my brain to short-circuit. When she softly moans, the dark voice telling me to devour her almost takes over. I have to physically yank my lips away from hers so that I don’t spread her out and eat her like a buffet in the middle of this club.
“You can’t make those noises while we’re in public, Coniglia . They’ll cause you to get fucked,” I growl with my forehead still pressed to hers.
“Hmmm,” Mindy hums with her eyes still closed.
I’m pretty sure she didn’t hear anything I just said, but she’d better be careful not to absently agree with me. I will take advantage of her, and I’m doing my best to be honorable. Mindy is vulnerable, but if she gives herself to me, then there’s no going back.
“We can stay if you want,” I whisper.
When I speak, my lips slightly brush against hers. It is the faintest touch, but it somehow feels erotic. I’ve never wanted a woman so badly.
“I’m okay with staying. There’s no need for us to drive all over Dallas when we can just enjoy our time together here,” she breathlessly responds.
I take a seat beside Mindy and motion to the guys to give us some privacy. I scoot my chair close and grab her hand, bringing it up to my lips. I kiss the back and keep it intertwined with mine.
The easiness I feel is unlike any other feeling in the world. Usually, I’m on edge. I’m hypervigilant at all times, but when Mindy is around, I can breathe.