“The Yakuza will back every decision I make and transport weapons and counterfeit money through Asia for the Cosa Nostra,” I demand. “Agree to it, and I’ll put you at the head of the table. Don’t, and you can go try your luck on your own.”
“What percentage do we get for the work?” the fucker asks.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say nothing, but Yuki presses a kiss to my palm.
Relenting, I mutter, “Ten percent the first year.”
“With a fifteen percent increase for the second year,” he demands.
“Don’t push your fucking luck.”
I climb to my feet, and when I walk closer to him, he gets up. Ryo’s a head shorter than me, but he’s trained well. I saw it during our short fight.
When he lifts his eyes, his lip curls, and there’s no fear in his eyes.
“Let’s get through the next year without killing each other, then we can negotiate the terms,” I say for Yuki’s sake.
Ryo nods and glances at his sister. Only then do I see the flash of sorrow on his face.
This is not about you, Augusto.
Letting out a sigh, I ask, “Are you staying for dinner?”
“Really?” Yuki asks as she jumps off her stool, hurrying to my side. “You don’t mind?”
Ryo meets my eyes for a moment, then nods. “I’d like that.”
There’s still a fuck ton of tension between us, but Yuki is too happy to care. “I’m making chicken pot pie.” She pauses, glancing around the kitchen. “That’s if my groceries were delivered.” She looks at Ryo again. “Did you throw my groceries at Aldo? Shit! Where’s Aldo? Is he okay?”
“Aldo is taking time off until I don’t want to kill him anymore,” I say while walking to the doorway. “Rocco, where are the groceries?”
He points to the corner of the foyer. Seeing the torn-up bags and food on the floor, I order, “Get rid of it.”
I walk back into the kitchen and give Yuki an apologetic look. “Sorry, my love. The groceries are ruined. Let me order in, so you can spend more time with your brother.” Placing my hands on her shoulders, I lean down and press a kiss to her forehead. “What do you feel like eating?”
“Pizza,” Ryo gives his two cents, like he actually has a say.
Before I can tell him to go to hell, Yuki nods, her smile widening again. “Yes. It’s been months since I’ve had pizza.” Hergaze lowers to my chest, and she pats the armored vest I’m still wearing. “Are you staying home for the rest of the day?”
I’m not leaving her alone with Ryo. I don’t trust him. He might try to kidnap Yuki again.
“I’m not going anywhere.” Removing the vest, I hold it out to Lorenzo to take, then ask him, “Where’s my gun?”
He pulls it from where he has it tucked behind his back and hands it to me.
I check the magazine, my eyes flicking to Ryo as I shove it back into place before holstering the weapon. “Let’s sit in the living room.”
Placing my hand on Yuki’s back, I stay close to her as we leave the kitchen, knowing Lorenzo will bring up the rear and keep an eye on Ryo.
When Yuki breaks away from me, walking to the side table, I stay between her and Ryo. We both remain standing while Yuki pours two drinks, and when she turns around with the tumblers in her hands, she scowls at us.
“Stop it now. Sit and relax.”
I take one of the drinks from her, and once she’s given the other to Ryo, I take a seat beside her. Her brother sits down across from us while Lorenzo steps outside to talk to the guards so everyone can get back to work.
I take a sip of the whiskey, then ask, “When did you come out of hiding?”
Annoyance flashes over Ryo’s features as he locks eyes with me. “Give or take five weeks.”
