“Where is Alfie?”
“He’s out there with the redhead.”
When Luca looked confused, I said, “Aria’s assistant, Molly.”
His confusion turned to annoyance, “Take the brothers to the back showroom.
The showroom was another room at the club that held private parties. The kind of private parties hosted to cater to men’s guilty pleasures allfor the sake of doing good business. After Luca searched for Alfie, Emilio motioned for one of the men to carry out the order.
Emilio and I were left together. Unsure how to act, I stood there looking anywhere but in his direction.
“Nervous?” Emilio asked.
Stunned, I reply, “No.”
“You haven’t stopped tapping your foot.”
I smile and divert the conversation. “So, who was Luca talking about?”
“Aria and Gio. Your brother seems to think they are sleeping together.” Emilio found it amusing.
“Why does it matter?”
“You’re too young to remember or even know. Gio was a captain under Baricelli for the Southside a long time ago. He faked his death and became Consigliere to Aria’s brother.”
“How did he manage that?” I replied, shocked.
You don’t leave a family unless it’s by death, and death only.
“Long story.”
“And no one has tried to… you know.”
“Another long story. Plus, Consiglieres are off limits. No one touches them. Unless the boss himself offs him. Or in this case, Cassie.” Emilio laughs.
“Cassie? Your sister? Why would she?”
“That’s her husband.”
Shocked, I replied, “I didn’t know she was married.”
“His name doesn’t get spoken about around here. I can’t believe the idiot set foot in this city.” Emilio took a deep breath, “He was lucky to have Aria with him tonight.”
“You said Consiglieres are off limits.”
“I wouldn’t go to him as a Consigliere, I’d go to him as a pissed off brother. He broke Cassie’s heart.”
“E,” one of the guards walked in. “Everyone is in place.”
“Thanks,” Emilio nodded.
As he walked away, he spoke over his shoulder in my direction. “You should stick around. Get to know that redhead who works for Aria. She will be a good source.”
Just like that, on cue, Alfie came in with a stumbling Molly.
“Hey, B. You mind?” he asked me while plopping the redhead onto the sofa.
“Seriously, Alfie? I didn’t come out to babysit.”
