The laughter fades again. “She said to riddle him with bullets and make sure he was properly dead.”
“What have you done to that sweet girl?” I tease. Stories of Caleb and Elisa fucking in the blood of our enemies is legendary in our community. Not sure it’s something her father, Don Salerno, relished discovering that day when he burst into the dungeon to rescue her.
“My love is still the sweetest, kindest, most adorable woman I know, but she doesn’t tolerate cruelty and abuse. She cried when I told her the things your girl has had to endure.”
My girl.
Warmth spreads across my chest, and my lips tip up.
“Holy fuck.” Caleb chuckles, nudging my shoulder. “I seriously never thought I’d see the day you fell, but you’ve fallen hard, my friend.”
“I have.”
Zumo grins wide. “Told both of you it would happen, and you never believed me.”
“Says the guy who moves from one longtime girlfriend to another without ever getting hitched. What’s up with that, buddy?” Caleb waggles his brows.
“I’m still searching forthe oneand enjoying myself on the journey.”
“I’m happy for you, man.” Caleb squeezes my shoulder. “I used to idolize you when we were younger because you got all the pussy and you never got attached. It’s only in the last few years I realized how lonely you must be because I became you, and it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.”
“I didn’t have much chance to consider it, because I was distracted with work, but you’re right. Valentina coming into my life has shown me how empty my existence has been.”
“Not anymore.”
“Are you two pussies done with your bleeding hearts?” Zumo asks, his tone laced with amusement. “I have a meeting with thecaposthis morning, so let’s move this along.”
We talk through the pros and cons of the plan I’ve come up with, tweaking it until we’re satisfied.
“We should probably run this by Rico.” Zumo leans back in his seat. “In case we’ve missed anything.”
“I’d rather not involve him.” If this goes haywire, I don’t want to take him down with me.
“I agree. The plan is solid.” Caleb stands and stretches his back.
“Fiero?” A gentle rap on the door accompanies her sultry voice.
Caleb and Zumo share a grin and some silent communication, and before I can stop him, Accardi is striding across the room and opening the door.
Valentina jumps back, slapping a hand to her chest as she stares wide-eyed and open-mouthed at Caleb. “You startled me.” A blush steals over her cheeks as she looks sheepishly at me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you had visitors.”
“Where’s your robe?” I work hard not to shout, but she’s standing in my hallway in front of my brother and Caleb in the red nightie. It’s revealing as fuck, molding to her tits, curving around her hips, and hitting her mid-thigh. She’s flashing far too much skin, and her nipples are trying to poke holes through the silk. Her hair is tussled from sleep, and with that delicate flush on her flawless skin, she looks sexy as fuck, and it should be for my eyes only!
“Cover your eyes,” I bark, glaring at Caleb and Zumo.
Her eyes widen to saucers as Zumo arches a brow and Caleb lets his grin run free.
“Valentina, I assume,” he says, completely ignoring me as he extends his hand toward her. “It’s so lovely to meet the woman who has brought this guy to his knees.” He jabs his thumb in my direction as I frantically search my office. My breath is oozing out in heavy spurts, and my heart is racing. “I can totally see why,” the fucker says, taking her hand and lifting it to his mouth.
“Put your lips anywhere on her body, and I’ll have to shoot you, Accardi,” I snap. “Let her go.” My hands clench into balls as a tsunami of emotions rushes through my veins.
Caleb ignores me,again, brushing his lips across her knuckles.
Zumo is watching me with a mix of amusement and concern as I lose it while Caleb is grinning and milking this for all it’s worth. Poor Valentina just looks confused.
Spotting my jacket where I left it yesterday, I snatch it from the back of my chair and rush across the room. Barreling past a laughing Caleb, I dig my elbow firmly into his ribs on purpose. He stumbles back, grunting.
Yeah, buddy, not laughing now, huh?
