I could tell Brogan was about to rip the man’s throat out, but he was able to maintain his composure, at least for now.
I tapped my fingers on the table. Given patience wasn’t one of my virtues, I didn’t waste much time in replying. “You’re right. You killed an innocent man. That’s something I won’t easily forget, and I never forgive. As far as being even, that’s where we differ in opinions, especially since you took it upon yourself to threaten both me and the men I trust with my life, although texting seems beneath you.”
I’d fully anticipated that Rocco would deny the accusation. That was his style. What I hadn’t anticipated was the look of confusion that crossed his face for a split second. I was a damn good observer of people, my instincts almost never wrong. He hadn’t sent the text messages.
Interesting.
“I’m certain you receive threats all the time, as do I. I suggest we end the feud that’s been going on with our families for decades. I have no intention of coming into New York. I find the city…” Rocco leaned back, looking out the window toward the busy street. “Dirty. I prefer Chicago.”
The man was full of bullshit, but if this was his way of stepping back even for a few months, I’d feign acceptance.
Then I’d slit his throat.
Brogan snorted, giving me a hard look. He knew what I had planned, at least to a point.
“I’ll consider it, Rocco,” I said as I rose from my chair. “If you’re serious about your intentions, I’ll expect you to leave thisfilthycity tonight. If you do not, I’ll know you had other plans in mind.”
He grinned at me, motioning for one of his men to refill his glass. The man was a true pig. “Then I’ll drink my wine and be on my way. I’m certain you have other issues to attend to, Alexander.”
I glared at him for a full ten seconds before nodding to Steven. I wasn’t in the mood for listening to any more of his lies. A part of me was surprised we made it to the car without incident. I turned toward my Capo, keeping my voice low. “Find out where he goes afterwards.”
“You got it, boss.”
Brogan waited to say anything until we were inside the back of the SUV.
“Did you just offer me a job?” Brogan laughed, tilting his head.
“I have plans, my friend. I do hope you’ll be a part of them.” I took a deep breath, my thoughts returning to Cassie.
“You don’t believe his shit, do you?” he asked.
“Not in the least.” As I thought about the man’s facial expressions during our conversation, my thoughts were interrupted by an incoming text, but not from my regular phone.
From the one I’d given Cassie.
I rarely had any reaction other than the initial hunger felt around a beautiful woman, but the small special sound I’d selected in case she called or texted slammed me full of electricity. When I pulled out the phone, I found myself holding my breath.
Yet when I read the text, I couldn’t help but growl. The audacity of the worthless senator to threaten us should be amusing. On this night, I was furious.
“What is it?” Brogan asked.
“Evidently our rebellious girl has been busy. I would say she’s been snooping on her father.”
“Meaning what?”
I showed him the text, my anger unfurling. “How interesting her father found the balls to threaten us.” I knew enough about our little bird to know she had a hidden meaning in sending me the text. She was trying to prevent me from killing an innocent man, only Rocco wasn’t innocent. I would never tell her the truth about the fact that he’d had Garrison killed.
“What do you want to do?” Brogan asked.
“For the first time in my life, I’m going to follow my heart instead of my gut. Steven, we’re going back to the estate.”
“You sure, boss?”
“Yeah, I’m sure. However, I do want to know if or when Rocco leaves the city.” I sat back, shaking my head.
“She has a way of getting under your skin, doesn’t she?”
“Not just under your skin, my friend. She snagged my heart.”
