“Yes?”
I take a breath, relaxing the moment I’m between her and Matteo. I knew I was liable to be jealous, but even I didn’t expect this level of emotion.
I’ve got it bad.
Which I should have known. I spent a thousand dollars at the American Girl doll store last night.
But Killian is winning Emma’s heart, and I want to be the man who provides for both Gigi and Emma.
I want them to be mine.
I force my muscles to loosen. “I’ll serve the coffee, love. Thank you.”
Her brows lift, her lips softly parting. If she’s questioning why I don’t want her in the room, she doesn’t ask, as she gives a nod and then turns to leave.
The door clicks behind her, and I return to my seat behind my desk.
Matteo gives me a long look before he gets up and retrieves his coffee. But he doesn’t look upset, only amused.
He’s a man of control, I’ll give him that.
I give my shoulders a quick roll, knowing that we’ve started on the wrong foot. Is there any saving this meeting?
He takes a sip of his coffee. “Good.”
I dip my head, shaking off the tension pulling at my limbs. “Thank you. And thank you for coming. I appreciate you making time for me.”
“Thanks are not necessary. I owe Mason everything, and I know you are his most important partner.” He sets the cup on my desk and leans forward. “To clear the air. Your message has been loudly received. Your lovely assistant is not available.”
I relax back in my seat. Plenty of men decide to tap their assistant. But what I’m doing with Gigi is far more than that. Not that I can or should explain.
Killian shifts next to me, looking upset. He’s protective of both Gigi and Emma as well. And while I don’t like him showing me up in the gift department, I’m always glad for his second set of eyes where their safety is concerned.
But I’ve got this situation well in hand. I give him the eye, to let him know to stand down, and he pushes off the window, moving to the couch, his legs spread wide as he sits.
Matteo notices. If he was amused by my behavior, he’s leery of Killian’s.
I get it. First, my brother has a reputation. And second, his irritation is far less explainable and far more lethal.
And now it’s my turn to clear the air. “She isn’t. Available. And she isn’t likely to be in the future either,” I say, for both Killian and Matteo’s benefit.
Matteo turns back to me, his eyes lighting with interest. “Excellent.”
That catches me off guard. “Why would you say that?”
“Married men make for good business, honestly. Look at Mason. Which leads me back to our primary topic.” He rolls his neck again. “What are your goals, where Vigo is concerned?”
I grimace. I feel like I’m missing something in this conversation. We keep moving from Gigi to Vigo and back again. “He’s been a pain in the ass at every turn. And yesterday, he arrived uninvited, tossing around threats while he attempted to gain favors.”
Matteo’s mouth twitches down. “His temper and his ego are at constant war for his worst trait.”
“You know him well?”
“Not well. I avoid him as much as possible. But he reaches out on occasion, when he needs goods moved quickly on the West Coast. In the past, I’d take them if the money was good enough.” Matteo clears his throat. “I ran drugs for him two years ago. Ended up at a party at his house, to deliver his money. I got a good look at his personal life, and it’s a fucking mess.”
There is a hardness in his eyes I haven’t seen this entire meeting. Mason trusts this man, which means a lot. “You didn’t like it.”
“He’s got an ex-wife who could give you the real details. I would tell you to just kill him and get rid of the body, but honestly, he’s got a lot of powerful men on his side, and thanks to his father, Vigo now keeps the balance in New York. I say buy him off for the short-term gain.”
