I scowl. “I risk him trying to regularly dip into my pockets if I do that.”
“Offer him little enough that he’ll know he’s small, but enough that he’ll be quiet for a bit. My guess is, if Killian is given some time, you can find all the skeletons, and then really do some damage.”
It’s good advice. It’s strategic, and not ego driven. My estimation of Matteo rises.
“And when you do strike, do it publicly and make certain he loses his temper first. The other bosses will be less likely to retaliate if your actions are easily justified. And…” He leans forward. “Make sure you start grooming a successor to his empire. You know that your world here in the light runs smoothly when the dark is managed.”
I cock my head, impressed as hell by the man in front of me. No wonder Mason chose him to take over the Vegas Mafia. “Thank you, Matteo.”
“You’re welcome.” He reaches for his coffee and takes another sip. When he lowers his cup, his eyes sparkle. “When you do make your move, I’m happy to provide any assistance you might need.”
I cock my head, not answering right away. Offering help most certainly means that Matteo has a stake.
Does he wish to be considered as Vigo’s replacement?
Or is it something else?
Matteo rises and so do I, showing him to the door.
Gigi stands as he exits, her hands primly folding in front of her as he passes by. He gives her another long look, before he strides toward the elevator.
I might work with Matteo in the future, but not until I’ve tucked Gigi deeper into my side. Her questioning gaze meets mine, worry flicking through them.
I’ll ease her fears in a moment. First, I need to speak with Killian.
I close the door again, turning toward my brother. “So?”
“Vigo is a snake. He’s got a reptile brain, and it makes him dangerous because he’s always waiting for the opportunity to lash out and strike,” Killian starts, pushing up from the couch. “But Matteo…” He goes back to his spot by the window, sitting on the ledge, and staring down at the city.
“Calm, cool, collected,” I say with a nod.
“Playing a game that we don’t know the rules to,” he grunts. “He’s already been behind the scenes pulling strings. I know it.”
“I thought that too. He knows things he’s not telling us.”
“His interest in Gigi is strategic. I just don’t know why.” Killian turns away from the window. “But I’m going to find out.”
I look at my brother. People think that Killian is just muscle. Or that he’s crazy. But what they don’t understand is that he’s more attuned to subtle patterns in behavior than anyone else I’ve ever met.
As he speaks, I know he’s got the right of it. “You have a theory?”
“Maybe. But I’ll tell you when I know for sure. It’s too dangerous to be wrong.”
My jaw clenches.
I trust my brother. And I know whatever he’s searching for, he’ll use to help me protect Gigi and Emma.
Because what I know is that for the first time in my adult life, I’ve fallen in love.
And Gigi, she’s rewriting every rule I have.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Gigi
Killian leaves Rush’s office,stopping at my desk. “Gigi.”
I stand, giving him a warm smile. “Emma loves the doll dresses, thank you so much.”
