“Are we ready to get this show on the road?” Pierre rubs his hands together excitedly, then looks at me. When I nod, he waves over the display.
Laurie gasps, “Holy shit.”
“Let’s choose the perfect engagement ring for you,” I say as I look at the selection. Instantly, my eyes lock on one, and I pick it up.
It makes me think of Laurie’s blush.
“The ring features a 20.14 carat cushion-cut center stone, 4.3 carats of fancy vivid pink diamonds surrounding the setting, and the platinum band was handcrafted in Italy,” Pierre gives me the run-down.
I take hold of Laurie’s left hand and push the ring onto her finger. Luckily for me, it doesn’t sit too loose.
“As always, you have spectacular taste, Mr. Rizzo.”
“Do you like it?” I ask Laurie.
She makes a sputtering sound, and when my eyes flick to her face, it’s to see she’s shocked out of her mind. “Of course, I like it.” She stares at the diamond, then gulps, “It’s huge. I’m gonna lose it. Take it off before I accidentally scratch it.”
“No.” Gripping her chin, I press a kiss to her parted lips. “Only the best for my wife.”
“Adriano,” she whispers. “How much is this?”
I shrug, then glance at Pierre, who smiles as he answers, “Four point five.”
“Jesus!” Laurie’s left hand remains frozen, as if she’s too scared to move.
I take hold of her fingers and rub my thumb over the diamond. “I can practically see your brain short-circuiting, but there’s still a lot more to get through.”
Laurie begins to nod and sucks in deep breaths.
Locking eyes with her, I add, “No more asking how much something costs and worrying that you’ll damage it. Just enjoy this.”
My wife looks at the ring again, then not giving a shit about the other men, she grabs hold of my neck and kisses the fuck out of me.
Chapter 20
Adriano
I had to ask Mom to come over to help Laurie get through the clothes selection so I could leave for an hour or so.
Since Laurie told me some of what that fucking family did to her, I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting for a moment to slip away so I can put my plan into motion.
First, terrorize. Second, bankrupt them. Third, watch them rip each other apart. Fourth, kill every last one of them.
As Little Ricky drives us to Mitchell’s Construction, I call Rosie.
“What’s up, Mr. Grumpy?” She lets out a chuckle. “Or has that pretty wife of yours cured you of your temper?”
Scowling, I mutter, “Is everything in place?
“Yep. Just say when, and I’ll empty their bank accounts into the shell companies I created. After that, Augusto can launder it for you.”
“Good.” I glance at the club’s entrance as Little Ricky passes it before stopping in front of the construction company’s office. “We’re about to head in and plant the bugs.”
“Let me know when you’re done, and I’ll activate them so we can listen in on what happens after you leave. Also, keep an eye on your phone. I’ll call if any cops are dispatched.”
“Thanks.” I shove the door open, and climbing out of the SUV, I growl, “Let’s do this.”
I walk to the door, dressed in one of my tailored suits, and when I press the doorbell, it’s no surprise when the door is buzzed open.
