Feeling it’s too soon to drop a love declaration on her, especially over the phone, I murmur, “You mean everything to me.”
I listen to her breaths for several seconds before I hang up and return to watching the security feeds.
Finding Laurie in the kitchen, with Mom’s phone pressed to her chest, I watch as her chin quivers.
She glances up, blinking fast to stop the tears, while whispering, “Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.” Brushing her palm over her forehead, she continues whispering to herself, “You married the man yesterday. It’s way too soon to fall in love with him.” Her lips curve up into the cutest fucking smile I’ve ever seen. “Dang, too late.”
“Congrats,” Little Ricky chuckles. “And we’re coming up on the site.”
I press a kiss to my fingertips and brush them over Laurie before locking the screen and tucking the phone into my pocket.
Once Little Ricky stops the SUV by a property where the foundation is being laid for an office park, I wait for him to open my door.
As I get out, my men remain in their vehicles, only here to be a show of force.
Walking toward a group of men who are watching me with curiousity, I lock eyes with Austin Doyle for a second before looking at his brother-in-law.
Jason Mitchell must know who I am because fear ghosts over his face. He breaks away from the group.
“A few minutes ago, I paid your office a visit,” I say to bring him up to speed.
“Shit, Mr. Rizzo. My wife just called to let me know.
“This is the asshole who assaulted Heather and Amanda?” Austin asks aggressively.
Jason’s head snaps to his brother-in-law, and as he shoves him backward, he snaps, “Shut the fuck up!”
When Jason turns his attention back to me, I ask, “Did she tell you why?”
A confused expression settles on his face. “She said there was an issue with Miss Barnes, who resigned at the beginning of the week. I couldn’t make out much with all the crying.”
From years of experience, I can tell he has no fucking idea what really happened with Laurie.
Rage darkens my voice as I growl, “Your wife and brother-in-law destroyed Laurie’s life for their sick entertainment.”
Shock ripples over Jason’s face while Austin lets out a scoff. “Jesus Christ. Laurie was useless. It was about–”
“Austin!” Jason shouts, cutting the fucker off.
I reach behind my back and take hold of my gun. “No, I want to hear what he has to say. Let him finish.”
“Please, Mr. Rizzo,” Jason begs. “He’s just a hothead who doesn’t know who you are.”
“Fuck him,” Austin says, waving a hand at me before grabbing hold of Jason’s arm, telling him, “Look, man, whatever bullshit story Laurie is spinning, it’s all a lie. She stole those thousands from you before running away.”
Jason smacks Austin across the face. “I said shut up!” He points at me. “This is Adriano Rizzo. The fucking Cosa Nostra.” He reins in his temper and holds up a finger. “Not one more word. He’ll fucking kill you right here, dumbass.”
The color drains from Austin’s face, and he shakes his head. “No.”
“Yes!” Jason bites out. “Now show some fucking respect.” He turns his attention back to me. “What did they do?”
I lock eyes with Austin, and it has him taking a step backward. “You kicked Laurie out in the middle of the fucking night and left her homeless knowing Heather was going to accuse her of stealing in order to withhold her paycheck.”
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Jason mutters. “Mr. Rizzo, I swear to you on my mother’s grave, I had no idea. I was told she stole twenty thousand from the business and ran.”
“Hmm…” I glance between Jason and Austin before looking at the other men who are hard at work. “I was thinking of bankrupting you.”
“Shit. Please, Mr. Rizzo,” Jason begs. “My grandfather started this company. I’ll leave Heather and cut ties with her and Austin, but if this company goes under, innocent people will lose their jobs.”
