I frown and purse my lips. I hear the threat in his words for what it is. For now, I bite my tongue. My time will come.
“Rico, stop thinking about how to outsmart me and clean up your mess in New York. Remember, I have eyes and earseverywhere. If I have to clean this up for you, you will be looking at another two years before I open the books for you.”
I work my jaw. I thought I had my shit under lock. I’ve been dealing with things as they arise. It looks like I’m going to have to get a little more proactive.
“Yeah, I’ve got it,” I say as the car comes to a stop in front of Pop’s house.
I step out of the car and loosen my tie. Shrugging off my jacket, I toss it over my arm and jog into the house. I pull my phone and shoot off a text to Mario.
He needs to do me a favor. I also need to know where the bullshit is coming from. If I can’t handle a little problem, I’ll never be trusted with the shit I’m to move up to.
I’m not even thinking, I find myself walking right into Oni’s bedroom. As I get inside, I can hear the shower running. I sigh and toss my suit jacket over the back of the chair in the room.
Finishing with the buttons on my dress shirt, I then tug it from my pants. I kick off my shoes, then pad over to the bed to sit on the foot of it.
I’m not leaving here until we have a clear understanding of what’s going to happen around here for the next month. I know I’m asking a lot, but I need to play the game.
“Hello,” I say into my phone as Mario calls.
“I was hoping you would answer. Yeah, no problem. I can look after Oni. What do you need me to do?”
“I need you to act like she’s yours. Just until I can get that airhead out of here. I don’t want her to find out anything about her. My gut is telling me to be wary of her, not just my uncle.”
“You got it. I’ll handle it. You sure she’ll be okay with it?”
“I’m going to talk to her. It will be cool.”
“Anything else?”
“Uncle Emilio mentioned my mess in New York. What do you know?”
“Nothing has been reported to me, but I can make the trip to drop in and check things out. I’ll be back in the morning with a full report. Afternoon at the latest.”
“I knew I could count on you.”
“You can count on her too. She handled things like a pro. The deal is done on our end. Everything went smoothly. Like taking candy,” he croons.
“Perfect, take care of the team when you get back. I’ll set the next job up.”
The bathroom door opens right as I hang up. I drop the phone on the bed and sit staring at Oni, wrapped in a towel, as she mutters to herself. She doesn’t notice me right away, but when she does, the look on her face says a thousand words.
CHAPTER 16
All Mine
Oni
I stepout of the shower and wrap a towel around my body. I’m still grumbling to myself about that heifer who rode with us to the house. I know her from somewhere.
I hadn’t recognized her at first because I dismissed her after that handshake and introduction. However, once we all climbed into the Rolls to head home, I got a good look at her. A better look than I wanted to be honest.
I know I know her from somewhere. I haven’t figured it out yet. It’s right there.
“Get your shit together, Oni,” I growl at my reflection after I wipe the steam from the glass.
I snatch the shower cap from my head, leaving my scarf in place. This isn’t me. I’m not about to date someone with a fiancée.
“He has me all fucked up. Is any of this shit worth all this? Crazy-ass uncle playing in my face.
