“Wow, I had no idea you have so much power.”
It’s good to be a Santini.
Teddy moved on to serve a customer. When his bartender returned with the bottles of tequila, Teddy did a final check on patrons before stopping in front of Burt.
“I’m serious, man,” Burt said. “Being a Santini is badass.”
If Burt knew what hereallydid for a living, he’d be even more impressed… or terrified.
“What happened to your friend?” Teddy asked, knowing full well what happened to him.
“All I know is that Hollywood got shot dead.” Burt tossed back the last of his scotch. “You never know when your number’s gonna be up.”
“My grandfather used to say that death was the ultimate surprise that crept in to steal your soul in the middle of the night.”
“Jesus,” Burt said. “That’s some dark shit. Are you up for a little poker these days?”
Teddy shook his head. “No time.”
“Seriously?” Burt re-tied his long hair. “I mean, no offense, but you’re the GM of a restaurant. How demanding could that be?”
“I’m a Santini.” Teddy winked. “Don’t forget that.”
He left Burt at the bar, made his way into the kitchen, and confirmed his chef was staying until closing. With Tara gone for the night, he’d have to close out the restaurant.
Unless…
As he made his way toward his office, he called Gabriel.
“Yo, baby,” Gabriel answered.
“I’m at the restaurant, but I can’t stay ‘til closing. Can you help me out?”
“Felice di aiutarti, fratello. E poi potrai ricambiare il favore.”
Agitation streaked down his spine. “Seriously, Gabriel? You’ll help me if I return the favor? Are you kidding me?”
Outside his office, he stood in front of the retina scanner, the light turned green, and he entered. Gabriel was sitting in the leather executive chair smoking a cigar. When the brothers’ eyes met, Gabriel broke into a grin, then they both started laughing.
Gabriel sauntered around the desk, extended his arms. Teddy went to fake punch him in the gut, then pulled him in for a hug.
“How many women are hiding in here?”
Gabriel pretended to stab his heart. “How can you say that about me? I’m here holding down the biz while you have your fam dinner with Greystone… andnotinvite me.”
Teddy knew his brother well enough to know that a womanhadbeen in the office… or someone was on her way. At the moment, Teddy didn’t care if an entire haram showed.
“Thanks for sticking ‘round,” Teddy said. “I gotta bolt.”
“Not so fast. I need your help.”
Teddy released a growl. “Go.”
“You know how an ant colony works, right?” Gabriel began.
Teddy hitched his brows, crossed his arms, and stayed silent.
“When they need to explore a new location, they send a?—”
