Page 4 of Stroke of Luck

My eyes shoot up to Enzo’s, as I now understand what he was talking about. He gives a sharp nod, grabbing his phone ready to reach out to my grandfather on this matter.

“It seems fate is on our side that you would rescue your future wife from death. This will be a perfect time for you to get to know one another. I am sending my son back to the states to meet with you and your grandfather to settle the legal part of the matter.” Rosetta pauses to yell for a maid. “Let’s hope you are as loyal to the Lastra family as everyone seems to claim. To refuse this would be unwise…”

My hand tightens around the phone as she lets the threat linger in the air for a moment before she hangs up on me.

How could my grandfather have left me in such a situation? Could this all have been a setup? Did Skyler know I would be at O’Shea’s that night to meet with Aidan?… No, that was scheduled last minute to make sure we don't have a leak.

There has to be more to this than Signora Leto is telling me, but I’m going to find out, starting with her granddaughter. First, though, I need to talk to my grandfather.

“He is waiting for your call,” Enzo says. It amazes me how he can always be one step ahead of me and know what I need—it’s what makes him the perfect underboss.

I hit the speed dial for my grandfather, and after two rings, he answers. “Did she eat you alive?”

“Is what she told me true?” I counter. The old man loves to get under my skin because he thinks I’m too serious all the time.

The heavy sigh is answer enough, but I wait to hear him out. “Look, my boy, Bosco and I were closer than blood could ever be, and when he told me his dream of us one day being a true family and sharing grandkids, I couldn’t refuse him. I know this is old-fashioned and that arranged marriages are not looked upon favorably anymore, but all I ask is you get to know the girl. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of you keeping a lady friend…unless I’m mistaken and your interests lie elsewhere?”

“Rosetta made it seem that it was more of a business deal than anything else.”

“Because that’s what it is. I still can’t understand how those two ended up getting married. She’s cold-hearted, and her only love is money. Thankfully, her son turned out more like his father, although his taste in women is questionable. If you decide, after giving an honest effort to spend time with Skyler, that it’s not the right fit, I’ll deal with Rosetta myself.” Grandfather growls, causing me to fight back a smirk. He clearly dislikes the woman.

“Fine. I’ll do as you ask, but I will not be used as a pawn by some gold-digging cunt, no matter what it will cost the family,” I offer, making sure my position is clear.

Grandfather laughs loudly into the phone. “I don’t know why people seem to think I have any control over you—you’ve done as you pleased all your life. Very well, my boy, I will talk to you later. Oh, and I might mention that Miss Leto has no idea about this situation either. Her parents tried to talk to her last night, but it didn’t go well.”

This makes me think back to what Paolo told me about his interactions with her. “Just as well. It suits my needs better this way.”

Just as I end the call, I receive another from Dia, one of our men that works under Remo.

“Dia,” I answer, knowing if he’s calling me, it can’t be good.

“Boss, we have a small problem with the job you asked us to take care of last night at the pub,” Dia states.

I let out a heavy sigh and put the phone on speaker so Enzo can hear.

“Why are we just hearing about this now, Dia? You know that if there’s a problem you’re to reach out to me immediately,” I snap.

Dia and his boys are the best we have at making people disappear, but Remo keeps a close eye on them because they’re a little unhinged. Personally, I think it makes them better at their job.

“The job was done just as you asked. We took Mattie out…it was the cleanup that we ran into trouble with,” Dia explains. “We almost got caught and had to leave the body behind. Before we had a chance to go back and get it, Aidan and his boys discovered it. There’s no way they can tie it back to you, but they still know he was killed and didn’t just disappear.”

Enzo slams his hand down on my desk, causing me to give him a warning look.

“Did you find out if Nico was right about him being a double agent?” I inquire.

There’s silence on the other line for a few moments, causing me to become concerned.

“Dia...” I press.

“With how much foot traffic there was, we didn’t have the time to force it out of him before we had to bail. I’m sorry we failed you, boss.”

Leaning back into my chair, I wave off Enzo, who’s all too eager to yell at him. Normally Remo would decide what to do with Dia and his men, seeing as they’re his responsibility, but he’s otherwise disposed at the moment.

“Things with the Irish are going to be tense, and if it was as busy as you say, then I need you guys to lay low for a few days. You need to be out of sight, understand?” I instruct.

“Done. We will await your call for the all clear.”

I hang up with Dia, tapping the phone against my chin as I think about my next move. I glance up at Enzo, who’s still in the room waiting for my orders.