Page 11 of Stolen Compliance

“I believe they barely got me started today. Both are exceptionally good at their job. But enough of my day, how has yours been?” I desperately try to redirect her, hoping she won’t get me killed.

“Aww. You’re sweet. Almost too sweet, but it’s fine. I’ll stop playing with your life,” she retorts cheerfully before lowering her voice. “Be careful at dinner. Not everything is as it’ll seem.”

With that lovely warning in my ears, she pulls me into their version of a dining room. It’s…ugly. There’s no other way to put it. It’s all glass and chrome, as if it’s trying to be futuristic, only the chairs are a weird combination of chrome legs and a leather wingback. It’s fucking atrocious. There’s no other word.

“Papa!” Kari exclaims, dropping my arm as she crosses over and accepts a hug from Sergio. “I’m so glad you were willing to let us all get together tonight.”

“Of course, dear. Now, come. Sit by my side and tell me what you’ve been up to. Luca can sit next to you. I’m sure he’ll be interested.”

From the calculating way that everyone looks at me—aside from Kari—I have a feeling I’m fucked. I’m just not sure how…

It’s difficult to smother a snicker at the way Sergio invites Luca to sit near Kari. He’s so obvious it’s not even funny. I’m sure he’s aware of Luca’s preference for men, but that doesn’t mean he won’t test the waters to see if he can’t persuade his precious daughter to throw herself at the first suitable man to keep her content or whatever traditional ideals he has. Never mind that Kari is the one who gave me some of my first scars and would eat a man like Luca alive even if he wasn’t gay.

The antipasto course is brought out as Kari starts going into annoying detail about what she’s been up to the last few weeks: scamming men out of their money at the various clubs that are Family-run and keeping her small claim of the business running better than some of the others.

For all of my father’s traditional views and beliefs that women can’t go far in this world, he doesn’t hesitate to use Kari for his own purposes; unafraid to use her brain, and her body, to further his cause.

“And have you considered my proposal?” Sergio asks after Kari is finished speaking.

She pouts. “I have…I don’t think I’m ready yet, Papa. I like working and am not ready to stop. Our profits are up at the whorehouse, and you can’t deny that alcohol sales, as well as other sales, are up at the club on nights I’m there.”

Sergio reaches out and pats her hand. “I know, but can you blame an old heart for wanting my Principessa to be settled and possibly give me grandchildren to enjoy in my eventual retirement? After all, one day Teo will be ready to take over, and you will no longer be needed. A comfortable life with a man who can provide for you, that is what I, and your father, would have wanted.”

Kari sighs, playing along. “Of course, Papa. One day, but you’re not retiring yet, and none of the men have been right.” She wrinkles her nose. “I don’t want to settle. If I’m going to marry and bear children, I need a man like you, not one of the men who only think they know what it means to be a man.”

Dominic clears his throat and takes a drink of his water to cover what I’m sure is a snort. She’s laying it on pretty thick tonight, whether for Luca’s sake or because she wants something is yet to be determined, but I don’t underestimate her and her ability to manipulate my father.

As shrewd as he pretends to be, he is easily swayed by a pretty face and a nice body…even if they’re attached to someone who calls him Papa.

“Of course, of course. But you are not getting any younger, and the men who are vying for your hand are better than a fairytale.”

“Yes, I know. Soon, just not yet.”

He takes that for now and looks to Luca. “So? What did you think of your first day? Are you going to run to my cousin and tell him of what you’ve seen today?”

Luca is lucky enough to get time to formulate an answer as the staff swaps out the first course for the salad course. Because, of course, my father is showing off with a full course traditional meal tonight to “welcome our guest”.

“It has been a rather…informative day. Don’t worry, I won’t be spilling your secrets to Il Padrone; I am here to learn, not undermine or spy on your operations. I understand being suspicious, of course, but I think we can all agree if anything wasn’t up to snuff you never would have allowed me to be here.”

There’s a tense moment as we wait for Sergio’s response. He studies Luca carefully, ice-blue eyes bright and calculating, though what goes on in that head of his is a mystery to us all, even Dominic and Kari, as much as they want to claim otherwise.

Finally, he nods once. “That is good to know. What about our operations? You’ve spent the day with Dominic, how did you fare?”

Luca shifts in his seat, not squirming exactly, but he reaches for his drink, decently hiding his discomfort, but I am tuned to him after this morning’s activities. “I am interested to learn more. I had questions after the tests Dominic and Teo put the merchandise through but understand I have not earned the right to ask them. Dominic’s duties are far different from mine back home, but that is understandable with the type of operations you’re working with here.”

“Yes, Dominic is diligent and has a certain attention to detail that serve me well. He isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and do what is needed. Speaking of…” He looks to Dominic. “Everything taken care of after this afternoon’s mishap?”

“Yes. The new manager is in place, and the old one is waiting on your final decision.”

“Hmmm…you removed his hand, but that is not enough for failure such as that…being unable to keep track of his own workers… Does he have children?”

“He does,” Dominic confirms. “A boy and a girl; both in college here in town. The girl is decently pretty—wouldn’t make much in an auction and not suitable for private sale, but good enough for a whorehouse. The son…he’s a pretty one. A bit bulkier than our usual fare, and sturdy. He works at the docks on the weekends, so he’s in peak physical condition, could make enough in an auction to make up for his father’s mistakes.”

Sergio smiles, a true one this time that would have turned my stomach once, but now only makes me glad they served wine with the risotto course. “You know what to do.” He meets my eyes. “I want you both on it. You can teach our guest a thing or two along the way.”

I incline my head. “Of course, sir.”

“A hand? Really? Getting soft in your old age, Dominic?” Kari bats her eyes at the man.