Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“I would have the same reaction. I need him to chill so I can fix the real problem. Do you understand?” he explains.
“Yeah, I get it. You need me to calm my uncle down so I can stay.”
“Good girl. Come here,” he says.
Slowly, I move to where he’s standing. Looking up into his eyes, I watch as he begins to calm himself down. My head is reeling.
I learned last night what happens to the disloyal. However, who is Rico to me? My uncle is my blood.
Should I really choose him over Uncle Claude? As I think about it, I may need to in order to survive. I know too much not to side with Rico.
He could decide to kill me and my uncle. Uncle Claude didn’t ask for this. He’s just trying to protect me.
I’m the one who stole the truck. If I hadn’t, those drugs wouldn’t have been lost. I wasn’t thinking.
When I found them in the truck, I took a picture of the plates and took off. I didn’t think of someone finding the vehicle and taking some of the product. I’m sure they had planned to go back for the rest, but I had already called Uncle Claude to fix my mistake.
I’m lucky they didn’t take it all. I would probably be in a much different situation. Rico pinches my chin between his fingers. I come out of my thoughts and focus on his face.
“This is how you earn my trust, Oni.”
“I get it. I understand.”
He kisses my forehead. “Good, you look nice. Did you get everything you need?”
“I think so.”
“Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need anything else. I’ll take care of it. Let’s go. Pop is waiting.”
CHAPTER 6
Lethal Negotiations
Rico
“Stop fidgeting. First rule of the game, you never let anyone see you squirm,” I say as I glance over at Oni in the passenger seat.
She’s been yanking at that seat belt and wiggling in her seat since I drove off from the house. I need to know she can handle herself in a room with bosses. I get the feeling I’m right about this girl.
She releases a long breath but stops the fidgeting. She looks fucking fantastic. The beige outfit looks great on her. Classy but still cute and age-appropriate.
I mean, she doesn’t look like one of my pop’s old side pieces. The top is tasteful if you ask me. The way it’s tailored draws your attention away from her bare midriff.
“Don’t be nervous. My pop is on our side. He’s going to smooth things over,” I say out loud, more for myself than for her.
If my father wasn’t counting on this deal to happen, I might have had to kiss my girl goodbye to keep the peace. However, he stands to gain quite a bit from the setup I have going on. Even with the kick up to Uncle Emilio, Pop will clear a few million.
When I called him to tell him what has been going on with our driver and how his brother is trying to stick his nose in our business, he decided to step in. That’s huge. My father doesn’t normally get into Uncle Emilio’s business, and he never bails me out.
He will give me advice and guidance, but my mistakes are my own. I learned that early on, even though I’ve never looked for a handout or for special treatment. I’ve been my own man from the start, but I know when I need to take a step back.
“Rico?”
“What’s up?”
“There’s something you’re not telling me. You want my trust, but where is yours?”
“What are you talking about?” I try to laugh her off.
“Don’t do that. Remember, I’ve been outside. I may not know everything, especially when it comes to your world, but I’m not stupid. You’re holding something back.”
I glance over at her quickly, then turn my attention back to the road as I think her words through. I don’t owe this girl anything. She’s the one with the debt to pay. So why am I questioning myself and what I should share?
Should I tell her I’m supposed to marry someone else? No, because that shit’s not happening. Do I tell her that my uncle will most likely show his face at this meeting because he wants her gone? Hell nah, she’ll run if she knows.
Italians can be like a pit with a bone. My uncle is going to become a problem before I can even get my plan into play. Granted, my plans are changing right as I sit here with her, but I can’t lose her before I make my next move.
I sigh. “In this business, blind trust is needed. Know that everything I do is to protect my crew. You guys watch my back, I cover yours.
“Right now, what you need to know is that your uncle is a problem for me. When he stops huffing and puffing, we can get to work. Your first job will earn you half a million, but we can’t get to that if your uncle starts a war or takes you back to New York,” I reply.