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)
“What?”
“You have lipstick all over your mouth.”
She reaches up to wipe it away. I grin and pull out a spare handkerchief to hand to her so she can clean her hand. Pop walks over and claps me on the back.
“Oni, why don’t you go find Eduardo. I need to have a few words with my son.”
“Yes, sir,” she says and turns to leave.
I reach to grab her arm to stop her. Swiftly, I lean in for one more kiss on her cheek. Then I lean into her ear to whisper.
“You’re gorgeous. Be safe, baby. I’ve got you. I always do.”
She looks up into my eyes and smiles, then gives me a nod. Releasing her, I allow her to leave and turn back to my pop.
“Are you sure about this? We can call it off,” he says once Oni has left the room.
“They’re waiting. Everything is set. The first half of the payment has been made. I think we’ve got this. I’m confident the team can pull this off. I trust everyone involved.”
“Do you trust yourself not to expose her? Oni must look like my assistant as I have been establishing her over the last week and a half. You can’t reveal how much she means to you, our organization, or this job. Are you ready for this?”
“I am. I told you, I’ve got this, Pop. I’m not going to endanger her or the business.”
“Good, you should know Emilio plans to be there tonight.”
“Fuck,” I growl and ball my fists.
“He’s not going to get in the way, but he will be watching you and Oni. I just think you should be careful. He’s watching you more closely and you don’t want to make any wrong moves.”
“Thanks for the heads-up. Let’s get this over with. The boys at the warehouse will have to work overnight to pull this off.”
“My boys are ready at the docks as soon as it’s done,” he says.
“Sounds good.”
***
Me: Last target in the room. Go time.
Oni: Locked in. In progress.
I nod at my phone then put it away and refocus on the room. These motherfuckers deserve what’s about to happen. Each one of the targets has wronged me or my family in some way. Payback is a bitch.
It’s not like they don’t have insurance for the rides they’re about to lose. Some will take longer to replace, but it is what it is. I’m getting top dollar for the whips and the product that will be shipped with them.
Once the VIN numbers are wiped, no one will ever know we took them. I’m killing two birds with one stone. If the cars are searched when they reach their destination, the product will be in hidden compartments that will be impossible to find.
The cars are so expensive and heading to individuals no one wants to piss off, so even if they’re suspicious about what might be hidden in them, they’re not going to take them apart to confirm their suspicions.
The product will be taken out and transported before delivery to the new owners—newly customized with fresh papers.
“There you are,” Uncle Emilio croons. “I have someone I want you to meet.”
I turn to my uncle, and my head nearly explodes. Why the fuck is she here? This is the last thing I need right now.
“Juliana Abato, this is my nephew—”
“No need for introductions. We’ve already met,” I grind out.
“Good to see you again, Rico. I was so excited when your uncle invited me out for a few weeks. I’m looking forward to spending some time with you,” Juliana says in that obnoxious voice of hers.
Just fucking great.
CHAPTER 15
Playing Games
Oni
“You know, I didn’t get it at first. Ten cars in less than five minutes,” Aldo says as he drives me to the party, this time in a Rolls-Royce.
“I could have done better,” I mutter.
I’m in the back seat, changing my sneakers out for my heels. I’m annoyed because I should have done it in four minutes. There was a guy lurking around car number three. He threw off my timing. Angelo, one of Rico’s guys, was a bit slow too.
I’ll have to talk to Rico about that. This is all about timing. If you can’t keep up with me, you shouldn’t be on the team.
I could have done the job faster by myself. I mumble under my breath as I shove my sneakers and the cape into a bag. I smooth my hands over my gold dress and check to make sure everything is in place.
“This is the second time you’ve impressed me. With you on his side, I don’t think I stand a chance against Rico for don. He makes a fucking killer lieutenant, and he isn’t even made yet. I have so much to learn from him,” Aldo says in admiration.
“Are you thinking about challenging him for don?”
“If I said yes, would you shoot me in the back of the head now?” He chuckles.