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)
“No. I’m just curious.”
“Nah, I’m not really interested in that. I’d be fine with a capo position or just being made. Uncle Emilio can be crazy demanding.
“I’ve seen him get mad when someone fails him. He’d probably stress me the fuck out before I could get anywhere near being don. Nah, Rico is made for this. I’ll have his back in any way I can though.”
“What about Eduardo?”
“Same. I think the only one thinking about challenging Rico is Fredo. Which is crazy because he doesn’t have the right temperament for any of it,” he replies.
“What do you mean by that?”
“You have to meet him and then you’ll get it. We’re here. Break a leg or whatever,” he says as we pull up in front of the estate.
The door is opened for me, and I step out. I feel a little weird arriving by myself. Fredrico said he’d stay within reach so I would see him once I arrived. I pull out my invitation as I get to the top of the steps, where the security guard is.
He looks me over hungrily and I have to force myself not to fidget. I lock down all my emotions and put on an expressionless mask. Thank God it only takes a few seconds for him to allow me to head inside.
I walk in and my mind is blown. This place is like a palace inside. I follow the red carpet that’s leading everyone to the party.
When I step into the ballroom, I see Fredrico Sr. with a drink in his hand as he speaks with two other men. One of the men looks in my direction and smiles before saying something to Fredrico, causing him to turn and look toward where I stand.
He smiles and places his drink down on a passing tray, then starts to walk toward me. I keep moving to close the gap between us. When he reaches me, he leans in to kiss both my cheeks.
“You did very well. You have passed one test tonight. Another awaits.”
“Huh?”
He looks over my shoulder, causing me to turn to see what he’s looking at. When I turn, Rico and Uncle Emilio come into view. There is also some chick standing with them, smiling into Rico’s face.
White-hot rage fills me when she places a hand on Rico’s chest and leans into his ear. He looks past her at me and silently tells me not to react. I collect my feelings and shove them into a tight box.
I turn my gaze to Emilio and he’s watching me closely. Ah, I get it. I roll my eyes and turn away from them.
“Why is he like this?”
Emilio has been a dick to me since the first time I met him. Okay, fine, I stole a car with his family’s drugs in it, but he still doesn’t know me or have to treat me like this. Fredrico gives me a smile and pats my arm.
“Showtime, bella. Don’t let him see you sweat. You are being tried. I believe you will rise to the occasion,” he whispers.
I feel Rico’s presence behind me before I turn. My stomach sours because I know that girl is going to be with him when I turn around. However, I’m not about to be punked.
I paste on a smile and flip my hair before I turn to face our new arrivals. Emilio looks me over with an amused smile on his lips. Fredrico places a hand on my back, drawing me closer to him.
“My little thief, you clean up nicely. I almost didn’t recognize you,” Emilio croons with a smug smile.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Gallo,” I reply with a smile.
“I’m glad you’re here. I have someone you should meet. As Freddy’s assistant, you should know his son’s fiancée. Juliana, this is my brother’s new assistant for the summer. I’m sure you two will see each other around the house.”
His words are like a punch to the gut, but I don’t allow my smile to fall. I don’t even look at Rico. I turn to Juliana and hold out my hand. She takes my hand like it’s something filthy she doesn’t want to touch.
“Nice dress,” she says, but the words drip with mean-girl vibes.
“Thank you.” I turn to Fredrico, dismissing this skank. “Do you still want to introduce me to that real estate developer? We have that meeting with him on Tuesday.”
He gives me a smile. “Yes, I do want you to meet Jim. Thanks for reminding me.”
He holds his elbow out for me to take. I loop my arm through his and give a wave to Emilio before we step off, not sparing Rico a single glance. I can feel his eyes on me, but I refuse to acknowledge him.
“What the hell was that?” I ask when we’re out of earshot.