Chapter 136

Nico

The jet ride took the usual few hours. I tried to relax and close my eyes to catch up on some much-needed sleep. Honestly, Lucky is wearing me out. However, we do have a lot of lost time to catch up on. The woman is insatiable in the bedroom, not that I’m complaining. A woman like Lucky only comes once in a lifetime. Her wit and humor always surprise me and fill my heart.

The wanting to be involved in the casino, not so much. Although I do have a small thought that I need to run by Tony. A project that might give Lucky what she is looking for and an in into my business, yet keeping her on the right side of the law and hopefully safe and out of trouble.

I arrive in my New York office not long after we land at my private airstrip. It’s cool inside which is how I like it. My assistant has already left me a strong, black coffee knowing that I would be arriving since I already messaged her. The woman needs a raise for all the hours she puts in, not to mention my stinking attitude at the best of times. I’d be totally lost without her being my righthand woman.

First, I take the laptop bag off my shoulder, slide it down my arm and place it on the black marble desk, then walk towards the wrap around, floor to ceiling windows that give me panoramic views of Manhattan. When I was a kid, I always wanted an office like this. Not too dissimilar to my father’s own offices he had when he was in charge.

It always amazes me that we have come so far in such a short space of time. My father did not have very many legitimate businesses. Mainly a few hotels dotted around in various states, the odd casino here and there and a few betting shops. I have made it my life’s mission to ensure that over ninety percent of my business is legit. Not bad going for the son of a mobster.

A knock presents itself on the wood door, I turn and see Tony and Dario peeking their ugly mugs against the glass making stupid ass faces. What are we kids again now? I smile and beckon them in with my fore- and middle fingers. They enter.

“Jackasses,” I say as I go back to my desk and take a seat. Tony and Dario are carrying takeout coffee from one of our local coffee houses. We own a few and yes, they are legit. We bought them up over a decade ago, when the owners were getting on and needed cash infusion. This way we keep the Italian sector still thriving and reap the dividends, paying the original owner’s fair money and good rewards. Better than if they were running the businesses themselves.

If nothing else, the Santangelo family is fair and square. We’re not in it to rip our supporting families off, especially those whose roots link tenuously with ours.

“You’re an ugly motherfucker, Nico,” Tony says as he takes a seat first opposite me, crossing one leg over the other and blowing on his Styrofoam cup.

“Fuck you, asshole. When was the last time you looked in the mirror? Or have you cracked them with your ugly face?” I chuckle. It feels good to have some lighthearted banter after weeks of doom and gloom. The darkness is still there, it resides in my head like a free tenant, like a squatter you simply can’t get rid of.

“You’re both ugly bastards,” Dario joins in. “Hey, what do you guys say we have some drinks in one of our clubs tonight?”

I frown, Dario drinking. Not a good idea. “You can’t drink, Brother.”

“No, but you and Tony can let your hair down. I’m not interested in touching that shit again. Not after going through detox, Man never the fuck again. Once was enough. I’ve learnt the hard way. It ain’t for me. Besides, Nico. I’m serious about being more involved with the business. What have you got for me?” He leans forward with his elbows on his knees, his coffee cup on a table next to him.

“We can go for dinner at the casino downtown, no drinks for me. I’ve got to keep a clear head. Secondly, I am thinking of heading you up on a project with Lucky.” I’m waiting for the fall out, but he keeps his face straight.

I know there is no love lost between the two of them. Actually, Lucky isn’t the one with the issue. It’s Dario who can’t stand that my bride to be, is a Gianluca.

“Seriously, Nico? No way. I can’t work with her.” He leans back in the chair and puts his hands behind his head, elbows sticking out. I can see the tatts he has running up his arms.

“This is not open to discussion, Dario.”

“What business?” Tony asks. “You haven’t mentioned it to me, Nico.”

“Because I only thought about it on the jet ride from Atlanta.”

“Spill,” Dario says knowing he has no choice.

“First, you need to learn the ropes and get to do a meet and greet with some of our core team,” I tell him straight. He nods.

“I want a hotel to outshine all other hotels in Arizona,” I continue.

Tony’s eyes bug out of his head. “Fucking Arizona. Why the hell there? Nico come on, it’s the dead ass end of the world, Brother.”

“Because we haven’t cracked it yet and it’ll be a good foot in.”

He moans, Dario mutters something inaudible. Great, they’re not buying it. Tough shit, I am the boss of the Santangelo family.

“Is this to keep Lucky happy and out the damn way?” Tony asks.

“Not all true but some, yes. She wants to be involved. She isn’t happy being a typical Don’s wife. I have to give her something. A woman with a mind like hers can help our business. She’s smart and fiercely intelligent. Sitting around doing women’s lunches and charity work isn’t going to work out for a strong, fiercely independent woman like Lucky.”

“She didn’t have to accept your marriage proposal,” Dario shoots. He wounds my heart. I need him to get along with Lucky. I love them both and it would please me greatly if he could at least bury the hatchet.

“Actually, Brother she did. I held her father’s life over her head.”

His eyebrows shoot to his hairline. “You did what now?”

“It was the only way to guarantee a Gianluca alliance for my positioning here as King of New York City.”

“Man,” he says raking a hand through his messed-up hair. Doesn’t he know what a brush or comb is for?

“Tony, I want you to get on to our accounts and roll the numbers. I need some facts and figures and what I can work with. It’s got to be the best hotel that Arizona has ever seen. She needs a sizeable budget.”

Tony has that concerned expression on his face. It looks like he is trying hard not to break wind. “You’re talking something in the region of fifty mill, Nico.”

“It’s for Lucky and to keep this asshole off my back,” I say as I direct my eyes to my youngest brother.

“Fuck,” Tony says not impressed.

“We can handle it; besides it’ll bring us in a packet. I want a casino in there; we can charge premium membership. Show girls, a top talent residency act. It’ll be better than Vegas.” I’m convinced that when I give the idea to Lucky, she is going to run wild with it and put her stamp all over it.

My assistant pops her head into the door. “Nico, Yashimoto-san is here for you.”

My brain shifts focus immediately.

Will he be with us or against us?