The realization was kicking my ass. I wasn't supposed to like her, even care about her. This was supposed to be a business transaction. To even appreciate her company was ridiculous. I twisted my hand around the steering wheel, angry with my body's reaction.
My cock was hard once again.
I rubbed my thumb across my lips, remembering the last kiss. For those few precious seconds, she'd succumbed to me in every manner.
She was going to do it again.
I tore through the streets, driving way over the speed limit, daring the cops to stop me. Maybe I was also ready to be taken out. What the hell did I have to live for? My thoughts continued to drift to her, the quiet, almost normal time we'd shared together. I'd opened up, talking freely, something I'd never done before.
The why troubled me.
I was usually a cautious man, a product of the family I'd been born into. My father had taught me that sharing intimate details about the family would be used against us. I had to agree with him. Too many people know about Francesca's appearance in my life. I'd been far too cavalier in my actions. That might cost me.
I had a white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel, still attempting to accept the reality of what had occurred in the last few days. Everything was starting to blur together.
I sped to the outskirts of town, going to a part of the city full of warehouses, some abandoned, some refurbished but certainly not populous. My father owned several of them, hiding behind various manufacturing and shipping companies in an effort to seem legitimate. I'd often believed the police and even the Feds had looked the other way on purpose, realizing that if they attempted to take down the organization, they would have blood on their hands.
And covering the city streets.
The fortified older buildings were perfect for clandestine meetings, far out of the earshot of prying neighbors, and soundproof enough to mask various 'sounds' of violence. I'd been with my father once during one of his infamous meetings, sneaking into the building against his rules. What I'd seen had given me nightmares for months.
He'd caught me later, offering his violent level of discipline for ignoring his command. That was a moment I'd never forget.
Oddly enough, I'd respected him for punishing me. How fucking ironic.
Random thoughts and images of time spent with my father filtered into my mind. Was I reminiscing about the past? That would do nothing but drag me further into the darkness. Then again, maybe that's what I needed. I hissed, pressing down on the accelerator. John Paul had been right. Harboring rage toward my father at this point in time did neither one of us any good. I still wasn't ready to forgive him, but Francesca had figured out certain aspects about me and my relationship with the man who'd spawned me.
I didn't want him to die.
I continued the drive, forcing the ugly thoughts out of my mind. Focus. That's exactly what I needed to do.
I was cautious in my travels, constantly checking the rearview mirror. I had the distinct feeling that the heat was going to become pronounced. I knew Shane well enough to realize that he'd remain tight-lipped, sharing his friendship with me to no one. However, with the Feds involved, all bets would be off. Even more reason to tread lightly.
He could be caught in the crossfire.
I pulled into the gravel parking lot of the warehouse, Grinder and Tony not far behind. Several vehicles were already parked in various spots, more than I would have thought. My father had expanded over the last few years. I stood just outside the Charger, allowing the warmth of the early afternoon sun to shower across my face.
I wouldn't know some of the soldiers inside, but that didn't matter in the least. I was the new boss, at least for now.
I waited until Grinder moved behind me before heading past the thick steel door. I could hear bantering, jovial discussions as if this was nothing more than a party. I allowed my feet to tread heavily on the cement floor as I approached, quieting at least a few conversations.
I'd heard various jokes about my acting profession over the years, stories meant for humiliation. I hadn't been bothered in the least. In my mind, the capos and soldiers had been little more than street thugs. Sadly, I was honestly here asking for their help, even though my words certainly wouldn't be phrased that way. They needed a come-to-Jesus style conversation. I also knew that my appearance wasn't going to be the cause of any celebration. I only removed my sunglasses after I came within four feet of the group of about forty men, ten being capos, the rest high-ranking soldiers. The other lower-ranking mutts were on the streets, hopefully continuing business as ordered. They damn well better be. I wasn't going to allow any slack behavior.
There was an immediate hush, wary looks on the majority of faces. They were all curious, some riddled with anxiety. After all, I was the pretty boy attempting to fill my father's shoes. They obviously hadn't been told about my earlier reputation.
"Michael," one of the capos said. "Good to see you."
"You will call him the boss," Grinder corrected, snarling under his breath.
"Did something happen to Ricardo?" another asked.
A series of disgruntled sounds echoed in the space. I waved my hand, looking directly in the eyes of several of them. I didn't mince any words, a shotgun start. "My father's condition is stable at this point but while he remains incapacitated, I am the boss of this organization and I will take no crap or hearsay. Anyone who doesn't toe the line will pay the price."
I hesitated briefly, keeping my expression devoid of any emotion. There were a few murmurs as the men attempted to get used to the fact I was in charge.
"We have business to attend to and quota to fill and that's going to happen. Period. There are no excuses that I will accept, no undermining of any operation. We will continue as if nothing happened. Any information you gather will come to either Grinder or myself immediately. Any delayed shipments or hijacking bullshit will come to my attention. Then I will handle the perpetrator. All the land transactions go through my office alone. If any of the developers try and pull out, make certain they understand the ramifications. Do I make myself clear?" I allowed the words to linger. I wasn't certain if my announcement was met with dislike or not. They were smart enough to mask their expressions.
"Yes, boss," a few of them mumbled in succession.
"What about the hit?" When Joey asked the question, I stared at him directly. He'd been around for years, had been through his share of shit, including doing a four-year stint in prison. He'd also remained completely loyal to my father. At one point, I'd even considered him a friend, running several of the more viable operations together. We'd both paid our dues.
The question was valid. "We proceed with caution. I've received new information that while the Saltoris may be involved, there may be an unrecognized assassin in town."
"What. The. Fuck." Joey tensed.
The grumbling was palpable. I held up both hands. "I'll handle this."
Grinder leaned over, whispering in my ear, "You need to tell them about John Paul."
"Not yet. Not until I find out more from his soldiers."
He took a step back, knowing better than to second guess me.
"By the end of the week, any short sales will be made right. No exceptions. Traitors need to be flushed out. Anyone not loyal will no longer work with us. Do what needs to be done." I shot various glares around the room for emphasis.
"You got it, boss."
I gave an approving nod before heading for the door, almost surprised there was no kickback. Maybe my acting career had done me some good after all.