I moved toward the doorway, watching the almost stunning floor show. There wasn't a single person in the room who hadn't noticed them. They all knew of his reputation, as well as his tactics. Lorenzo was a mainstay in the news, enjoying the limelight that his status offered. I walked in, moving to the very center of the room, standing with my arms crossed. I wasn't usually a jealous man, had never experienced that given my short relationships. I wasn't a commitment kind of guy.
But this. With her. And him.
I was incensed. Maddened.
He had his hand positioned on the back of her neck, far too possessive. His other hand was dangerously close to her bottom, his finger brushing up and down on her naked flesh. She was enjoying herself, far too much so.
Swallowing hard, I took long strides in their direction, almost furious that the song ended before I had an opportunity to kick his fucking ass.
Caroline immediately shifted away, her expression sheepish.
"Go back to the table. Order what you want. I have business to attend to." My words were sharp, laced with the kind of venom that I had for Lorenzo, who stood off to the side, adjusting his cuffs. I had no desire to conduct any aspect of business with the man, but his casinos had already been hit. If the man had information, it was viable that I listened.
For now.
She tilted her lovely chin in my direction, her eyes studying mine. "Where would I go, Dominick? I'm your prisoner no matter if I'm dressed in silk and diamonds." Huffing, she walked toward the table, taking long strides.
"She's a lovely choice, Dominick. You should be very proud," Lorenzo said in passing.
"If you have something to tell me, I suggest you get on with it. There will be no additional interruptions."
After giving me a look of amusement, he exited the dining room. I curtailed my aggravation and followed, giving Bruno a nod before passing him and heading up the stairs. I had an office that I kept for these purposes, even though I loathed conducting any form of business in an open forum. This had better be good.
Lorenzo closed the door behind him, hesitating before he walked any further. "Nice digs. You do well for yourself."
"The perks of corporate America." I poured us both a drink, handing him a glass before settling on the leather couch. "What is so important that couldn't wait?"
He remained standing. "I believe we could have a mole in one of our organizations."
"A mole?" While this wasn't shocking news, the timing was horrific.
"Yes." He took a sip then swirled the glass. "I have strategically placed soldiers in and around our respective cities. Don't worry," he mused, obviously seeing my bristling reaction, "they've been given explicit instructions to watch for this fucker who is threatening both our livelihoods. Nothing more."
I leaned forward, moving the glass from hand to hand. "What else?"
"Word on the street it that there is going to be a major hit."
"Meaning?"
Lorenzo laughed, finally easing into the chair. He crossed his legs and settled in, appearing the arrogant ass I knew him to be. "I'm well aware that you have a runner coming in from South America later this week. If that shipment is hit, along with a few... let's just say overdoses, then you'll find it invariably impossible to salvage the operation, your reputation and, I might add, there's a very good chance both you and your father will be indicted. I suspect these charges will stick." My first reaction was to scoff at everything he said, but I knew better. I'd heard enough to realize the possibility was plausible, even though I was incensed that he and his organization had any details about the shipment. The activity was my father's bread and butter, and I often wondered about his carelessness. However, if the setup was planned and it involved my casino, I would be forced to take the lead. "Very well. What does this mean to you? Why bother telling me, Lorenzo?"
"Because almost every drug-related activity filters down to my turf, including my casinos. You are well aware of the hit last week. I'm certain it was a planned event. A shame the vice president's daughter had a seizure because of the crap she ingested. I heard she will recover, although there is a chance she'll be scrambled, if you know what I mean." He snorted and fingered the rim of his glass. "I don't like not knowing who this fucker is. Enemies I can see are easy. This is just bullshit."
I'd heard about the fallout, the investigation by the FBI. Lorenzo was a careful man, that much I could say about him. He refused to tolerate the kind of bullshit in his organization. "What do you propose?"
"That we work together. I can certainly position my men in various locations, scour the streets in an effort to find this fucker before he strikes."
I mulled over the concept, my thoughts shifting to Marco. The various hits on my other businesses were obviously planting seeds for the FBI to find, setting up a pattern. "And what if this drug runner is found?"
"Then we enjoy the retaliation and our world goes back to normal. I'm certain we can leverage the situation for some additional funds, although I don't think either one of us cares about money, simply toasting the fucker's ass." Lorenzo grinned, his eyes locking on mine. "I am well aware of your distrust for me, Dom. That is the nature of our business, but it does neither of us any good if we're implicated on drug charges that have nothing to do with us."
"Yes." I took a sip, savoring the slight burn sliding down the back of my throat. "I agree that whoever is behind this scheme must be found. I'll assign my soldiers as well, which will include invading your... turf. I'm certain that will be fine with you."
"Of course." He rose to his feet, polishing off the remainder of the glass. I could tell he was hesitating, finally tipping his head in my direction. "Caroline is truly beautiful. I'm not certain what you hope to gain by forcing this alliance, other than the obvious, but be careful of the senator. He may seem like a pompous fuck, but I assure you, he is cunning and has powerful friends in every aspect of his life. His secrets mean nothing in comparison to what he can do by picking up a phone."
"Do you care to be more specific?"
"If I had specifics, I would certainly be in line to eradicate these influencers. Sadly, I'm going on gut and certain tips, but let it be a warning. Don't turn your back."
I gave him a nod of respect. He'd earned it in my book. "Let's talk in a day or so."
"I'll start working on our project." He sucked on a cube of ice before easing the tumbler onto the table. "You have excellent tastes in several ways, my friend. I believe I underestimated you. I assure you, I won't make that mistake again."
I fingered the glass, only exhaling after he'd left. The information he'd provided had proven to be very interesting, although my gut had already told me that Senator Hargrove could retaliate in some manner, especially given my father's search for Margaret. Sighing, I rubbed my eyes. The night hadn't gone off as planned, but at least word would be on the street about Caroline.
For good or bad.
"What. The. Fuck?" Bending down, I froze before my hands could pick up the source. Her necklace. Yanking it into the light, I could see that clasp had been broken, as if ripped off her neck. I shoved the jewels into my pocket, rushing into the doorway. Even from where I stood, I could see the table was empty and the chair she'd been sitting in pushed off to the side.
Rage consumed me as I rushed into the dining room, locating and yanking the waiter off to the side. "Where is she?"
"Who? I mean..." Flustered, his face turned beet red, his lower lip twisting as his breathing became ragged.