He glances toward where Greer disappeared to. “What seems to be the issue?”
“You are married, aren’t you?”
His eyes light in surprise. “I am. I brought my son, Giorgio, here tonight to be presented. I’m going to make an offer for Cleonia.”
I grit my teeth. I don’t want this man near Greer, but I have to admit a connection to the Italians here in Chicago may help my case with Bastiano.
“Well, keep your eyes toward the prize then, and your hands off the Catalini Princess.”
He chokes on the sip he had just taken. “Why would you care what I do with Greer?”
My fists tighten.
How much trouble could I get in if I punched this fucker in the face?
“She’s under my protection,” I grit out.
“Oh? Does Don Basitano know that?” he asks, eyes full of interest.
“He demanded it. I suggest you keep your distance unless you would like your offer for my niece denied.”
He sobers, teeth gritting, sensing the truth in my threat. “Of course. My apologies.”
He stalks off without another word. He’s nobody. Maybe his son isn’t a good choice for Cleo. He isn’t a Catalini, but from another division in the Italian scene. Bastiano is by far the most powerful, but he doesn’t rule all the families.
Glancing around, I look for Greer. She hasn’t come back from hiding yet. Making my way toward the hall, I almost stumble at the sight before me.
“What is going on here?” I feel the anger rise in my chest as I approach.
There in the hall stands Greer with her back facing me as she takes in the sight of my niece and Haruaki, the prince of the Yakuza, standing side by side in the hall. Cleo’s hand is grasped on his bicep.
“Answer me,” I demand when no one speaks.
“Killian, calm down.” Greer turns toward me, placing a hand on my chest.
I don’t pay her any mind. I’ll deal with her later. Right now, I’m more concerned with Cleo. The Yakuza don’t bother me much in New York, but in Chicago, that’s a different story. Shane has made an enemy of them, starting a feud that he has no plans of ending.
The kid has balls. That’s all I can figure when he doesn’t have any physical reaction to the fact that I am now standing right in front of him, my eyes never wavering.
“You better have one damned good reason to be touching my niece.” I’m barely holding it together, seeing her touching him as if she doesn’t realize the danger, she is in.
“Take another look. I think your niece is touching me,” he says calmly.
I want to wipe that cocky look right off the bastard’s face. He must think he is tough shit standing here without fear, but it doesn’t make him strong.
It makes him stupid.
Then I feel a body push against my chest. I take a step back as Cleo slides between us, acting as a barrier. That only confuses me.
What are you doing?
“You have three seconds to explain, Cleo,” I demand.
“Haruaki wasn’t doing anything wrong. He was standing here while I was waiting for the bathroom. We were being polite, as the accords demand during these required parties.Yourgirlfriend came out and demanded I go with her. I don’t know her, nor do I care to if she thinks she can come into your life and order me around. I don’t appreciate it.”
I throw her a look, telling her she’s rambling. I love the kid, but she doesn’t know how to make it to a point quickly.
“Haruaki was being a gentleman. He was just talking with me about where I wanted to go to school. She has no right to make assumptions then demand I leave with her.”
