“You can start by removing the hit you have out on my brother.” I turn around in the room and look out the window at the road lined with traffic.
“That won’t be possible. Unless…” He elongates the word, ramping up the slimy feel to his voice.
“Unless?” I snap, not wanting to get sucked into any games.
“You have what was promised to me. A simple trade.” He does it again, drawing out the vowels of the words.
“I have half the original package. Don’t play games with me, Mr Mortoni. I’m not like my brother.” I hang up, hoping I haven’t just pissed him off. The diamonds are mine for now. If—and it’s a big if—Mortoni doesn’t play along, then there are other ways to clear my brother’s debt.
My phone rings and I leave it for three more rings. “Hello.”
“Miss Alves, may I suggest you don’t fuck with me,” he snarls down the phone.
“Now I have your attention. And now you know I’m not like my brother. I suggest we meet and we can clear the matter up.”
“And why am I speaking to you and not Andreas?” I can hear the question in his voice. My stunt worked.
“All business associated with the Alves family and diamonds is now under my direct control.” The words are as crystal clear as I can make them, stamping all of my authority over what my brother has cultivated. Andreas can keep his empire if he must, but the diamonds are mine and mine alone. Certainly until I can get my brother out of the position he’s in.
“Gabriella. May I call you Gabriella? It seems only fair if we are to be doing business together.” His voice oozes fake charm like I’m a cheap date he wants to butter up before groping me under the table.
“Of course. But you need to repay the courtesy.”
“Marco. Now, Gabriella, I have some business this week, but I’d very much like to move to the part where I get my diamonds. There are some…clients I have business with. I’d like them for that meeting.” There’s a pause, silence making me frown. “Two days’ time. Can I count on you being available?”
My fingers wander over the back of a chair. “Well, that all depends. Where is themeet?” Marco isn’t the only one who can turn on the charm when needed, although it galls me to even bother.
“Chicago. Of course, I don’t want travel to be an issue for you. I’ll send the jet to collect you. But only you, Gabriella. These are my terms.” Chicago. My eyes flutter closed at the thought. Great. “After our meeting, we can discuss the future of any business between us.”
Of all the casinos in the world, it had to be the one place I associate with Nate.
“Chicago? Is the place confirmed with your other associates?” If I don’t have to travel to the place, I’m not going to. The likelihood of crossing paths with Nate is minute. Practically impossible. He’s an accountant.
Who plays the craps tables really well.
“This is the only option for you, Gabriella.”
An icy tone chills his voice and I know I’ve found his limit. “If you say this is the meeting place, I can be flexible with my own plans. Chicago isn’t top of my list of places to visit, but I’m sure I can make this an exception. I’ll only need the plane one way.”
“Good. I’ll send you the itinerary. I very much look forward to meeting you.”
He ends the call and leaves me more distracted than I should be.
To pull this off and set this correctly, I can’t be pining for a man I had a holiday fling with. I need to be the sharpest, hardest and most ruthless I’ve ever been.
That’s the only way.
Or I might as well shoot Andreas myself.
