Chapter Fifteen
Nate.
Nate ishere.
Of all the casinos in Chicago, it had to be the same one that Mortoni would use. This is why I didn’t want to come to Chicago. If this were a romance story, of course, the star-crossed lovers would reunite and complete the fairy tale. Shame that isn’t even true in children’s stories.
They should stick to Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
My eyes drink him in. For that second, I’m back in Bora Bora. The sun on my skin, a smile across my face and no care in the world other than the feeling growing in my chest and nagging at my heart. Nate.
But I can’t get swept up. Losing myself in my memories and slipping back to the girl I could be with Nate would be so easy. But I’d lose my brother. And despite everything, I can’t let that happen.
“Gabriella?”
Mortoni’s hand skirts around my waist, his clammy fingers running over the exposed skin at the base of my spine, pulling me closer against him. My attention needs to be on the mission tonight. As I tear my eyes away from Nate, I feel the hole in my heart rip open again.
“Sorry?” I shake my head and turn my attention to the men around me. After being in Mortoni’s company for all this time, I’m done. This needs to move forward. Seeing Nate here just escalated my timeline.
“I was saying that you seem to have the connections needed, rather than your brother.” Mortoni’s eyes narrow on me. He’s treated me like a trophy wife all evening, parading me around on his arm to his friends and associates. So far, he’s not asked for the diamonds or the details I gave him over our conversation.
“I do. Perhaps we should go somewhere to conclude our business?” I step from his grasp and indicate the door to the rear of the room. After I had the itinerary, I pulled the blueprints of the building, so I knew my escape routes if needed.
“Gabriella, what’s your hurry?
“I believed you wanted to make a trade tonight, Marco. You did have your jet sent halfway across the States to ensure it.”
“The night is early.” He raises his glass and toasts with his henchmen. “You’re here now.”
“Indeed, but…” I glance towards where Nate was but can’t find him through the crowd. My eyes search and see what could be him accompanied by another man, beating a hasty retreat to the far end of the room. My attention switches back to Marco. “I will happily walk out if you stall for any longer.”
“That would not be a good idea.” His voice loses all the sleaze and charm of a moment ago.
“Then let’s go.” My legs strut out towards the back room, following in the direction I saw Nate go, hoping we can use the space for our conversation. Before I reach it, two men stand, barring my path with their brawn. No sign of Nate.
“See, Gabriella, this is a Cane casino. No one goes through those doors without the invitation of a Cane. Be careful. You show your inexperience. Now if you come with me, I have a smaller room where we can talk. You seem to have lost your manners,” his voice whispers in my ear and chills my skin. I don’t trust this man, and I’m yet to decide if he was the one who double-crossed my brother.
Of course, not getting the diamonds would have put a dent in that plan. But I can’t work out why he’d do it. He lost people in the gunfight. He had everything to gain and nothing to lose.
My cheeks plump up as I smile to Marco, gritting my teeth as I do. “Lead the way.”
His hand runs down my spine and rests precariously over my ass. “I’d suggest moving your hand, Mr Mortoni.”
“Come on now, Gabriella. And I thought we were going to become good friends. Your brother and I have a working relationship. You and me? Well, the possibilities are many.”
His comment turns my stomach and a moment of concern registers in the back of my mind. I may be very good at what I do, but all of this…show isn’t me. I’m someone who hides in plain sight, uses the shadows and blends in to accomplish my goal. I work alone, relying only on myself. There are too many variables to account for with other people’s reactions or decisions. And although I thought I had Mortoni figured out, I’m starting to think there’s something else at play.
We head through the crowd of people in the opposite direction I came in and reach the far side of the casino. A door is opened for us, and I walk into a small conference-style room. A boardroom-sized table dominates the space, not allowing for much else.
I walk up the side to the head of the table and pause, my hands resting on the back of the chair facing the rest of the room. Marco comes into the room, alone, and closes us in. He’s between me and the door, but right now that doesn’t bother me. All I know is that I need to wrap this up, ensure my brother’s head remains attached to his body, and then find Nate.
“Mr Mortoni, I’m afraid my patience has about worn out.” I hitch my dress and remove the packet of diamonds securely fastened to my inside thigh. “Now, cut the crap.” I toss the diamonds onto the table. “I don’t like playing games. I thought I made that clear.”
Mortoni keeps his eyes glued to his bounty and pounces on them as one escapes, skipping across the glass and catching the light. “And I thought I said I don’t like it when people fuck with me,” he snarls, his face turning a deep purple as he does. “I may not be a diamond thief like you, but this isn’t the full amount. Where are the rest of my diamonds?”
“You know what happened.” Knowing who was behind the bust up would certainly help.
“You think I’ll lift the order on your brother for half?” He cackles as if he holds all the power over the situation.
