Three Little Mistakes (Blindfold Club 3)

The profanity shocked him and he almost dropped me on the bed.

“I’m told this boyfriend has a tattoo, Noemi. You know I think tattoos are an intelligence test, and if you have one, you’ve failed.”

“Don’t judge him,” I scoffed, curling up under the covers. “He’s smart.”

My dad gave me a soft smile. “Of course he is. He’s with you, isn’t he?” He set the Kool-Aid on my nightstand and his phone chimed again. “I can’t push my meetings much longer. You need anything before I go?”

“No, thank you.” He smoothed a hand over my forehead. “I’m sorry I lied, Dad.”

“I know you are. Call me when you feel better and you can tell me about your new, dumb, yet smart man.”

“Ha, ha. I’d have to get you on the phone first.”

chapter

TWENTY-EIGHT

JOSEPH

I could not get Anthony Rosso on the phone. I’d been trying every day since we’d returned from Hawaii. At first, I kept my name out of it. Rosso was a cautious man, and I was sure he’d assume I was trying to scam or blackmail him.

All I wanted was to give him some warning about what was in the works. My name got me past the first line of defense—the administrative assistant who would win the gold fucking medal if brushing people off was an Olympic sport. Today I had a new person.

“Mr. Monsato,” a male voice came on the line. “What is it you want to speak to Mr. Rosso about?”

“A private matter.”

The man’s voice turned rough. “I know who you are, cut the bullshit. What do you want?”

I gnashed my teeth. “It’s personal.”

“I can pass it along, but you won’t be speaking with him directly.”

“That’s not going to work for me—”

“If Mr. Rosso decides to visit your establishment, you can speak to him then, but don’t call again or y

ou’ll regret it. Goodbye.”

I set my phone down on the restaurant table and glared out the window. I could feel time slipping away. After the man at the airport, and Payton’s run-in with Rosso at Noemi’s place, it was as if every moment was another opportunity to fuck up my plans.

Payton breezed into the crowded restaurant and I gestured her over. She slipped her sunglasses into her purse, took off her light jacket, and collapsed into the seat.

“You’re late,” I grumbled.

“Oh my God, by a whole two minutes. Gimme a break.” She straightened in her seat and grinned at me, and her whole attitude was annoying.

“What?” I snapped.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

Me, too. “I don’t see another option. The scandal, if it ever got out, would ruin her.”

“But you love that place. And, Joseph, the fucking money.”

“Nothing lasts forever.”

I’d loved the blindfold club. Interviewing the johns and selecting which girl was best to pair with them to maximize my profit was a game I would miss playing. The money was amazing, but I’d also invested wisely and had three other businesses to run. My mind had been made and my decision was firm. I could walk away from the club and be fine, but if Noemi were linked to it through me, I’d never forgive myself.