“It never even occurred to you to let him live?”
Diego had his gun out and pointed toward Richard within the next second. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Just out to see what took you so long.”
“You do know we’re not friends.”
“As you can see, I don’t give a fuck.”
He was pissed off. Advancing on his so-called friend, he began to pat him down, checking him for wires. Richard put his fingers behind his head, allowing him to check.
“You don’t trust easy, do you?”
“In my experience, a man with your persistence has a reason. I haven’t given you one.”
“Let’s say I’m bored and you seem like fun.”
Diego didn’t find any wire, but he wasn’t ready to back down. Keeping his weapon drawn, he stared at Richard. “What the fuck is your deal?”
“Simple, I’ve got nothing left to lose, and you seem like a fun kind of guy.”
“I don’t do anything in this world that’s fun.”
“You ever wonder why you’ve always been lucky, Diego?” Richard asked.
This made him frown as he looked at the other man.
“Are you more than a security specialist?” He didn’t for a second believe this was all a coincidence. In his life believing the good of people got you killed.
“I didn’t say I was just a security specialist. Let’s say you and I have a common enemy, and that person is closing in.” Richard pulled out a card. “I want us to talk business but not here.” Diego didn’t take the card, and Richard laughed. “That’s okay. It’s always good to be on guard.” He placed the card on the floor. “I’m here as a friend.”
“Why are you telling me this shit now?”
“Because when an enemy starts to gain power, it’s a dangerous thing. I’m not willing to take any more risks. I won’t tell you more now. Call me, and we’ll talk.” Richard left without a second glance.
Diego didn’t drop his gun. He kept his gaze trained all around him before finally picking up the card. It was the same card Richard gave out for security details. He didn’t have a fucking clue what was going on, and he didn’t like it.
Seeing Richard though reminded him of his interaction a few hours ago. Where Richard knew who he was and who he was dealing with, Belle did not. The blind woman didn’t react to his name. She didn’t flinch or look terrified.
To Belle, he was a no one, just a guy with a club.
She couldn’t see him. She’d never heard of his name.
Being with her had an addictive quality. He meant nothing to her, and he liked that.
Driving her home had been an interesting experience. It had been a long time since he drove himself. Even though he could take care of himself, his guards were there at all times to take care of him.
Pocketing the card, he couldn’t think which enemy Richard could have.
Being a capo, Diego had many enemies all around the city who would like to see him fall. Turning back to the warehouse, he saw the last of his cleanup crew leave, and he made his way toward his car. His driver was already waiting to take him to where he needed to go.
“Home,” he said.
Staring out the window, he watched the passing scenery, and his thoughts once again escaped to Belle. She was something else.
There was no way he could pursue her. She’d be dead within a matter of weeks. His life didn’t allow him to chase after a woman. He had plenty lined up to take his cock.
With each excuse he thought of to not be with her, he couldn’t help but want to break his own rules. Just for a taste. It was crazy, insane, and the stupidest thing he’d ever considered in his life. There’s no way it could end well. Besides, she worked at Angelo’s. He didn’t know how it was possible to work in his restaurant, but she did.
He needed to take a trip there, but first, he’d demanded the employment records, and sure enough, Belle had been working for him since she was nineteen, for a year.
She was way too young.
Rubbing at his temples, he felt the beginnings of a headache. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out Richard’s card. This man had been bugging him for some time, and it irritated him to know he seemed to always know where he was.
How long had Richard been following him?
There were way too many questions tonight and not enough answers. Climbing out of the car as it pulled up to his home, he didn’t say anything as he entered his home. It was late, and there was only enough time for a couple of hours’ sleep.
Just has he got to the bottom of the stairs about to make his way up to his room, he heard the sound of a throat being cleared.