Beautiful Seduction

* * *

Valentin

“Goddamn, you’re in a testy mood,” Brando snapped.

He had no idea.

As the door opened, I exhaled, waiting as Niccolo walked in. He had a wry grin on his face, dressed as if he’d brought a date with him. My younger brother was tough, relying on violence as his number one objective in handling any situation, but he was a lover of the ladies.

He shifted his ice blue eyes toward Brando, giving the man a respectful nod. They’d had more than one spar over the years, coming to blows several times. Brando seemed surprised I’d asked anyone from my family for assistance. Maybe that helped him comprehend that depending on how the situation was handled, this could mean war.

“How goes it, brother?” Niccolo asked, closing the door behind him.

“Any sign of additional guests?” I asked, folding my arms and leaning against my desk.

“There are a few questionable vehicles, but nothing identifiable. I have several of my men paying close attention. It’s your men that concern me. They’re sticking out like a sore thumb.” His eyes twinkled as he made the statement. He enjoyed pushing my buttons whenever he could. He considered himself the kingpin of nightlife, turning the family’s casinos into powerful regimes. However, he had no finesse.

I laughed. “My kid brother. Always the know it all. The presence was to make a point. Whatever happens, I don’t want the club shot up.”

“Don’t worry, brother. I got your back. Any visitors?”

I shot a look at Brando. “Four came knocking at the front door. Showed a business card to the bouncers. Since then, the assholes haven’t said a fucking word,” Brando commented, still annoyed I’d brought Niccolo in. “They shouldn’t be here. That’s all I’m going to say.”

“Of course not. They’ll wait until I arrive.” I’d seen the four enemy soldiers as soon as they’d arrived. Hell, I’d known the minute the fuckers had driven down the street. My enforcers had invited them into the storeroom, forcing them to wait until I could tolerate their stench.

The game playing continued, only this time I planned on having the upper hand.

“Jesus Christ. That woman has gotten to you,” Brando snorted then threw his gaze in Niccolo’s direction. “What the hell is she, a prick tease? She’s a fucking plant for all we know. Did you share all the plans we have for expanding? Does she know about the men you’ve extorted money from? This is insane.”

My reaction was instantaneous, my hand wrapped around his throat, his body slammed against the set of metal file cabinets. I dug my fingers in, inching closer until my face was only two inches from his. “For a man with no blood ties, you take blind faith to an extreme. I suggest you be more careful in selecting the words you use against me, my friend.”

“Whoa. What the fuck is this about?” Niccolo chimed in. “You hiding something from me, brother? A little tart on the side finally.”

“Shut up, Niccolo. The woman could be collateral damage, which I can’t allow. She could also have a target on her back.” Huffing, I cocked my head as I stared at my second in command. I could easily snap his neck without exertion, but I wasn’t as angry with his retorts as I was with losing my edge around Cassidy.

Brando said nothing, his eyes reflecting the error of his ways. I was more on edge than I’d been in a long time, but his continuous questions would not be tolerated. Hissing, I let go, immediately rubbing my forehead out of frustration.

A full two minutes passed.

“You know this is what the asshole Casimine would want,” Niccolo said quietly. “It would appear you’re the target. Who is this woman?”

“A goddamn television reporter out of Chicago,” Brando quickly answered.

Both Niccolo and I glared at him. The fucking man better learn how to keep his mouth shut.

I shook my head, doing everything I could to curtail my anger. “She was almost killed outside the restaurant.”

“After you questioned a rat.”

“Yeah.”

“One of Casimine’s men, I take it?” Niccolo lifted his eyebrows.

“More like Filip. It was an attempted hit. I’m certain of it.”

“Ah, then she pissed in the asshole’s Wheaties. He’s turned into quite the dangerous fuck. If he’s playing games with you, he thinks he’s going to win.” My brother laughed.

“If that’s the case then Chicago wants a piece of our action.” I gave him a hard look.