Underboss (With Me in Seattle Mafia 1)

“Where?”

I smirk. “I’m not telling you that.”

He saunters over to me. “Maybe I’ll find it for myself later.”

“You can try.”

His jaw tightens as he looks me over with hungry eyes, but he only swallows and turns away.

“Let’s go. The sooner we do this, the quicker we can start asking questions in other areas of the city. This is a courtesy call to say hello and let them know what we’re up to.”

“Great.”

The Sergi’s headquarters is located in downtown Manhattan, right in the middle of all the action. The building looks innocent enough.

But I would bet every cent I have in the bank—which is more than Carmine expects, and that I invested just fine, thank you very much—that the things that happen in this building would turn Carmine’s hair white.

I take a deep breath as he holds the door for me. We’re shown into an office where Billy and his father Mick sit.

Mick’s the boss.

Billy does his bidding.

It’s all very customary as far as mafia families go.

“It’s good to see you, Mick,” Carmine says. But, suddenly, Mick flies to his feet, and guns are drawn, all pointed our way.

“What the fuck is she doing here?”

Chapter 6

~Carmine~

“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” I hold up my hands and slide to my left, closer to Nadia. Jesus, she wasn’t kidding.

They really don’t like her.

“You didn’t say anything about that bitch being here,” Mick sneers.

“She’s with me,” I say quickly. “Our families are working together because we’ve recently come under attack. I’m here because we need your help.”

Mick’s eyes narrow, but he signals for his goons to put away their weapons.

“What’s going on?” Mick asks.

Billy hasn’t said a word. He only glares at Nadia as we step forward into the luxurious office and sit across from Mick.

I briefly fill the boss in on the attempt on my father’s life at the wedding in Denver, the subsequent attack on Nadia, and then remind him of my aunt’s and uncle’s murders long ago.

“Do you honestly think Vinnie’s murder is tied to this now?” Mick asks, doubt hanging heavily in his voice.

“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out,” I reply. “I need to ask around the city, find out what your men know about the attempt on my father’s life—and Nadia’s for that matter.”

“The Martinellis and the Tarenkovs are working together,” Mick mutters and shakes his head. “Fascinating. Well, you can ask around, but no one will tell you anything. Even if they do know what’s going on. This isn’t your territory.”

“Then what do you suggest?”

“Go home,” he says bluntly.

“Not without answers.”

Mick blows out a long breath. “We should have had this conversation over the phone. If you’d given me a heads-up, I could have asked around before you got here.”

“There’s a lot to be said for looking into a man’s eyes when you talk to him.” I clear my throat. “Mick, you aren’t behind this, are you?”

“No.” His lips flatten into a hard line. “It’s true, there is no love lost between our family and the Tarenkovs, but my beef isn’t worth a war. And Carlo and I have always had an agreeable relationship. But, if you’ll give me a couple of days, I’ll ask around. On the down-low. I don’t think it’s wise to bring a lot of attention to this. It might escalate the situation or make those responsible go into hiding. And then you’ll never get your answers.”

I nod in agreement. He hasn’t said anything that I didn’t already take into consideration.

“It looks like Nadia and I will spend a few days in your beautiful city. Take in the sights. Maybe see a show.”

“Enjoy your vacation,” Mick advises. “I’ll be in touch when I know something.”

“Thank you.” We rise and start to leave, but turn back at Mick’s voice.

“The next time you request entry into my city, you’d better be fucking honest about who you’re bringing with you. I don’t like surprises.”

“Understood.”

* * *

“I’ve heard great things about this show.” Nadia walks out of the walk-in closet off our suite’s bedroom and holds the necklace I gave her in Denver out to me. “Will you please fasten this?”

“Of course.” I slip the diamonds and platinum around her slim neck and fasten it under her hairline, then kiss the ball of her shoulder. I notice she doesn’t have any earrings in. “You’re damn beautiful, Nadia.”

She grins at me and then does a little spin in her red dress, showing it off. “Thanks. I’m glad I brought this along, just in case. And you look pretty damn good yourself in that suit.”

I adjust the knot of my tie and then hold my hand out for hers. “Shall we?”

“Let me just grab my clutch.” She rushes to the bed and slips a tube of lipstick into her bag, then takes my proffered hand. “Let’s go watch a Broadway show.”