“You look pretty hot in that uniform.” Nero’s face looked pleased.
Elle chuckled and reached for Nero’s tie, straightening it. “Not as hot as you do in this tie.”
“Oh, so you’re actually attracted to me? I didn’t know.”
“Well, duh. How could I not be?” Nero was every girl’s dream.
“Probably because you wouldn’t let me have my way with you in the car, and on top of that, you introduced me to your parents as your friend.” Nero made sure he sounded extra sarcastic with the word ‘friend’.
Elle tried hard not to laugh, miserably failing. After the giggle fit, Nero looked as if his ego needed some stroking.
“Nero, do you know how handsome you are?”
“Nope, but you can tell me.”
Elle knew Nero was perfectly aware of exactly how handsome he was, but regardless, she would tell him. “You are the handsomest guy I have ever seen, and I am very attracted to you. But I have a feeling you know that.”
Nero grabbed her around her waist. “So, I’m just a friend?”
Elle looked into his eyes. “I don’t know, are you?”
“No, baby, I’m not.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
An Itch That Needs to be Scratched
Leaning back in his oversized chair, he told the person waiting behind the door, “Come in.”
He watched as the doorknob turned and his oldest son walked in. Boss Caruso took in his son’s appearance. For fuck’s sake.
“Please tell me why you think it’s okay to wear that?”
In their line of business, your wardrobe was limited. Everything was Italian-made and business attire. You wear an expensive suit, shoes, and a watch. End of fucking story. They were judged and respected by what they wore, and that was how they kept control of the city. However, his son had his own attire of dark jeans and a black t-shirt.
“Nice to see you, too, boss,” he said as he pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket.
“You know I don’t like that fucking smell in here.”
Not saying a word, he flipped his lighter open and lit the end of the stick, inhaling the smoke for a long hit and then blowing the smoke out and filling the whole room. Lucca never had to reply, his actions saying his own words for him. He walked to his father’s desk and took a seat, pulling an ashtray toward him.
Boss Caruso continued to watch his son, waiting to see if he was ever going to say what he needed to say and leave him be. He had been here at the Casino Hotel and had to deal with people all day. As a result, he really wanted to leave so he could go to his home office and smoke his cigar and drink in peace, but his son looked like something had been weighing on his mind.
When he had waited long enough for his son to talk, he gave up. “I’m guessing this is about the girl.”
Lucca flicked his ashes in the tray. “Nero met the parents today.”
He finally understood his son’s displeasure. “That means one of two things.”
“Yeah, he has her. She likes him enough to meet the family, but then Nero could actually start liking her. It’s tough to sign a girl’s death certificate when you’ve met her family.”
He stared at his son, taking everything in. “So, is he playing her or does he love her?”
Lucca took a long puff before he answered. “I guess I’m going to have to find out.”
He nodded to his son while Lucca put out his cigarette. “Next time I see you, you better be in a fucking suit for once.”
He watched as Lucca got up to leave and headed for the door then turned the doorknob and went through, but before he could shut it, Boss Caruso had some final words.
“You do know the family comes before family, even if it’s your own brother.”
He expected his son to not say anything; however, Lucca gave him his own final words. “Yeah, you taught me that with Mom, remember?”
The slamming of the door echoed in his head. He got up and walked over to his bar then picked up and held the crystal glass in his hand right before it shattered. For him, it was something he would never forget. He poured a new drink and his bloody hand picked up the sparkling glass filled with whiskey. This will help.
* * *
Nero stood on his bedroom balcony, looking out. He had dropped Elle off and was now waiting on Stacy and Stephanie to get there. I have an itch that needs to be scratched.
He figured no one was going to be home tonight, thus he’d texted the girls to come right up. He didn’t wait that long before he heard his bedroom door open and high heels walking across his floor. Turning around, he smiled at the two slutty-looking girls walking to meet him on his balcony. A big fucking itch.
When they reached him, they stood on either side of him, hugging and pressing their bodies against his.
“Nero, I missed you,” Stephanie said.
“Well, I missed you more,” Stacy said over her.
Nero laughed. “How about, whoever makes me come the fastest missed me the most?”
The two girls laughed in agreement and grabbed for Nero’s clothes. They were only able to un-tuck his shirt and undo one button before they heard the bedroom door open.
“Nero, you didn’t tell us we were going to have a party!” The girls were practically jumping in joy when they saw Vincent and Amo walk in and join them on the balcony.
Stacy grabbed Vincent while Stephanie grabbed Amo.
“Do we finally get to fuck you?” Stephanie asked, wrapping her arms around Amo.
Amo responded by backing her up against the concrete railing and Vincent mimicked him by doing the same thing to Stacy. Nero walked to the balcony door and slid it closed, closing them all off from the bedroom.
Amo and Vincent took a handful of their hair, each yanking it down until they screamed in pain.
Nero walked toward them, standing in-between their now-crying screams. He let the sound soak in his ears, finding it peaceful. Nero then held up his hand, making Amo and Vincent stop.