by Lara Swann
But then, I was getting good at crazy stupid.
I smiled almost inadvertently as the decision settled within me. Surprisingly, I finally relaxed, and I found myself starting to drift in only a few minutes, mind wandering to how good it would feel to have strong arms wrapping around me for once.
As foolish as that was.
* * *
“Okay, I’m in.”
The declaration didn’t seem to surprise him - maybe showing up had, but it was hard to tell - and I watched as he took a sip of his scotch, one corner of his mouth tugging upwards.
Yeah, definitely more class than Jorge.
He’d offered me one, but alcohol seemed like a terrible idea right now. Besides, just glancing around the nice room and stylish trappings made me a little uncomfortable. We were sitting opposite each other in front of the cheerful fake fireplace, and I felt almost swallowed up by the over-large chair.
He looked right at home, of course, sitting back calmly as he looked at me, those ruggedly handsome features smoothed over by his sophisticated attitude and smart dress, but still there. As undeniable as the rough edge I’d seen in him from the beginning.
It made my heart pound in all the wrong ways, but I did my best to ignore it. That wasn’t what we were here for.
I’d done the self-doubt and questioning routine last night, and my decision was made. Once that was done, my own nerves faded and I could face others with my usual, unfailingly confident self. Maybe working with Jason would be a little different - subtle glances at that form-fitting shirt had already distracted me a couple of times - but what I wanted was too important to let myself worry about that.
Instead, I focused my attention on watching him. I was fascinated by what I thought I saw in him - wanted to understand how, why.
Was he really a good guy? Could I trust him? Why the hell did I feel so sure?!
And while the room and conversation didn’t seem to bother him the way that it did me, if anything it had been that focus of mine that had provoked him last night.
After a long pause where it felt like he was searching me for something, he nodded, his face impassive.
“You should understand the risk—”
“Still trying to warn me off?”
I raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement showing.
“No - not anymore, but you should know. This is dangerous, and as much as I’d like to say our protection will help, it could end badly for you.”
The momentary bleakness that came into his tone sent shivers down my spine. It was almost as if he’d already resigned himself to that end - written me off.
So much for feeling safe.
But despite that fanciful idea last night, I knew better, and feeling safe was the last thing I’d expected in coming here. Maybe some stupid part of me couldn’t stop thinking about what it would be like to have those strong arms around me, his swirling green eyes protective and fierce, but I wasn’t fooling myself.
Whatever I’d seen yesterday, this was business - and I expected what I saw now. Calm. Professional. Expressionless.
It didn’t matter. I wasn’t doing this for myself, and if it could make a difference…I’d take his help. Both his and Valentini’s.
“I do know.”
As dangerous as my little book was, this was completely different. I might not want to think about it too much, but I knew what Jorge and his guys did to people for this.
Jason didn’t seem entirely convinced, but he nodded again, accepting it.
I was a little infuriated by how hard it was to read him - I couldn’t even tell whether he was pleased I’d come or not. Yesterday it had been far easier to get glimpses of the man underneath that disciplined exterior, but then I guessed having him wake up disoriented after the beating helped with that. Today he was prepared, the walls were up, and he wasn’t giving anything away - even any evidence of that beating was gone, as if the guy didn’t notice the bruises I knew his body was covered in.
“So how’s this going to work, Jason?”
He met my eyes with that same, distant look, and I recalled how he’d managed to sit there, almost bored, through the negotiation with Jorge.
Had I misread him?
“You tell us what you can, and we’ll protect you as best we can.”
I frowned.
“That’s not what I meant - what are you going to do with what I tell you? What’s your plan?”
I needed to know that this would make a difference, but he just shook his head.
“That’s our business.”
“Like hell it is. I have about as much interest in working for Valentini as I do for Jorge - and certainly not for some half-assed protection. If you can’t tell me how me doing this will help sort out these streets, I’m done.”
He paused for a moment, that measuring stare back on me, but as if he was actually seeing me this time. Maybe the nice trappings of this hotel room and his controlled, sophisticated approach had misled him into thinking this was another of his business deals, but I wasn’t going to get sucked into that.
Finally, he shrugged.
“Okay. We’ll see what information you can get, but we expect most of it to be used simply to keep things under control - gain gradual advantage. Valentini’s focus is on consolidating his influence, in a way that doesn’t attract too much attention - from the gangs or authorities. So honestly, I doubt you’ll see much happen openly. We won’t want to reveal you either. But if we understand their business, their support, their activities…it makes it all that much easier to slowly undermine it. And then when he’s ready, Valentini can clean up what remains. Understand?”
It was pretty much what I’d assumed - and in fact, if they’d suggested trying for an all-out war, I would never have gone for it. He was right in what he’d said the night before, this was better than that. A chance to have their influence and power die much more naturally - perhaps giving the kids who were caught up in it now an opportunity to look at other options. Nothing guaranteed, but probably better than the foolish expose I could attempt. At least, so long as…
“And then Valentini takes over where they left off?”
The challenge was obvious, but I couldn’t bring myself to hide it. I wasn’t looking to play politics with different groups - I wanted something different. Better.
“Maybe - but Valentini doesn’t let kids run around openly with guns and knives. As I said, he doesn’t want attention. Plus, if it matters, I think he wants to make something of the city. Street gangs are never going to be more than a parasite, taking what they can. The Italians…they’ve got bigger ambitions, and if Cleveland grows, so does Valentini’s family position.”
“Great.”
I couldn’t help the muttered response, or the way my nose wrinkled at the thought. Jason surprised me with a brief grin, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking and found my distaste amusing. If I hadn’t been distracted by the way that grin briefly melted the lines off his face, bringing out a spark that had my mind wandering in completely inappropriate directions, I would have been cursing him for it.
Instead, I focused on the obvious message: I didn’t have a choice about that part. With a sigh, I ran a hand through my hair.
“Okay.”
“You know, for someone so opposed to Cleveland’s underworld, you’ve ended up surprisingly embroiled within it.”
“Maybe that’s because I care.”
I responded without thinking, too distracted by my own thoughts, but his brief reaction had my attention snapping back again. It was gone before I caught it, but it brought out the same feeling I’d had last night - a brief intensity, some undercurrent between us that I wanted to understand more of.
A quick glance at him made it obvious it was better left unsaid - his face was blank again, full business mode. I took the hint, wanting to be clear on what was expected anyway.
“Okay, so what sort of information are you thinking here?”
“Anything you can easily com
e by. Jorge’s activities, his suppliers and affiliations with other groups, where his business and support comes from. Anything to do with money - where it comes from, flows to, that’s usually telling. We want to know who they are, where they came from and how they operate.”
He paused for a moment while I considered that, but spoke again before I could.
“Like, for example, the guys in the warehouse yesterday. Do you know what they were doing there?”
“No.”
It had been pure luck that I even knew they’d been there.
He nodded, but he was looking at me intensely.
“Okay, well it would be really useful if you could find out—”
“I don’t ask questions.”
I met his eyes firmly with my response, giving a clear non-negotiable vibe.
This was what I’d wanted to get to. My position within Jorge’s gang was carefully managed, and while I got to hear some things, there were risks that I wasn’t going to take.
After a moment he nodded, taking another sip of the scotch before asking his question quietly.
“What do you do?”
I met that gaze head-on, my expression as controlled as his now, and my answer deliberate.
“Nothing.”
That was the other decision I’d made. I might have revealed too much in our discussion last night, but that didn’t mean I was going to tell all now. What I’d been doing was none of their business, and my secrets were mine to keep.
I drew that line in the sand and waited, silently daring him to step over it.
From the look he gave me, that message was received loud and clear. He kept quiet for a long moment while he considered, but I knew he didn’t have any leverage here - that was the nice thing about this negotiation. I wasn’t invested enough in the result.
That was confirmed when he gave a small nod, acknowledging that line.
“I’ll do what I can, but what I learn may well be haphazard. I don’t go seeking these things out - it doesn’t work that way.”
I struggled briefly to put it into words, explain how I made it work, but to my surprise his expression eased.
“Good. I’m glad that - despite appearances - you do actually think about what you’re doing. Do what you have to, and if nothing comes of it, we’re still no worse off.”
I might have been offended if I hadn’t been amused.
“If that’s the impression you get, then what I’m doing is working.”
That got me a quirk of his mouth before he sobered again, the shift in attitude narrowing my focus to what he was about to say.
“Have you heard anything about someone named Xero while you’ve been working with Jorge?”
The way his expression had turned completely blank spooked me a little, but that only told me there was something significant behind the question. I thought for a moment, but I couldn’t remember the name. It certainly wasn’t in my book - I knew all those by heart. I shook my head.
“No, I don’t think I know the name.”
He didn’t react, but for some reason the intense stillness of his body said more - he reminded me of a coiled animal, about to strike, even as his words were casual. This was where that elite mafia vibe shifted, and I felt like he was something far more primal - that same force that I’d felt hovering protectively over me last night.
“Sure. Could you look out for it, or anything to do with him? Or a guy called Dex - they used to work together.”
That one sounded vaguely familiar - like I’d heard it in passing, maybe. I wasn’t sure. Not enough to mention it anyway.
“Okay - so who is he?”
Jason looked at me as if, somehow, he hadn’t expected the question. Then he shifted and shrugged, apparently realizing yet again that I wasn’t going to let them use me without being involved.
“He used to run a gang in the same area - Valentini and I were wondering whether maybe this one was the spiritual successor, and whether it still has links back to those guys.”
“What happened to him?”
“Well, that’s what I’m hoping you’ll find out.”
The smile was dangerous and my heart sped up within my chest. We locked eyes and I considered pushing, sensing more to it than that, but there was a wall there and I instinctively knew I wouldn’t get any further. His expression reminded me of my feelings earlier, and I wondered whether maybe this was his line. So I just nodded.
“Okay, I’ll look out for it.”
“Thank you. Any more questions?”
He finished the scotch in one quick swallow as I shook my head, then he stood up.
“Let’s talk again next week - does meeting here work for you?”
I shot a quick glance around the room, thinking about it for the first time. This was fine for a one-off, but I didn’t exactly make a habit of coming to this part of town, and if I wanted to be discreet…
“How about near Lexington Avenue? I go there pretty often for my Dad’s vet group, so no one would question it…there’s a motel we could use - Sammy’s Inn.”
His gaze flickered at the mention of my Dad’s group, but then he frowned, raising one eyebrow.
“You want to meet in a seedy motel? Really? The Inter-Continental is nearby, that would work better.”
Anger flashed again and I looked pointedly at the decadent furnishings around us.
“I know who pays for this, remember? And I’m not going to be part of that.”
I caught the surprise on his face as the accusation hit him, before that impassive expression came down again. I met his hard gaze without wavering and after a moment he sighed.
“Alright - The Oriental then. Valentini knows the owner, no one pays for the rooms.”
I thought for a moment, but gave in and nodded - it wasn’t the four-star nature I was opposed to after all.
He turned to leave, and on the way out shot me a look over his shoulder. I was surprised to see the wry smile there.
“Who knows, Lottie. Maybe you’ll be alright - you negotiate a hell of a lot better than Jorge, at least.”
He disappeared before I could respond, and I found myself staring out of the doorway he’d left through for the second time in two nights, my mind trying to make sense of everything that had happened.
Chapter Six
Jason
“You don’t disappoint, Jason. I give you a difficult gang negotiation to navigate - and you give me the boss’s girl?!”
She’s not his girl.
The protective echo of her claim reared up unexpectedly at the words, but I ignored it - Valentini wouldn’t care. His laugh echoed in the large hotel room as he slapped my back, genuinely pleased.
I’d had to get through a healthy dose of skepticism and suspicion first, but it seemed like he’d finally been convinced enough to start thinking through the implications - and enjoy them. Before he could get distracted, I interjected the one condition of mine - regardless of whether she seemed indifferent to it.
“I want you to give her your protection Valentini- the full works, if she needs it. This is a big deal, and she knows the danger of the game she’s playing.”
It was the least I could do about the black stain on my conscience.
He eyed me briefly, but the grin broke out and he clapped me on the shoulder again.
“I can do that. Something goes wrong, she’ll be taken care of.”
A pause, and then his gaze sharpened.
“I take it you’re planning on running this yourself?”
The odd note in his voice caught at my attention, but I kept my response as bland as usual.
“Yes.”
She had been my contact, so linking her into someone else didn’t make much sense.
Neither does the strange discomfort you feel about that idea…
“You sure you want to do that, Jason? You’ve always stayed clear of this sort of op.”
My eyes flicked to his in surprise, and I didn’t like the caution I saw there. Or the remi
nder of my own concerns.
Regardless, I didn’t take the time to process it - hesitation would have been the wrong response.
“Makes sense for it to be me, Valentini. Besides which, I’m not sure how willing she’d be to link up with someone else.”
I’d already thought about that, and about how the last thing I wanted was to have some naive girl relying on me to protect her - especially considering the dangerous way she was already affecting me. But her information was too tempting, and…I didn’t want to leave it to Valentini.
I knew how ruthless the mafia boss could be, and he had little reason to want me to actually find Xero - if that happened, I was gone, and he knew it. I couldn’t quite believe he’d block me, after everything, but…the doubt was enough.
Lottie was my source, and I wanted that information directly.
He raised an eyebrow at my response, distracted from his initial concern.
“Demanding source, is she?”
I couldn’t help the quirk of my mouth, and turned it into an amused smile instead as I recalled our discussion.
“Just pretty clear about what she expects, and only partly convinced by us - doesn’t give me much leverage.”
Valentini reflected on that, no doubt thinking through what I’d described earlier of her unusual priorities - certainly not the usual sort we engaged.
“Sounds like an interesting character.”
I just shrugged, not wanting to go there.
“You sure you don’t want me to put someone else on it?”
Asking once was a concern. Twice was something else entirely.
Sure, maybe I did want nothing to do with this - hell, I objected to the very idea of it.
And Valentini was one of the few who understood exactly why - but that was a private issue, and I’d given him enough reason to trust me that he shouldn’t be pushing this hard. There was no way he should know the doubt I’d battled with just to turn up to the meet I’d damn well arranged—
Marco.
That thought explained it. I trusted the man with discretion - but not when it came to Valentini. And that negotiation hadn’t been my finest moment.
Fuck.
Regardless of how close it hit to the mark, I couldn’t have Valentini doubting me.
