“Catarina is dealing with everything as suspected. It was hard for her to hear what the club had found out. I told Reaper that the family would help with the recovery.”
“Good. What else?”
“Well, Player is keeping it together as best he can. He did go off the deep end when he heard the news, but he’s since gotten himself together. Having Catarina around is helping, but I can tell he is itching to make this right for her.”
“How long?”
“Honestly, I don’t know, Gio. Reggie has changed. He isn’t the same man we remember. He’s harder, more determined than I remember. If you want my best estimate. I figure we have a week, two at the most before Reggie takes matters into his own hands.”
“If he does that, Dwayne will go with him,” Sal stated.
“Agreed. Dwayne and the others arrived yesterday afternoon, along with the wives. Reaper was not happy about having them home. He called an emergency meeting with the officers. I wasn’t privy to that meeting, so I don’t know what was discussed.”
“Any word on Capribella?”
“No. I’ve been getting to know one of their techs, Phantom. She is the one who’s been gathering all the information on the original seven. I have been helping her with what information we already know about him and his alias Danvers.”
“Good. See what you can get out of this Phantom. Anything important, you contact me immediately. In the meantime, stick close to Reggie and keep him calm. I am not ready to unleash the Buchannon brothers yet.”
“You still want me to do what you asked?” Luc asked cryptically. Nodding, I replied, “Yes. Everyone Luciano. Everyone.”
“Understood.”
“Now, onto other matters,” I began looking at my family.
All eyes were glued to mine as I began.
22
Layla
I woke to a gentle hand caressing my back. Smiling, I turned and said, “Good morning.”
“Good afternoon,mia Amore. Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I did,” I replied, sitting up, reaching for the sheet to cover my nakedness. Looking about the room, I noticed the sun shining brightly as I heard the waves crash against the shore. “What time is it?”
“A little after one o’clock. I thought it best to let you sleep. You didn’t get much of that last night.”
I blushed. “About that. I should apologize for my actions last night.”
“No needmia Amore. It is I who took advantage. But if I am being candid, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
I nodded, saying nothing.
What was there to say?
I was of clear mind, and I knew what I was doing.
I used him for my own needs.
I needed an outlet, and he was there.
“Now, there are fresh towels in the bathroom. I’ve run you a hot bath. When you are done, I will have lunch waiting on you.” He said, getting to his feet. Looking up at him, I muttered, “Gio?”
“Yes,mia Amore.”
“How is my brother?”