Lorenzo is silent for several moments, and he gets this faraway look like he’s deep in thought.
“I think I know where this is going, and trust me, she isn’t a spy. She isn’t nearly that slick. She’s a sad girl who’s acting out because she doesn’t want to get married.”
“Mhm.” He’s not convinced. “Was that the last time you saw her?”
I sigh. After a moment, I shake my head. “I wanted to fuck with Paolo, so I bet her in a poker game. I’m sick of that little shit and his whole family.”
“Youbet her, orhebet her?”
“Again, technically—”
“Enough of the technicalities. Paolo bet his fiancée in a poker game with you. Yes?”
I glare.
Lorenzo nods and looks up as he thinks.
“It’s nothing, Enzo. It’s a coincidence.”
He meets my eyes. “You should know by now, I don’t believe in coincidences.”
Oh, I fucking know.
He takes a breath and thinks for another moment. “I don’t trust it.”
“She’s not a spy.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. But she’s involved in something, and I don’t trust whatever it is.”
I wave a hand. “Fine. Look into it.” Time to change topics. “Tell me what you think about the situation with Nikita.”
He shrugs. “Ultimately, it’s your call. I think he’s trying to push you, but I don’t have any evidence, and I don’t like to make assumptions. You give him the reduced price for the supposed ‘bad batch’ and it’ll probably be okay this time, maybe it’ll even lower some of the tension. Give him this win so he feels like a big dog, then maybe he’ll roll over. Personally, I’m not in favor of giving him an inch. Regardless of the consequences.”
I nod. “Yeah, that’s my preference as well.”
“You could take someone to the meeting with you. Leo, if you think that would help.”
I brush that idea away. “Fuck Leo.”
Lorenzo smiles. “Agreed.”
“You’ll go. I need you to read Nikita for me anyway.”
“It’d be my pleasure.” Lorenzo looks at his watch and stands. He meets my eyes yet again. “Now that that’s settled, we good? I need to get home.”
I wonder what Amelia needs.
“Yeah, we’re good. I’ll let you know the time and place of the meeting.”
He nods and takes a step toward the door before pausing.
“Yes?” I ask.
He turns to me. “My engagement party is Saturday. Are you still going to be able to make it?”
I nod and force a smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
Lorenzo nods and leaves, and I’m left in my office to think. I agree with Lorenzo about Nikita. Even if he had another opinion, we both knew this is the way I would go. I would never be able to bring myself to back down, responsible choice or not.