“Then you now know what to fix.”
“Thanks, Nonno.”
He nods and goes back to his breakfast. My waffles and sausage are brought out and I dive in as I think over what my grandfather has said.
“Oh, and my Michelangelo,” he says, pulling me from my thoughts.
“Yes?”
“I want nipoti from you, but be wise about when you choose to make that happen, capisce?”
“Capisce.”
He doesn’t have to worry about this. I don’t plan to get Ny pregnant ever. My feelings from last night rise again. Nope, fatherhood is a weakness I can’t afford.
Jace
I’m on my way to prepare for my task when my name is called. I turn to find Giuseppe staring at me. He gestures with his head for me to follow him.
I run a hand down my beard before nodding and following him. He dips into his study. I note none of his men are around.
He stops and turns to me. I walk up and stand in front of him. He reaches for the back of my neck and tugs me down so he can lean into my ear to whisper.
“Today is to be Marco’s last day in my employment. Empty his desk and see him off the premises.”
I straighten and nod. Marco doesn’t have a desk. What Nonno just asked for is the same hit Gio has already ordered, but I don’t say a word.
I walk out of the study, not needing any further instructions. I find Marco coming out of Ming’s room. Before he can step all the way out and close the door, I rush him and push him back inside.
Pulling the knife from the holster at my back. I shove it into his forehead with all the force I have. His eyes roll in his head. I catch him before he falls back and drag him over to the hidden panel in this room.
These things are one of my favorite parts of this house. Nonno taught us to use the tunnels when we were little. I dump Marco inside and go back to clean whatever mess I may have left behind.
I fix the chair that was knocked over. Looking around, I try to see if anything looks out of place. Not finding anything, I go to check Marco to see if he took anything.
Once I’m satisfied. I toss his body over my shoulder and head for the car I have waiting to take his remains to the farm. Marco’s employment has been terminated.
CHAPTER 18
Ace the Test
Gio
I sit at the side of the pool, watching Ming. She’s a pretty girl. Not what I was expecting, but pretty. The name Ming Wu had me thinking she would be an Asian girl.
That was my assumption. I won’t make that mistake again. I was expecting some nerdy Asian chick from the things I’ve read about her.
Instead, the girl who has arrived with Nyla is a pretty Blasian girl. She’s darker skinned with slanted eyes and long, silk, straight hair down to her ass. Her lashes are crazy long and her lips are full.
Like Ny she looks like a pretty doll. Nice body, pretty face, and she seems smart too—transcripts mean nothing. I need her to be street smart, not just book smart. I wanted an East Asia girl, but she’ll do.
She looks away from me shyly. I like that about her, it will be useful. I can work with that.
Diving into the water, I swim over to where she’s standing in the pool. She looks up at me and blinks a few times. She’s not just pretty, she’s cute, about five-five and thick. She can work.
“Your family owns skating rinks? Is that right?”
“Yes, they do.”
“But they’re having some financial troubles. Your parents’ divorce and some investments gone bad. They’re about to lose the rink you and Ny like to skate at.”
These are all facts. I’m not asking questions. The research was done. Jace was thorough.
“Y…yes. How do you know that?”
“You’re in Ny’s life. I need to know everything about you.” I smile and tilt my head. “I’m protective of my friends. I want us to be friends, Ming. Would you like that?”
“O…okay.”
I crowd her space, reaching to run my hand down her braided ponytail. Then I lean into her. She looks like she’s about to freak out. Placing my palms flat on either side of her outside the pool, I lean into her ear.
“You’re really pretty. You know that?”
“Um, thanks.”
“You should stick around a little longer. I don’t think Ny is headed back tomorrow.”
“Aren’t you and Ny a thing?”
“We don’t have to be if you’re down to fuck.” I place a hand on her hip and look into her eyes.
“Can I kiss y—”
I start to choke before I can get the last word out. She just throat chopped me. My eyes water as I smile.
“I don’t know what you think this is, but Nyla is my best friend. I’d die for her and there’s not a single dude I’d allow to come between me and her after all she’s done for me.