Nero(31)

To his surprise, his other son answered the question and Nero looked just as shocked. “Chloe Masters.” He watched his son emerge from the corner and squeeze Nero’s shoulder. “You’re welcome, brother. I figured she might have given you something good for taking her home. I hope you can save her by her eighteenth birthday. You don’t mind sharing, do you? Don’t worry; you can have her first. Virgins aren’t my thing. I prefer a little experience.”

Nero stood, looking his brother in the face. “I don’t think either of us are her type.”

“Let’s hope she learns how to willingly love a Caruso in a month. You know, for her sake.” He inhaled his cigarette, letting the end turn bright red.

“Yeah, Lucca, let’s hope that ends up being me. You know, for her sake.” Nero left the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Boss Caruso squeezed the bridge of his nose. “Chloe Masters, huh?”

Lucca finally took a seat in front of him. “That’s the one.”

“Shit, we were all getting along so well.” The relationship they had with Chloe’s father was crucial to his business. It had taken a while to get him on his payroll, and it hadn’t been easy.

“Yeah, one big, happy family.” Lucca put his cigarette out in the ashtray and got up to head for the door.

“Keep following her, son.”

He had known the second he saw that one-week schedule, Elle was one step in front of Nero. He owned the Casino Hotel; therefore, he knew schedules were typically more than a week in advance.

“I planned on it, boss.” Lucca left the room without a sound. Boss Caruso wasn’t even sure the door had closed.

He thought about what Nero had said as he brought the cigar to his mouth. ‘She told me she wasn’t a rat.’ His gut had been right; she had done more than just hear what happened in that alleyway, and he was going to do whatever it took to find out exactly what she had seen. He exhaled in an attempt to get rid of the horrible cigarette smell permeating the room. I’ve seen a lot of men turn rat.

* * *

Nero walked out of the room, fuming on the inside. He only hoped he didn’t give himself away. When he made it to the elevator, he decided to text Elle again.

Need a ride home?

While the elevator traveled down, he made sure to keep his calm. He had to keep in mind that this whole place had cameras everywhere.

When he exited the elevator, he started his journey back to his car, passing the security guards, going down the escalator and walking out of the casino. He had walked into the casino earlier with a different feeling than he had when he walked out.

When the city noise greeted him, he turned his head to look at the diner next door. It took everything he had in him not to walk in there and take a seat at one of her tables, especially seeing how packed it was now with men. He took a deep breath in and smoothed his hair down before he walked back to his car.

He unlocked the doors and slid in, glad the windows were tinted. At night, it was impossible to see in.

He punched the steering wheel with his already-battered hand, drawing blood from his knuckles for the second time today.

You’re welcome, brother.

Nero wanted to fight his brother like they usually had when they didn’t agree. But this time, he couldn’t. It was job related and you didn’t just get in a fight with the underboss unless you’re prepared to get your hand chopped off. Not even if you’re brothers. The family was built upon one thing, respect.

He knew his brother wouldn’t touch Elle in that way, but he still didn’t like the words that spat from his mouth about her.

That’s not why I’m even fucking mad, is what he told himself. They don’t fucking think I can do it.

He hated the fact they were going behind his back. Once you give someone the job, then it was their job alone. There was no bullshit. This was Nero’s first job, and he didn’t want any help.

I can do this on my own.

Nero watched Elle through the diner windows. He saw her laughing while she filled up cups at a table full of men. He gripped the steering wheel, having had enough. He was going to walk in there.

He got out of his car and saw Elle go to the bar. She looked down and started smiling. He had stopped walking immediately. The smile stopped him in his tracks. The smile she had on her face was one he hadn’t seen before. He felt his phone vibrate.

Bite me, he read.

He pulled up the keyboard. I’d love to, when I take you home.

He stayed put, watching her just a little longer.

She went back to the bar and smiled that same smile that made his chest a little weaker. He wasn’t sure what it was.

His phone vibrated again.

I’m sure you would, wolf. I can make it home to grandma on my own.