Page 18 of The Gangster King
Frank “the Fire” Baldassare was feared but respected.
Goddamn it, I need to get out there and start pulling the business together.
“Tell them I have every intention of running this family just as my father did.” With some changes but this is not the time to bring that up. “And I will be expecting them to pledge their loyalty.”
“Was it Gianna’s guy?” Nick asks, anger in his voice.
Yeah.
It was.
But I need more information before my men act.
“Leave him to me,” I reply. “I mean it. Nobody fucking touches him.”
“Yes, boss,” they both reply, loyal to their last breath. I know they’ll do as I’ve ordered.
I trust these men.
“Ditch your phones and get new ones so this number can’t be traced. I’ll meet you at the location tomorrow at midnight,” I say, then hang up.
Dropping the phone to the ground, I slam my foot on it and watch it smash to pieces.
Adelina sits up.
The testosterone rushing through me settles as I take in her softness. She’s wearing a black sundress which has little white flowers on it. The sleeves are short and floaty, the skirt short, showing off her slightly tanned legs.
I draw in a breath, holding myself back.
One day soon she will be completely mine. Sooner than she knows.
I’m not walking away this time.
This time, Adelina is coming with me.
CHAPTER FIVE
ADELINA
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“Gianna has a guy?” I ask. Although I’d been trying to read my steamy romance—not advisable when hiding out in your bedroom is a sexy tattooed gangster you watched stroke himself just days ago—but his conversation kept pulling my attention.
Whether I like it or not, Iama part of this world and Dante’s sister is a friend of mine. We aren’t close, but we all grew up together.
If the man she’s with is a spy, I can only imagine she’s hurting right now. And she’s just lost her father because of this traitor.
Poor girl.
I’ve always seen her as a loyalist to the families, so this will destroy her. Despite our differences, I can’t help but feel for her.
Dante might see me as coldhearted. Hell, even my father might, but I’m not. I’m strong and determined, and I’m compassionate and extremely loving.
Even loyal.
That’s what’s taken me so long to act, I’m sure of it.
My mother died ten years ago, and I felt beholden to my father. My grandmother was grieving deeply, along with my aunts and uncles.