Kei's POV
At my age, I should be slowing down like Nick has. His days are easy. Time with his grandchildren, a few architectural projects, a book each week, cooking classes in an attempt to outdo me, and the list goes on and on. He's in a good place.
As for me, not yet. I don't mind being busy. After eight kids, I found my life uneventful. I suddenly had a lot of time and I don't like being idle. But there's a kind of busy that keeps the mind awake.
For me, Brody. I can't sleep well because that little bastard creeps into my dreams and he dies bad things. I can't help but think of what Terrence said. We teach them darkness and we expect them to be good. The ugly truth is that people like Matteo, Brody among others are monsters of our own making.
"That hot girl in leather is here." Nick informed me. "And your Japanese boyfriend too!"
"Jealous?"
He wrapped his arms around me. "Of Takahashi? No! I know he's not your type. You like the bad ones. He's too honorable." He pressed his lips on my cheek. "Alex stood me up. Can I eavesdrop in your meeting?"
"Like you can restrain yourself." I poked him playfully.
Takahashi is like my right hand. What I point he does. He's also a dear friend. These days he doesn't smile much. So nice he disinherited Yuki, his heart sank low. There was hope of reconciliation until Gian Carlo bailed on the wedding plans. A week to, he disappeared and we canceled everything. He came back the day after the wedding and acted like nothing happened. Is it Ella's flaky nature? Maybe. Or he does not love her enough to out a ring on it. Takahashi withdrew after that. The hope of reconciliation evaporated. Now Gian Carlo and Yuki are playing house with each other. It's just sad. Marcelle wanted to force him into the marriage but I told him to let Carlitos be. Some day he will miss the water in the well.
"Tea." I placed the tray on the table. Raven loves the little doughnuts. She goes for those first. She hates tea. She will probably take coffee or juice. Not tea.
We settled around the living room. It's a warm evening. I love it here in Napa. It reminds Nickolas of Italy without him being in Italy. But I love Texas more. I'm planning to convince him to move with me.
"What did you find out?" I ended the silent tea sipping session.
"Your gut about Brody was right."
"Who is he working for?" Nick asked.
Control issues. He can't be part of a meeting and take the back seat. He must lead! Marcelle listens and then forms an opinion that if he deems better than everyone else's, he enforces. They are definitely father and son. I don't mind. I like men who know what they want and know how to take charge.
"It's not who he is working for. It's who works for him." Takahashi responded. "For a long time now I have never been able to convince Belić to join us. He always had one excuse or another. He loves women and alcohol. Typical vices to exploit. He sang like a bird. Brody is the Serb boss. They answer to him.
My wrist grew weak enough for the cup of tea to tilt. I spilled it on my lap. Raven reached for a towel to dab me dry. I hate it when bad feelings come true.
"Thank you dear."
She went back to her seat. "What now?" Takahashi asked.
"Any recommendations?" I looked at Nick and Raven.
"I would poke the bear." Nick suggested.
"I would stab the bear." Raven countered. "Brody is a slithering snake. The last thing we want is to play defensive. I say we go on the offensive. We irritate the hell out of him to break that well out together facade."
YOU ARE READING
Mob Boss Series Book #1: The Russian Heir
Random"...a sudden inheritance, a broken family and betrayed by close allies..." The events leading up to Bryce Romanov succeeding his father are nothing short of tragic. Finding himself suddenly alone with a handful of people he can trust, he is thrown i...
