ARIA
Vivi has been following me around for two weeks. I've been doing my best to keep Jaime happy with regular updates regarding my progress, but it's not always easy to text him back with Vivi peering over my shoulder every five minutes.
She calls out to me while I'm in the middle of responding to an email, "Hey, Aria?"
Speak of the devil.
I glance up from my laptop. "Yes?"
"I know we were about to take a look at the reports for the Sossaman-Hewitt account, but do you mind if we push it to this afternoon? I need to go talk to my brother about something really quick."
I nod pleasantly. "Oh, sure. It's not a problem."
"Thanks, Aria."
The moment Vivi leaves my side, I duck into one of the restroom stalls, pull out the flip phone, and respond to Jaime's latest text.
Unknown Sender: Why hasn't Vitale signed the remaining documents for the Gravinski account?
Me: I'm working on it.
Unknown Sender: Work faster. I expected results by now. Once my patience runs out, the tape will be released, and your father may never come home.
My pulse picks up speed. Appa's safety rests in this psychopath's hands. Jaime's threats send a slither of dread crawling down my back. I need to win back his confidence and give him something to make it look like I've been working hard for our cause.
Me: I'll get those documents signed for you. Soon.
Unknown Sender: That's what you've been saying for the past two weeks. But actions speak louder than words.
Me: I mean it this time. I finally have Nicco right where I want him.
Unknown Sender: I don't believe you.
Me: I got him down on one knee. He proposed to me.
Unknown Sender: Vitale... proposed?
In response, I send him a picture of my ring. Then, I start lying through my teeth.
Me: You know how temperamental Vitale can be. It hasn't been easy to reel him in, but he's actually pretty infatuated with me right now. I'm planning to strike while the iron's hot and convince him to sign those documents ASAP.
Unknown Sender: Just fucking get it done.
Me: Don't worry. I won't disappoint you. I wanted to talk to you about something else, too.
Unknown Sender: What?
It's time to plant the first seed of doubt in Jaime's mind regarding Manning.
Me: As you know, I've been meeting regularly with Manning. The more we chat, the more I worry—how much do you trust him?
Manning will die before he admits failure, but, judging from our last few secret meetings, I can tell the man is sweating bullets thanks to whatever voodoo Nicco pulled on his men.
Unknown Sender: Why do you ask?
The timing to strike is kind of perfect because Manning's whole operation has become a cesspool of unraveling chaos. If I simply fan the flames by whispering like a devil in Jaime's ear, he has no reason to believe that a power-hungry bastard like Manning wouldn't make a last-minute money grab before their whole operation goes down in flames.
YOU ARE READING
Nicco: Devil's Spawn Book 1
RomansaNiccolò Vitale is a spoiled mafia prince. From early on, Nicco has known that he will be heir to his parents' billionaire-dollar empire. At twenty-four, his life centers on all play and very little work, and he wants to keep it that way. When his ex...
