LUXURE

23. DAMSEL IN DISTRESS

GIOVANNI'S POV

The morning after their mom passed away, I could tell it was really taking a toll on both Jordie and Scarlett. Scarlett let Jordie stay at my place instead of going to school, which I insisted on. It wasn't hard to tell that Scarlett was in rough shape. She had dark bags under her eyes from crying all night. Her eyes were cloudy and I could see her fighting herself internally, but I could tell she was trying to stay strong for Jordie.

"Jordie, it's okay. I'll get you the cups." She said soothingly after Jordie threw a fit after not being able to find the cups. He was easily agitated and I felt for the little dude. Throwing a tantrum over not knowing where the cups are must really mean something. Everyone grieves differently and I'm sure he's also confused and scared of what death means.

I summoned Mark over to my office while Scarlett was getting ready for work in the bathroom. I offered to call McConnor and get her out of going to work, but she insisted on going. Something about it helping her recover.

"I want you to watch over Jordie today, I have an important meeting that I can't miss today, otherwise I would stay and do it myself." I said as I looked at my watch. Luckily I was my own boss so I could show up to work whenever I wanted, but I couldn't miss my appointment at 1 today.

After I dropped Scarlett off at work I hurried to the club where I was meeting with a few other "clients."

"Look, Brooks. If you can't agree to the terms, then I'm going to have to confiscate my property. Understood?" I said with an evil smile as I looked at the scared little man in front of me.

"Yes Mr. Russo, understood! I just... I'm not sure how to get that kind of money by the time you requested..." the liar said. The thing with Brooks is that he's a pathological liar, meaning everything he says just can't be trusted. Unfortunately, he rented one of my properties to make illegal dealings with and once I caught word, I demanded a large percentage of his earnings otherwise he needed to vacate the premises.

"You'll get me the money, or else." I said, signaling my men behind me to expose the guns in their holsters. A nice little threat to emphasize how serious I was. I don't mess around.

"Okay! Okay... I'll get you the money." Brooks said as he put his head down, giving in.

"Good." I said as I stood up and adjusted my suit. "As always, it was great doing business with you." I said with sarcasm dripping off my words as I left the office.

I ran a few more errands, checking on other dealings and the club before I decided to go home. When I walked through the elevator doors leading to my apartment, Jordie was sleeping on the couch with a bowl of half eaten popcorn in front of him. Across from him, on another couch was Mark, snoring lightly. I laughed slightly before I walked to my home office to make a few phone calls.

Before I knew it, 6pm rolled around and I hadn't heard from Scarlett all day.

"Hey, you okay? Need a ride?" I texted her and then set my phone down.  I changed into a set of dark jeans and a black shirt and walked back into the living room where Jordie and Mark were playing a card game. I ran a hand through my hair to loosen the gel at the top that slicked it back.

"Kid's got me beat! Glad I didn't bet money on this round."

"Ya want to?" I could still see the pain on his face but a smile played on his lips. They both laughed and continued playing. I ordered some food from a nearby Italian restaurant before checking my phone again. Still nothing from Scarlett.

"Hey Jordie, when does your sister normally get off work?"

"I don't know, usually like 6 or something?" He said.