Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32346 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Read Online Books/Novels: | Owned by the Mob (Bianchi Crime Family #3) |
|---|---|
Author/Writer of Book/Novel: | C.M. Steele |
| Language: | English |
| ISBN/ ASIN: | B09G72JS6M |
| Book Information: | |
Niccolò: I like my life the way it is, working hard on the numbers for the organizations on both legal and illegal sides. I let nothing impede my work, and that will never change. I couldn't have been more wrong. One look at Ivy, and I'd lost all focus on my numbers. Ivy will be my only distraction. Ivy: He shows up day after day looking insanely gorgeous and smart with his sharply tailored suits, his laptop, and a pair of black-rimmed glasses. He stares at me almost the entire time he sits in my café, but he doesn't introduce himself to me. The more time goes by, the more I want him to leave, but I've learned that not only does he now own the café—he owns me too. | |
| Books in Series: | Bianchi Crime Family Series by C.M. Steele |
| Books by Author: | C.M. Steele |
Chapter One
Niccolò
“Nico, I require a word with you.”
My brother stands in the doorway to my office, his tie loosened, ready to go home to see his wife and son. Besides our illicit activities, I run the accounting side for our investment firm. Surprisingly, there are more crooks in the legitimate world than outside it.
“Have a seat, Dom. What can I do for you?” He sits on the chair, leaning forward with his elbows on his thighs and his fingers steepled against his lips.
It must be urgent for him to rush in like this. I can’t recall seeing him this upset in a while. “I have a client that hasn’t been repaying the funds in full payments. He claims the business isn’t doing well, and before I break his knees, I need to find out if he’s lying to me, or if the business is struggling in this economy. He put the business up as collateral, so I want to know if it’s easier to dispose of it or monopolize on it.”
“What kind of business? Do you need me to go over their books?”
“It’s a café that offers a bit of food along with a variety of coffee and teas. And as for the books, I want you to hold off so we don’t draw attention to his daughter. He came to me after they were turned down for a loan. He claimed his daughter had health issues, and this was killing their income. I bought the story and loaned the money on the basis of repayment of $10K a month for the next year and a half. He hasn’t given us more than $10K in three months. I’m telling you—maybe it’s being a father that’s made me weak, but I can’t let this fucker change my reputation.”
I nod. Being head of a crime family has its dangers when enemies sense weakness.
“Understood. When do you want me to scope it out?” I’m already running my schedule through my head, making adjustments to meet his request.
He slaps his hand on my desk and says, “As soon as possible. They open at six, so I’d say hit it up as soon as you can. That way, you can determine their potential revenue.”
“Okay. I’ll go there first thing in the morning. I love coffee and numbers. The evaluation time is going to be roughly a week. And if they’re having a special, I’ll have to factor that in as well; still, I should have a good estimate.”
“Well, do the best you can. I have a feeling I’m being played, and you know I can’t stand for that.” He slides over a sheet of paper with their location and name. Ivy’s Café. I wonder if that’s the daughter’s name and what illness she has.
“Understood. I’ve got this.” He leaves my office looking more relaxed than when he came in. I duck my head and get back to the spreadsheets in front of me, working throughout the evening to make up for the upcoming week’s change in schedule.
I turn off the light in my office around nine which is about three hours later than normal, and I can’t wait to head to my condo. I call my favorite restaurant, order a small meal, and pick it up on my way home. Most days I don’t cook for myself, so they know me well and were surprised to see me so late.
“Wow, did you work long tonight?” Giorgio, the owner says as I swipe my card.
“Yes, a very long one.” I nod and wipe my glasses with my handkerchief. It’s only then I realize it’s not the glasses, I’m actually tired.
“Here. Then you must go and get some rest.” He hands me the sack with my container of angel hair pasta in a homemade marinara.
“I will. It’s good to see you.”
“Yes, and one day you bring a girl, no?” His thick, bushy Italian brows raise up.
“Not any time soon,” I say with a chuckle. “I’m not my brother. No woman could get me to marry.”
“Ah…yes. Every single man’s final words.” He claps my back and walks me out. I laugh at his words because he doesn’t know that I don’t even know how to speak to a woman or even give them any of my time to even try.
I barely get through half my dinner when I decide I’m better off going to bed. It still takes me another hour to clean up and shower. By the time I hit my pillow, I’m exhausted, and sleep comes easily.
****
Dressed in my favorite three-piece blue suit, I arrive at the café with my black leather satchel containing my laptop and the work I need to do today besides watching the damn café. I have no interest in this other than the fact someone’s swindling my brother.
Being a father and husband has softened my brother toward people with kids, but once he learns the truth of this, it may harden him again. I can’t wait to end this asshole who thinks he can fuck over my brother and the family. Being quiet and a loner doesn’t mean I don’t pay attention or care.