“That we will.” He ended the call.
She pulled the phone away and gripped the chair, wanting to grunt or growl. She felt a hand on her hip and gasped.
“Aggravating phone call?”
She turned to look up at Collin and exhaled. “I’m so sorry. I wouldn’t even have taken that call if I knew it was going to turn into that.”
He stroked her hip bone and stared at her eyes and then her lips. The man was gorgeous. Those dark sultry eyes held her gaze and drew her in. He was tall, towering over her, making her feel instantly protected and aroused. He wore a dress shirt in blue that was totally custom-made and fit to accentuate his large muscles. His cologne invaded her senses, and she realized she was staring, but then he spoke.
“This is a really nice place,” he whispered.
“Thank you.”
He eyed her over. “You look incredible, Gisella.”
She had to give herself a mental shake. He and his brother were potential clients. She also knew what type of men they were, and after today’s lunch meeting, she’d about had it with being intimidated and feeling fearful. She slid to the right, pushing his hand off her hip.
“So, let me just grab my bag and, of course, the information sheets your personal assistant asked for.” She reached for a folder and then turned to look at Collin and Fedarro, who stood side by side like a force field of sexiness. “I went and dug a little further, called up Myran, and got the particulars about the income turnout for the club, the theater, and the hotel in case you wanted an idea about what it could bring in as profit.” She walked toward the chair to grab her coat. As she went to put it on, she felt hands grip her jacket, and a glance over her shoulder indicated Collin was assisting her.
“We did some investigating ourselves, but thank you,” Fedarro said as Collin helped her get her coat on.
She realized that they were capable men in many ways and successful in business because of their directness and ability to read profitable investments. Add their insightfulness and business savvy to the list of all the things that attracted her to them yet that she needed to resist.
“Thank you.” She swallowed, went back to her desk, and grabbed her purse and the file. She walked back over toward them and glanced at her watch. “Oh, I thought I was running late. I guess you were early. Are we set?”
Fedarro gazed down at her, and Collin opened the door. There stood Roman and Ziek.
“After you, Gisella,” Fedarro said.
She walked ahead and then watched Fedarro check the lock on the door. “It’s locks automatically,” she told him.
He squinted at her.
“If I got locked out, there’s a keypad to the right of it. See.” She pointed. He didn’t look.
“I’m afraid that my brother isn’t impressed with the security around here,” Collin told her as she walked into the elevator along with Ziek then Fedarro and Collin.
Roman entered last but not before he looked around them. She felt uneasy, like a target. “It’s got a great security system. You can’t even get up here unless you get by security downstairs,” she said in her defense.
“It’s a joke,” Ziek added.
She narrowed her eyes at him, but he was facing forward. She felt the hand on her lower back. “We know a lot about security and protection. It’s one of many businesses we’re involved in.”
She looked at him. “Yes, I know of the one company, Bloodline Protection and Securities. Mateus and Major are part of that, too.”
“It’s a family business,” Fedarro added firmly.
“That’s nice,” she said as the elevator doors opened.
They walked into the lobby. Of course, people recognized the Fiorre men. It was hard not to take notice of the two SUVs parked out front and the two guards standing there.
She couldn’t help but also feel important walking with these men. Like some security detail for a political figure, they were escorted into the SUV, and another one was behind them. She glanced over her shoulder, that uneasy feeling hitting her again. When Collin pressed his hand over her knee, she was shocked, not only by him doing that but also by how it felt.
“Don’t let the security we have make you feel uncomfortable. Just pretend they aren’t even there and you’ll be fine,” he said to her.
She gently pushed his hand off and gave him a forced smirk. “I’m fine,” she said and opened the file on her lap, trying not to observe these two large men sitting so close on either side of her.
Across from them was Roman, one hell of a good-looking man, dressed in a black suit, carrying a gun in a holster, and sitting straight-faced. She had a feeling the man was capable of just about anything, and the way he was always looking around, how he kept watch, even upstairs going from her apartment to the elevator, showed that he took his protection for his bosses seriously.
“So how do you know Myran?” Collin asked her.
“I’ve known him for years. Actually, I met his wife before I met Myran.”
“Where was that?” Fedarro asked.
Jesus, she felt her heart race when he asked her a question. Even the simplest one felt like an interrogation. She held Fedarro’s gaze. She had dealt with similar men in the past. She needed to do with him what she had done with them—act unaffected and simply be herself—sweet, calm, knowledgeable.
“At the boutique. Eleanor was there with a friend, and they were getting dresses made for the charity event I saw the two of you at the other night. They’ve been participating for years. This is actually the first year they missed attending, but I know they are trying to enjoy retirement and spend time with their grandchildren.”
“Indeed they are. I suppose this is the last set of real estate here in New York he wants to unload to really be free,” Fedarro stated.
“I suppose so, but I really don’t know, and I didn’t ask. Myran is a friend, and I’m honored he chose me to represent this large real estate package. I’m sure you’ll be impressed.”
“I’m not sold on it yet, Gisella,” he stated as if he assumed her comment meant this was a done deal.
She turned slightly to look at him. “You’re also not going to be the only one interested in checking it out. Myran is giving you first dibs, but my recommendation of a final offer will hold its weight, I’m sure.”
“Are you challenging me?” he whispered.
For Christ’s sake, why did it affect her body so? She licked her lower lip. “Of course not, Fedarro. I wouldn’t dare.” She wondered why her voice sounded so low and sexy. When she felt Collin’s hand slide onto her knee again and then back and forth across the material covering her thigh, she turned to look at him.
“I kind of like the sound of this going back and forth between the two of you. Hell, I like having you between us like this.”
She had to give herself a little shake to bring herself back to reality, and her attitude and need to stay in control here reached her lips without her thinking first.
“Well, don’t get used to it. Seducing me into making a deal in your favor won’t happen no matter how much you turn up the charm, Collin. This is strictly business. Remember that,” she said to him then faced forward, catching Roman’s gaze. His lip curled slightly, and she looked past him through the front window and saw where they were.
“Just for the record, Gisella, we don’t seduce women into making deals go our way. Usually our charm, our directness, and plain old good looks get the job done,” Collin teased her, giving her a debonair smirk then wink.
She couldn’t keep a straight face, so she looked away and exhaled as if bored by his tactics, but honestly she was humored by it and giddy. She would not be a sucker. All the charm, honesty, power, and attraction in the world to these two men shouldn’t make her go back on her promise to never get involved in made men. Especially ones as powerful as these two.
* * * *
Fedarro was growing antsy sitting this close to Gisella and inhaling her shampoo, hearing her voice, and feeling her sha
king between him and Collin. She was putting on a tough act, but she felt exactly what they were feeling and what he was fighting—desire.
As they got out of the SUV and walked into the first building, the theater, which was preparing for some show this evening, Gisella led the way, giving merely nods and cordial hellos. Roman remained in front, securing the areas first, with Ziek behind them and the others out front.
“It’s actually quite charming of a theater. Myran has maintained its historic appearance to perfection. I think people love coming here to view the off-Broadway shows because of the original setup and seating. There’s nothing like watching from the balcony above either. Have you two had the opportunity to view a show here?” she asked, held onto one of the seats, and looked toward the stage, smiling and then exhaling.
She looked truly excited about the theater, and Fedarro glanced at Collin who was looking at her ass in the dress. She was a sight to make heads turn, that was for sure.
“No,” Fedarro stated and looked around a little more.
He asked her questions about the place and any problems it had in the past two years. She surprised him by pulling out a sheet of minor updates and such, which she handed to him.
Collin placed his hand on her hip as they walked toward the side stairs, covered in old deep-red carpeting that showed some wear and where it led toward the balcony seating. From there they looked out again and Gisella described a scene from Phantom of the Opera and pointed to the location where a large chandelier had been installed for the show as well as some long steel rafters where the Phantom appeared and disappeared so quickly. Her description was so vivid he could imagine it. She exhaled, turning toward them and smiling.
“It’s one of my favorites. I could have watched it over and over again here,” she said and then walked past them.
They made their way backstage, through the sets of offices, and around back.
“We can move onto the hotel. I have people who can look through the place more thoroughly and present concerns if any. So far I like it. Collin?” he referred to his brother for feedback.
Collin remained looking at Gisella. “I like everything I’ve seen and heard so far.”
Gisella stared at Collin, then rolled her eyes, and turned away. Fedarro chuckled. His brother was being relentless. However, his tactics seemed to be breaking Gisella down. When she turned, she was smirking.
* * * *
They got through the hotel quickly, and Fedarro basically told her the same thing about his people checking things out and getting back to him. She wondered why she was even on this excursion showing them if they had “people” who would get back to them. They were indeed powerful and probably had people doing lots of things for them. They were wealthy enough. That was a fact. As they entered the back area of the club that would be part of the package, it was obvious the place was the most crowded. It didn’t take a keen eye to see the drug deals going down or the multitude of gang leaders and other big shots this side of the city offered.
The music was loud, the bass banging off the walls, and the lights were very dim. Their security seemed on edge, and she assumed it was a security nightmare not being able to see too far in front of you or to even hear the person next to you talking. She saw a couple of drunk people and one guy bump into another and nearly start fighting, but it was quickly broken up. The place needed some garbage disposal of the criminal element and better security. It really had so much potential. It was a shame but very busy and still brought in a lot of money.
“We don’t need to walk through. If there’s a certain part of the place you’d like to see, we can do that,” she suggested.
“Keep walking,” Fedarro told her, placed a hand at her waist, and guided her through the club and toward a booth in the corner. Their presence didn’t go unnoticed, nor did the tightening of his hand on her hip as Castron Picatta appeared. He was Emanuel’s cousin.
“Gisella!” he exclaimed and opened his arms.
She pressed from Fedarro’s hold and walked closer. “Castron, what are you doing here?”
He pulled her into an embrace and let his hand slide over her lower back, pulling her close. He whispered into her ear, “Are you okay?”
She chuckled and pulled back, holding his gaze. “Of course.” She turned to look at a very pissed-off Collin and Fedarro. “Fedarro, and Collin Fiorre, this is Castron Picatta, an old friend of mine.”
Castron shook their hands but kept a hand on Gisella’s shoulder. “Not an old friend, a current friend and good one.” He pulled back. “What I would do for this woman, you have no idea,” Castron said, looked at her in the dress, and licked his lips.
She felt her cheeks heat and gave his arm a slap. “And the answer to that is still no way.” She stepped from his hold.
He gave a disappointed grin. “I’ll keep trying, gorgeous. Damn, you look incredible. So is this business or pleasure?”
“Business, and we’re just passing through.”
“Good.”
“Well, we need to keep moving and have a busy schedule. It was nice seeing you,” she said to him.
“It’s always nice to see you, too. It’s been a while. You need to come by Gordon’s. Perhaps I’ll call you tomorrow and see about reservations for dinner? Gordon and the gang would love to see you.”
“I’m so busy this week. I’ll call, though.”
“Stelia misses you,” he said.
She felt embarrassed. “I miss her, too. Don’t worry. I’ll text,” she said.
He nodded and opened his arms for her to hug him good-bye. She reluctantly stepped into his hold again, and he whispered into her ear, “I hope this is just business. Emanuel and Iglesias will be upset.”
“I don’t know why. They don’t own me,” she whispered back, stepped away, and forced a smile. Then she turned to Collin and Fedarro. “Shall we?” She led them through the crowded club and felt hands on her hips.
Fedarro pressed close to her. “Let’s head out the back door. I’ve seen enough,” he stated firmly.
Her heart hammered inside her chest. He sounded forceful and controlling. Roman went first, and a few moments later they were secured in the SUV and on their way.
They were both silent, and she heard her cell phone go off but didn’t look at it. Instead, she made this all business and acted like Castron’s show of knowing her well and his blatant announcement of his interest were nothing at all and none of Fedarro’s or Collin’s business. She flipped through the sheets of paper and then began to speak.
“Everything is included in the price listed on the last page of the portfolio. I’ve included all the particulars on each building as well as parking, et cetera. If there is anything you would like to know about the properties included in the sale as a package, please don’t hesitate to contact me.” She handed the folder to Fedarro, who turned slightly in his seat and stared at her.
“How do you know so many members of the Picatta family so well?” he asked.
She looked away from him toward Roman, who no longer seemed to keep a neutral smile but a suspicious one at her. “What does that have to do with the business we’re meeting about today?”
His eyes slightly narrowed. What the hell was she doing talking to Fedarro Fiorre like this? Was she stupid? Asking to get killed? The man was a force to reckon with, and some of the biggest names in the organized crime world avoided getting on the wrong side of him and his brother.
“I’ll only ask one more time. How do you know them so well?”
She parted her lips, and he cut her off.
“You are very good friends with women who have become important to my cousins. Their safety and security comes first, and the Picatta family is not exactly the type of ‘friends’ our cousins would want their women around. That would include you if you’re so close. So do be smart and truthful in your answer.”
She took a deep breath and released it. “I’ve known them for many years. They’ve come to Keller Perkins Agency as well a
s to my own company for their real estate needs and for consulting work.”
He scrunched his eyes at her and placed his hand over hers, which she had clasped over the folder she tried to give him but he wouldn’t take.
“Was it consulting work you were engaged in with Emanuel, Iglesias, and scum like York Saint James at Louie’s restaurant?” he asked, pushing her.
Her lips parted. She knew Alfredo and Toro were upset seeing her there with them. She scrambled for an answer, but at one look up into Fedarro’s dark eyes, she knew not to lie to the man. He intimidated her. She didn’t want on his bad side. “Honestly, you want to know?”
“I don’t expect less than that,” he stated in that tone of his.
“I hadn’t a clue that it was York Saint James who wanted to hire me for some real estate needs. Nor was I aware that Emanuel and Iglesias were working out some sort of deal as part of it. I was stuck, actually, and pretty upset with them for putting me in such a position.”
“Then why not walk away?” Collin asked, sitting forward in his seat.
She looked at him while Fedarro remained covering her hands. She exhaled as if laughing at that suggestion. “I do believe that men in your position know York Saint James. I’m not stupid, nor do I have a death wish.”
“The Picatta men are out of his league. What could they possibly have to offer Saint James and this real estate deal?” Collin asked.
“Client confidentiality clause. I couldn’t answer that if I wanted to.”
The SUV stopped, and she glanced toward the window, seeing that they were in a parking garage and not the one to her building.
“It’s past six. Please join us for dinner. We’ve made arrangements in the restaurant downstairs,” Fedarro said to her.
“I didn’t plan on this.”
“No one ever plans on anything really. Things just sort of happen,” Fedarro said, sounding so vague and mysterious.
The door opened, and he released her hand, taking away that controlling yet protective feeling that oozed into her from his touch. She slid along the seat, taking her belongings with her.
Made Men 4: One More Time (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 5