[Made Men 6] The Root of All Evil

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “I understand, and well, as uncomfortable as this was, and a first for me, I can understand all your concerns. Just keep in mind that I’m only going to be checking the account a few times a year, and in your presence. You have control over the passwords and everything like that. So really, you maintain the upper hand. No matter who checks out the accounts to bill them accordingly, they sign a confidentiality agreement. The penalties to an employee who breaks that contract of confidentiality are extreme to say the least. Their life would be over.”

  Alajandro smiled.

  “We read that detailed confidentiality contract, and it is definitely in favor of the client. We respect that and the terms,” Toro told her.

  “So you worked for Saks and Cain for a few years now. How do you see the security aspect changing for the better? Are they upgrading their system anytime soon?” Loppo asked.

  “Well, from my understanding, there are constantly changes taking place on the manual level, you know with employees and the hands-on aspect. I do believe that a newer, more advanced system has been in the works for the better part of a year. The changes will be slow and steady, nothing abrupt that can cause any glitches. The vaults, the security cabinets where people have their actual money stored, won’t change. It’s top notch, and no new technology is going to improve that.”

  “Why do you think that when there are so many new, advanced systems being used?” Loppo asked her.

  “I think because many of these new systems are too reliable on outside sources and too many variables need to be in sync. The ones operated by computer systems alone could be hacked into, have glitches, or even loss of data. Old-school technology, keeping hard records on file as well as detached storage data, ensures no mistakes are made. I mean could you imagine if we used computer technology solely to keep track of the accounts and the monies in them, and then it gets hacked or there’s a malfunction? Your five hundred thousand could become fifty thousand with a zero being left off or, worse, money into another person’s account. That’s extreme, I know, but not a chance any reputable bank will be willing to take. This idea of high-end security vaults, geared toward individuals like yourselves who want their money to be safe, secured, accessible but also private, is fantastic.”

  “You’ve already sold us on the company, Giada, but your enthusiasm is appreciated,” Toro said to her.

  She smiled. “I enjoy working for the company. It’s gotten me through some tough times.”

  “Well, I’ll leave the three of you alone and head out. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Slane,” Loppo said and shook her hand.

  “Thank you,” she said, and then Loppo left the room.

  She stood there looking at both Alajandro and Toro, who leaned against the desk. Alajandro stepped closer and took her hand.

  “We’re sorry if Loppo was a bit intrusive. It was necessary, but also let us in on who you are personally, and that gives us peace of mind.”

  “It’s okay. I agreed, and now that part is over.”

  “Yes, and now we have you all to ourselves for a relaxing, enjoyable dinner to celebrate a new beginning in business together,” Toro added, stepping closer, too. She looked up at both men, feeling an attraction yet an invisible force field that kept her from accepting the attraction. She just wasn’t ready for anything.

  “Shall we head out? It’s later than we planned,” Toro said to her.

  “Sure. Thank you for the invite.”

  “Well, we’re hoping to be friends, Giada—close ones.” Alajandro guided her from the office with a hand at her hip.

  * * * *

  “So what you’re saying is that Calvarro is your mom’s cousin and he was the one to front you the money to start your own business?” Giada asked then took a sip of wine.

  Alajandro couldn’t help but stare at her lips and wonder what she tasted like. He and Toro had been over it so many times—the way she made them feel, how sexy and feminine she was. She’d made it clear that she didn’t date because of the loss of her boyfriend, a man who’d served in the military. Women loved men in uniform, and it kind of pissed him off that she was in love with a man and two years later still didn’t date. She was sweet, almost pure, and he got the feeling that this man she had been with had been her only lover. She was practically a virgin.

  “Yes, without his financial and supportive backing, Toro and I wouldn’t have succeeded in achieving our dreams.”

  “That is amazing, and he must be so proud. So is he involved in the businesses too?” she asked.

  “Not really. He always asks about how we are doing. Sometimes we feel compelled to give him part of our earnings, but he declines. Has his set of businesses. I wonder if that’s why he asked for you to attend the event on Friday evening.” Alajandro sipped the wine. Dinner had been exceptional, and the sweet woman had tried to pay for the meal.

  “What event?” she asked.

  “A boxing match downtown that is bringing in a lot of attention. We have seats all arranged for us, you included, and then we can hit one of the clubs afterward,” Toro told her.

  “Oh, I was actually supposed to get together with friends to see that fight and to go to Club X afterward.”

  “Really? Your girlfriends like to watch boxing matches?” Toro asked.

  She chuckled. “Actually one of my girlfriends is dating one of the boxers.”

  “Which boxer?” Alajandro asked.

  “Angelo Fiorre.”

  He couldn’t believe this. She was friends with the girlfriend of the Fiorre brothers. They were a known family, very wealthy and powerful.

  “We have money on him to win,” Toro told her and then eased his arm over the back of her chair.

  She glanced at him. “He’s very good but doesn’t fight too often. He picks and chooses, I guess.”

  “That’s what we heard, but he’s good enough. That’s for sure,” Toro said.

  “So you’ll go with us and sit with us?” Alajandro asked.

  “I don’t know. I kind of promised my friend I would sit with her.”

  “Knowing that the Fiorre brothers share the same woman, I’m certain that she won’t be alone without you there.” Toro couldn’t help but feel excited that Giada might be interested in being shared by him and Toro. That would be a very fun night in bed.

  “No, of course not, but there are a few of us single women hanging out with her and then afterward at the club. It’s Friday night.”

  “Well, why don’t we compromise? You watch the fight with us and then join your friends at the club afterward? That way we have time to spend together so you can meet Calvarro and see if he’s interested in doing some business with you, as well.”

  “Okay,” she said.

  Alajandro smiled. “Shall we drive you home now?”

  “I can grab a cab.”

  “Nonsense. We’ll drive you.”

  They headed out of the restaurant and to the Range Rover.

  When they arrived at her apartment building, Alajandro noticed the dirty looks he and Toro got from the security guard.

  “Good evening, Giada. Is everything okay?” the guy asked.

  “Sure thing, Donny. My friends are just walking me up, and they’ll be right down.”

  The guard nodded and totally stared at them. One look at Toro and he could see that he’d picked up on it.

  As they headed into the elevator, Alajandro felt compelled to make a move, so when they got out and she stood by her door, he pushed for more alone time. He reached out and stroked her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “How about you invite us in and we talk some more?”

  She lowered her eyes, and Toro stepped closer to her and placed a hand on her hip. “It will be a good thing. The three of us,” he said to her.

  She swallowed hard. “I told you that I don’t date.”

  Alajandro pulled her close, making her gasp. “Who said anything about dating?” He pressed his lips to hers. She seemed to like it until Toro joined in, kissing her neck and grip
ping her hair. As Alajandro pulled back, Giada looked scared.

  “We shouldn’t. It’s not a good idea,” she said.

  “I think it’s a great idea. We’re attracted to you and you to us,” Toro told her and kissed her neck some more.

  “It’s bad to mix business with pleasure.”

  “Not when you look this hot and we want you between us.” Alajandro pressed closer, only for her to push against his chest.

  “No. We can’t. I’m sorry, but I don’t date, and I don’t sleep with clients. Please understand.”

  He was disappointed, but he knew this wasn’t going to be his last attempt at kissing her, breaking down her defenses, and having her with Toro.

  “We’re disappointed,” Toro said to her.

  “Maybe we shouldn’t get together Friday night then.” She took out her keys.

  Alajandro touched her hand. “Calvarro invited you, and he wants to talk. We’ll work it out. We’ll take our time. Maybe that’s what you need.” He stroked her cheek with his knuckles.

  She nodded and opened her door. He thought of taking her anyway, of pushing her inside and making her their woman, but he didn’t act on that desire. He would play the game and wait a little longer. She was that appealing. He just hoped his cousin wasn’t thinking and wanting the same thing. If Calvarro was interested in Giada, then they would have no choice but to back off. He was the boss, the head of the Cuban family, and no one fucked with him, ever. Alajandro and Toro would be nothing if it hadn’t been for Calvarro Torres. Nothing.

  * * * *

  Giada exhaled and leaned against the door to her apartment. She was out of her mind turning down two hot, sexy, perfect businessmen like Alajandro and Toro. Absolutely out of her mind. She could just imagine what Fina, Donata, Alda, Alessa, and the others would say when she told them what happened.

  She pushed off the door and knew why she’d turned them down. First, she didn’t do one-night stands or have sex with men, business or personal. Two years. Two years without sex, intimacy, and even as desperate as she sometimes felt to feel loved or get embraced, she couldn’t let down the guard to do it. Her heart would instantly open up. She would read into what happened, maybe become clingy to a guy, and it would piss a man or men off. She knew that. Two, something held her back from letting go or even feeling as if she could let go with Alajandro and Toro. So what that they were fine, fine specimens of men. Jesus, were they super sexy, and those accents?

  She plopped onto the couch and exhaled. She stared toward the window and the night. She thought of the Coglonie men. Of Dominick, which brought her to number three. If she were to lose her ever-loving mind, throw inhibition to the wind, and not worry about tomorrow, about the consequences of having sex again, then she would do it with them.

  Tears stung her eyes. Bella was right. Giada was already in love with Andreas, Dominick, and Giuseppe.

  “Damn it!” she exclaimed and slammed her fist down on the couch.

  They were all wrong for her. All wrong. What was she thinking? Why them of all men, of all people? She met businessmen on a regular basis—good-looking ones, action-oriented ones, boring ones, conservative ones—you name it, and she met them. None did anything for her. None had her dreaming about them, imagining their touch, or imagining that it was their cocks inside of her body instead of her vibrator.

  Heck, that thing wasn’t even working anymore. It took the edge off, and that was about it.

  She heard her cell phone buzz, and she reached for her bag, looking for a distraction from these thoughts. When she cleared the screen and saw the text message from Andreas, she felt as if her heart stopped beating for half a second.

  Making sure that you’re okay.

  She typed back, No, not okay. Come over. But then she erased it. I need you so badly I hurt. She erased that, too. Thank you for checking in. I think I’m okay. Maybe.

  She stared at that. Would he get concerned and come over?

  Did she want him to?

  Yes…no…I can’t.

  She erased her reply and put down her phone. It was better to not answer at all.

  Chapter 6

  Giada walked into the waiting room at her office Thursday to meet a new client. The second her eyes landed on the man she recognized him from a couple of weeks ago at Celia’s. He squinted, and then a huge smile formed on his face.

  “Mocha martini.”

  “Crown Royal,” she countered, shaking his hand, and they both smiled.

  The instant their hands touched she felt something. A spark of interest maybe? What were the chances of multiple men giving her this reaction in one week’s time? Maybe she was just getting desperate to move past the walls and get on with a love life? To avoid feeling anything for the Coglonie men and really push them out of her life? Perhaps one man instead of multiple would make it easier to let down her guard and try intimacy again? This guy sure was attractive.

  He stared at her. “This is starting off a hell of a lot better than I expected. It’s Giada Slane, correct?”

  She pushed her hair behind her shoulders. “Oh God, yes, sorry, and you are Emanuel Cortez?” she asked, remembering the name on the file her boss, Monterro, had given her. He was the one who’d put her in contact with this potential client.

  “Yes.”

  “Great, well follow me into my office, and we can talk about your interests in Saks and Cain. Can I get you anything to drink? Water, coffee?” she asked as they passed by Julia, who stood and stared at Emanuel, practically drooling.

  Emanuel smiled. “Julia, I’ll be in a meeting with Mister Cortez. Can you hold all calls, please?”

  “Yes, of course.”

  “Thank you.” Giada motioned for Emanuel to enter her office. She closed the door, and he immediately took in the pictures she had on her bookshelf, one with her and Jimmy. Jimmy was in uniform, and she was wearing a pretty, sexy sundress. It was a week before he passed.

  “Boyfriend?” he asked and looked at her, eyeing her body.

  “He passed away a couple of years ago while serving.”

  He squinted at her. “So sorry for your loss.”

  “Thank you. So, Mister Spain hadn’t really explained what your interests are in Saks and Cain. I’m assuming that you are looking to open some accounts and explore our services.”

  He moved closer to where she stood, and he paced his hands on his hips. The man dressed completely designer but not custom. So he had money but maybe not too much.

  “Monterro is a character and highly recommended you to help me decide whether or not I’m interested in using this bank for the financial security of my money. I have a series of importing and exporting businesses in the US and abroad. I have other accounts overseas, but after a security breach at Waynes and Smith, let’s just say I was concerned.”

  She leaned back against her desk and crossed her arms in front of her chest in a relaxed stance, despite how the butterflies wiggled in her belly. He even smelled good. “Rightfully so. It was a scare for them, and some customers’ accounts were hacked into. In their defense, they did resolve everything very quickly, and any customers who suffered were taken care of.”

  He gave a soft smile and just stared at her a moment longer than what she thought was normal. She felt her cheeks warm, and then she straightened her shoulders.

  “Interesting.”

  “What is interesting?” she asked him.

  “That you didn’t bad-mouth Waynes and Smith to promote your own bank here.”

  “Why would I? They are a reputable bank. Things happen that are out of our control.”

  “Fate you mean, Giada?” he asked, and then his expression toward her was flirty.

  She swallowed hard. “Perhaps. So, what exactly are you interested in or want to learn more about?”

  “Besides you? I suppose the securities you offer here. Package deals, charges, et cetera.” He glanced at his watch.

  She was shocked by his forwardness and how uncomfortable it made her feel.r />
  “I’d like to set up a more detail-oriented meeting with you. Monterro mentioned your availability for next week, let’s say Tuesday, my office at eleven?” he asked.

  “I thought today’s meeting was about asking questions and finding out information about the company and what we have to offer.”

  “Oh, it was going to be, but as I waited for you, I received a phone call from a business associate, and my schedule for this morning changed abruptly. I didn’t want to be rude and reschedule, then leave. I’m glad I didn’t, or I wouldn’t have found out that the woman I was meeting turned out to be the same woman I couldn’t stop thinking about last week when we met by chance. I’d say this could be very positive, Miss Slane.” He reached out his hand for her to shake.

  She did immediately, uncertain about this whole meeting thing, and when he took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissed the top, and held her gaze, she had a feeling this was going to get a little crazy fast.

  “I’ll have my secretary call yours and confirm the time and location. I look forward to our meeting. Fate is a very powerful power, indeed.”

  He walked out of her office, leaving her there feeling sort of dumbfounded and unsure what had just happened.

  “Oh my God, who is he? He’s drop-dead gorgeous and that accent? Wowzas.” Julia placed her hand over her heart as she acted all dramatic.

  “I have no idea really, but it seems I’ll be meeting him at his office Tuesday to discuss his position as a potential client.”

  “I should have gone to graduate school. I wish I were better at math like you. You meet all the hot guys. I meet losers.”

  Giada chuckled. “You do not meet losers. Bradley was nice.”

  Julia rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. “I was dating him for a week and went to watch a football game with him, and he asked me to fetch his beers from the refrigerator. Seriously?”

  Julia walked out of Giada’s office, and Giada chuckled, but then she thought about the hot guy. Her cell phone rang, and she looked at it. Fina was calling. “Hey, what’s going on?”