Page 23 of Bulletproof Baby

"You're interfering with my business, Don Barrone," Saul says, using a linen cloth napkin to wipe his mouth. "La Familia functions smoothly because we don't interfere with each other’s businesses. I'll concede that Lia Bonetti isn't any of my business. We're not dating or anything. However, her parents? They're in debt to me and you have no right trying to get them to rat?—"

I interrupt him. "They're not in the life, Saul. They're civilians. Ordinary people are not rats, they're concerned citizens."

"That doesn't matter. What matters is they made an arrangement with me. I don't step on your toes. You don't step on mine." Saul leans in closer, barely raising his voice above a whisper. "They put one of my guys in a piling. They're lucky that all we have is an arrangement."

There's his mistake. Now that I know it's someone associated with Saul that the Bonetti family killed, that information will make Cecilia's job easier. She should be able to tie Saul to the extortion and to organizing the situation that trapped the Bonetti family. Until then, I have to make sure not to jeopardize Lia, or her family's safety. For that, I want her with me.

Against my better judgment, I work with Saul, and say, "Fine, Lia belongs to me, and you can keep your arrangement with the parents, Don Caputo."

Saul rubs his hands together greedily before extending one across the table for me to shake it. I begrudgingly do so just in time for Lia to return with Armande at her back. Her eyes dart between me and Saul.

Saul grins as he speaks loud enough for her to hear him. "Thank you for your cooperation, Don Barrone. I'm sure Lia won't mind you looking out for her while I look out for her parents. Look at us, one big happy fucking La Familia."

Saul rises out of his seat, cocking half a smile and tipping his head toward Lia as he strolls out of the club.

"What the fuck did you just do, Valentino?" Lia hisses with worry etching across her face.

"I just kept the peace, for now." I tell her but turn to Armande. "What's she still doing here?"

11

LIA

"Don't talk about me like I'm not standing here in front of you, Valentino," I warn him. "I'm still here because I have no idea who the hell this guy is or why he's following me to my car."

I shoot the handsome stranger a scathing glare that Valentino stands up to address. "Lia, this is Armande, my second in command. I trust him with my life?—"

I cut him off. "It doesn't matter. What are you doing here? Are you following me again?"

Armande chuckles to himself, interjecting, "He's here for me. I've been trying to get him to refocus on work since he's been distracted lately."

The way he stares at me from head to toe lets me know I'm the subject of that distraction. In a matter of seconds, I have an entirely new set of problems and questions. My life is spinning out of control in the hands of made men, La Familia.

The same man who auctioned me off over the weekend appears at our table with an expression I can't quite read. He's flamboyant, but not like my cousin, Frankie. No, this guy is like a character from one of those ’80s cop shows Pop likes to watch with his silk shirt that leaves the top three buttons undone. His curly hair is slicked back, and gold jewelry dangles around his neck. There's an indescribable flair about him and it's clear he's a man of power and intrigue.

"Your room is ready Mr. Laurentis. Would you like a room as well, Mr. Barrone?" He asks with a smile as he shifts his gaze toward me. It feels like everyone in the dining area is waiting for me to answer for Valentino.

Valentino's reply is abrupt. "No, Dimitri. Armande is free to enjoy himself on my tab."

Armande tips his head toward Valentino. "Why thank you, oh Malevolent One."

"Don't be a dick," Valentino tells Armande.

Dimitri asks Valentino the question again, his eyes still shifting between us. "Are you sure I can't get you and the lovely Lia a stage for a scene? It's been so long, since you've, um, participated. She looks perfect for your particular tastes."

Valentino's voice is stern this time. "No, Dimitri. We're leaving."

Valentino's out of his seat as Armande and Dimitri venture off toward the velvet curtain, disappearing deeper into the club. Curiosity tugs at me, but with Valentino's firm hand pressing against the small of my back, he leads me outside.

There's a breeze blowing through the night. People walk up and down the street as if my life's not flipping upside down at every turn.

"What was he talking about? A stage? A scene? What's behind that curtain?" I ask Valentino once we're outside and heading toward my car. We stop just as we reach the passenger side door, his eyes traveling up and down the sidewalk at the scarce amount of people walking by.

"That's not a conversation I want to have out here. Are you safe to drive?" he asks.

"I'm fine. I didn't get to eat or drink anything before you showed up. What was that all about, Valentino? Just tell me what's going on. Why are you making deals with a man you clearly hate?"

Valentino sighs. "Saul made an interesting point. He doesn't interfere with my business and it's not right that I interfere with his. The only reason I stepped in, helping your family, is because of what's going on between us."