CHAPTER FIVE

Ricardo’s POV

I wasn't in the mood to deal with anyone.

The morning had been a disaster, there had been an incident at one of our clubs in Las Vegas and the police had gotten involved.

I sent Valerio to settle the matter but it did nothing to reduce my anger. I felt like ripping someone's head off.

That someone was Antonio Lombardi, my stupid cousin or at least that's what everyone believed.

I had sent him to Las Vegas because we had the police there in our pockets. Antonio wasn't meticulous and could easily get caught so I sent him where he wouldn't bring us any trouble but he still messed up.

“When is he ever going to learn?” I wondered. Antonio was one of my most loyal men, despite his foolishness. I didn't want to get rid of him.

I let out a breath, leaning back on my chair as I thought of an accurate punishment.

Then I heard it, the sound of her heels clicking against the floor as she walked to the door of my office.

I sat up, waiting for her to knock. She stood for a moment, she always did that, she would hesitate at the door for a moment, waiting for God knows what before knocking.

I chuckled as she finally knocked, “come in,” I said and she opened the door.

The moment she entered, I forgot what I was angry about.

She stood at the doorway, her green eyes glowing as they met mine. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen.

Her skirt– it shouldn't have been that short, shouldn't have looked so good on her.

My gaze lingered for a moment on her hips, tracing her curves with my eyes before moving back to her face.

She was beautiful, and that was a problem.

“Good morning, Mr Lombardi,” she said smoothly.

Even her voice had a way of getting under my skin, making me shiver. She had insisted on calling me Mr Lombardi, Instead of Don like everybody else.

Was that a form of defiance? I wondered. She acted like she hated the ways of the Mafia so much but then why did she apply to be Valerio’s assistant?

Why would someone like her choose to be part of our world?

“Morning,” I replied with a clipped tone. I gestured for her to come in, trying to ignore the way her hair shone as the sunlight hit it.

I didn't have time for distractions.

“Close the door,” I ordered, my voice a bit sharper than I intended and she obeyed quickly shutting the door behind her.

I leaned back in my chair, studying her. Most people would fidget under my scrutiny but she didn't, she met my gaze head-on, calm and composed like she wasn't scared of me.

That was a facade though, I knew she was scared of me, I had seen it in her eyes twice, the day at the restaurant and yesterday at Lorenzo's house.

I pushed a stack of files on my desk towards her. “You'll be working on this today. Go through them carefully, I don't want any mistakes.”

She moved closer and took the files, I looked at the folder in front of me, fighting the urge to look at her.

But when she turned to walk towards the side table, I caught myself staring, my eyes drawn to the curve of her back and the way her skirt moved with every step.

I would have to tell her not to wear that skirt again.

My phone buzzed on my desk and I looked at the screen. Matteo Bellucci.

The Bellucci family had been allies of the Lombardi’s for years, and they had a lot of influence in Vegas.

If there was anyone who could help with the Antonio issue, it was him.

I swiped to answer and brought the phone to my ear. “Matteo,”

“Ricardo,” he answered.“I heard about Antonio. It's a rough situation but I think I can help.”

I leaned back on my chair, twisting a pen in my hand as I watched Vittoria. “I'm listening.”

“There's a judge in Vegas that owes me a big favour, if you can send me the specifics of Antonio's charges, I can make a call.”

Vittoria reached for a pen on her desk and ended up pushing a stack of papers. She gasped, trying to catch them but ended up pushing them on the floor.

I chuckled, shaking my head. Matteo continued talking but I could barely hear him as I watched Vittoria mutter something and bend down to pick up the papers.

“Ricardo, are you still there?” Matteo's voice interrupted my amusement.

“Yeah, I'm here,” I said, holding back a chuckle. Vittoria stood up, holding the papers in her arms, but as she tried to place them on the table, her elbow hit her coffee cup.

“I said you would have to pay the Judge, and he would want something big, especially since it's a Lombardi.”

“Hmm, okay.” The cup tipped dangerously close to the edge of the table and I held my breath watching as she rushed to catch it.

Her hands shook and a few drops of coffee spilled on the table.

“She's so clumsy,” I murmured, as she quickly grabbed a tissue and wiped the desk frantically, all while muttering under her breath.

I let out a quiet laugh, not able to hold it in anymore.

“Are you listening to me, Ricardo?” Matteo asked, amusement evident in his voice.

“Ah yes, yes. I'm ready to pay whatever, I just want Antonio cleared.”

“Alright then, I'll talk to him and get back to you,” he said and cut the call.

My lips twitched with amusement as I set my phone down and watched Vittoria, she had settled and was writing something down. “You're so clumsy,” I teased.

She turned to me, her green eyes glowing with defiance. “No sir, I'm not clumsy. That was a one-time thing.”

I couldn't help but laugh at her defence. “One time? And you nearly knocked over the whole office.”

Her cheeks flushed and she crossed her arms on her chest defensively. “It was just a few papers… and the cup.”

My phone buzzed before I could reply and I opened it to see a text message.

“Don Lombardi, you are kindly invited to the annual gala of the Moretti family this Friday evening. We hope you will grace us with your attendance.”

The Moretti family gala, I had completely forgotten about it and Valerio wasn't here to go with me.

I did not like going to the Moretti’s gala alone despite them being our allies, they were hell-bent on forcing their daughter on me.

Their daughter Claudia was a very beautiful young lady for sure, but I wasn't interested in her, I also didn't like the idea of joining Mafia families. It would only complicate things.

I looked up at Vittoria, and an idea came to mind. “Are you free tomorrow evening Vittoria?”

She blinked, confusion evident on her face. “I think so…yes?”

“There’s an event, you're coming with me.”