Chapter Five

Romano’s POV

“So what’s our next move” Santos asked.

“Arrange a meeting for tonight, they can come to us. If they want this deal to go ahead they need to accept our offer” I replied.

Santos is my cousin, although he’s more like my brother, we’ve been through so much together and I trust him with my life. This is why I have him running most of my business, he deals with the clients and all the gritty stuff that goes with it, of course I oversee everything to make sure it’s exactly how it should be but most of the time I trust Santos enough to deal with it.

Santos is speaking on the phone with the client while I stand in-front of the floor length window, the view from the hotel is spectacular, even better from the penthouse.

I’m deep in thought, I can’t get that woman out of my head, who is she, I need to know. Just those few minutes of watching her in the lobby had me mesmerized, when her eyes met mine I was completely hooked. It’s strange I’ve never looked at a woman and been so taken back, not even when I was married. Of course I can appreciate a beautiful woman but there’s something about her that I can’t put my finger on.

“Roman.. Roman” I’m snapped away from my thoughts.

“The meeting will be held tonight at 7pm here in the restaurant” Santos says.

“Good, make sure everyone is there, including Kate and Jenny” I reply.

“Do you think having them two in the same room together is a good idea” Santos replied raising an eyebrow.

Jenny is my sister, she takes no shit and is one of the best negotiators, especially when it comes to business, she oversees the contracts. Kate on the other hand is my ex-wife, she oversees the accounts, I kept her on for the sake of our daughter Sadie and that was only because Sadie asked me to. Sadie is 15, when me and Kate separated 7 months ago Sadie was heartbroken although she knew it was for the best, the relationship was toxic and not the best environment for Sadie.

“They will both be there, if they can’t hold their tongues there’ll be consequences” I speak. Those two can keep the peace for one night or I will make sure they never get the opportunity to work in this business ever again, more so Kate, I was desperate to get her out from under my feet. Jenny is extremely short tempered and would probably try to kick my arse, I smirk just thinking about it. Although Jenny is 4 years younger than me, she always treated me like a little brother, thinking she had to look out for me all the time, she’s highly protective.

I Jump out of the shower and slip on my black tailored pants with a crisp white shirt, hopefully this meeting won’t take too long I think to myself. Santos was already down there entertaining our guests. I take a look at my watch, 7.05pm. I slip my suit jacket on grab my phone and head for the door.

The elevator door opens, I step inside. Thankfully I’m the only person in the elevator, I hate being in tight spaces with people who talk shit, I’ve always had a low tolerance to bullshit.

I wonder what floor she’s staying on, I wish I knew.

I found myself thinking about that woman again and what I would do to her if she was with me right now in this elevator, who the fuck is she.

I exit the elevator and make my way to the restaurant across the lobby, everyone is waiting for my arrival. I take a seat between Santos and Lucas, my head of security. I’m sat facing three of our potential new clients with Jenny and Kate sat opposite ends of the table and a few of my other men around us. I can see Kate has already made herself comfortable. She is openly flirting with one of our clients, I am sure she does this to get a reaction out of me but I couldn’t give a shit. She usually stops when she realises I have no interest in who she entertains.

“Let’s begin” I say as I look away from Kate.

“we would like 50% more than what you’re offering if you require our services” states Stefan.

I have never been a fan of his, ever since we were in the marines he used to get right on my nerves, but I respect his way of working and I know he has some of the best men for the job however 50% is more than I am willing to pay for his services.

“50% is more than I am willing to offer” I reply.

“Take it or leave it” he says.

“Leave it” I say with anger in my tone.

As if on cue Jenny cuts in.

“Stefan, what we are offering is more than what any other company has or would ever offer you, you can walk away from this deal and be no better off than you are today or you can stay and agree to a contract which would offer you 15% more than we originally offered as-well as benefits such as paid flights and accommodation. Now I know our first offer had you interested, that’s why you’re here today but if you think you can find better elsewhere then that’s absolutely fine. I have already made contact with the north base who are willing to accept our offer minus the 15% and they have men who are extremely fitting for these positions.  The only reason we are coming to you is because Roman respects your work ethic and believes you are the best man for the job. In my eyes that is a compliment. So what do you say?”.

There’s a long silence before Stefan opens his mouth to speak.

“Ok, on one condition, you come work for me” Stefan says as he looks straight at Jenny.

“Thank you for the offer Stefan but I’m quite happy working with Romano, it is a family business after all” she laughs and hands Stefan a pen. He looks straight at me before dropping his head and signing the contract.

I knew it was a good idea bringing Jenny on board, she has a true gift for this business.

“Ok, now let’s celebrate”  Santos says with a huge grin like he has just secured the best deal of his life.

I glance up towards the door and there she is, she’s actually here. The woman I have had on my mind for hours is actually stood right there. I watch her as she scans the room until her eyes fall on me. She is perfect, I can’t take my eyes off her. We stare at each other for what seems like minutes, until her gaze is pulled away from mine as someone shouts her name “Luna”.