“Same,” Slash added.
“Lulu,” Teddy said, “why is everything a competition?”
“Here we go,” Carrera mumbled.
“This has nothing to do with you, Teddy,” Luciano answered while filling three glasses. “I’ll have wine with dinner, fratello.”
“Wine for me,” Gabriel said, taking the bottle from Teddy.
Teddy glared at Luciano, but Luciano just chuckled.
“Whatever,” Teddy grumbled before opening the beer and draining half the bottle.
After Gabriel poured Elsa a glass of chianti, she held it up. “Alla famiglia.”
Everyone toasted, then drank.
“Boys, when are you going to stop competing?” Elsa asked.
“Everything is a competition,” Teddy replied.
“Not here,” Luciano said. “Not here, brother.”
Someone is approaching the front door,” the security system announced. “An unknown male.”
The doorbell rang and Carrera headed toward the foyer.
Simone’s phone buzzed and she read the incoming text from an unknown number. “If you take that case, you’re a dead woman.”
Ohgod.
She stared at the words, the threat filling her with dread.
“Heyyyyo!” a male voice called out, hijacking her attention.
“Ah, fuck,” Luciano murmured under his breath.
LUCIANO
Luciano wasn’tinterested in spending time with Willie Boy, but he’d take full advantage. Just because he didn’t respect his cousin didn’t mean he’d be a total jackass. With his signature smile in place, he opened his arms, embraced the Santini in a two-cheeked kiss.
“How’ve you been?” Luciano asked.
But Willie Boy was too busy eyeing the designer shopping bags. “Where’smypresent?”
Elsa appeared, but Willie Boy didn’t acknowledge her.
“Show some respect,” Luciano said, trying to keep his annoyance in check.
Willie Boy smiled. “Where’s my present,please?”
“I’m talking about Elsa,” Luciano said.
“Hey, G-ma, how’s it goin’?” Willie Boy asked, his eyes glued on Simone. “Who’s the hot chick? She’s gotta be—what—almost six feet. I’d like to climb her.”
Luciano grabbed Willie Boy by the scruff of his ratty T-shirt. “Enough!” he roared.
Teddy appeared next to Luciano. “What’s your problem, Willie Boy?”