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“Yes, Mr. De Luca.”
Donna is cute, and if I’m honest, I think she hero worships me just a little bit. But I don’t shit where I eat, so I graciously accept the gift and leave.
* * *
“Okay, so I’ve checked Kyle out.”
“And?”
“The man’s no altar boy, but on the plus side, his business is on the up. Perhaps an alliance with him isn’t such a bad idea. We have been looking to expand our international business. Kyle’s operation is a good place to start.”
“Okay. Set it up.”
“Will do.”
“Except, I’m not taking Elio with me. It’s better if he stays behind to run the day to day operations while I’m away.”
“Your brother won’t be happy to send you off by yourself, Boss.”
“He’ll be fine. Besides, Elio does what I tell him to do. Everyone knows it's a bad idea for the two of us to travel together. The rules of ascendancy don't permit it.”
“I’ll set it up.”
“Thanks, Bruno.”
“You had quite a night, by the looks of it,” he smirks.
“Yeah. Elio knows how to throw a party; I’ll give him that.”
“How are you feeling this morning?”
“Strong like a lion, buddy.”
“You De Luca men are chiseled from tough stuff,” Bruno chuckles.
“You better believe it.”
* * *
I settle in as I gear myself for the fifteen hour flight to LA. One of the perks of being wealthy is owning my own jet. It gives me time to go through some paperwork. I like to be prepared when it comes to business dealings. My degree in finance gives me a good business head, so no one has ever been able to pull the wool over my eyes when it comes to numbers.
I must say, I’m impressed with what Kyke has sent through. He seems to be a savvy entrepreneur. It’s not his business acumen that gives me pause. Again, I don’t know what it is about the man that makes me uncomfortable. I usually have great instincts when it comes to people. I hope I’m wrong about him.
“Would you like a drink, Mr. De Luca?”
“I’ll have a whiskey, thanks, Jenna.”
“Dinner will be served in about half an hour,” she smiles.
“Thanks.”
I’ll have a bit to eat and then take a nap. I’ve been running on fumes lately. I want to be clear headed when we land in LA.
“Gino.”
“Yes, Boss.”
“I want you boys to be on your game tomorrow.”