Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 227: Chapter 11 Messenger Boy Tactics

Dominic’s POV

Sunday dragged by in a haze of dangerous obsession. The mystery woman from that boutique in Thorne territory had invaded every corner of my mind, and I couldn’t shake the image of her defiant dark eyes or the way she’d dismissed me like I was just another street punk instead of a feared Capo. I considered showing up at her workplace with my full security detail, but cornering her during business hours seemed like a move that would send her running straight to witness protection.

Then inspiration struck during Sunday dinner at my sister’s house. Penelope, my sister, was telling war stories about how her husband Ramon had won her over back when they were just street kids, complete with handwritten messages passed through mutual contacts before they’d even been properly introduced through family channels.

”He had this kid Milo deliver the most ridiculous pickup lines to my school,” Penelope laughed, stirring her homemade sauce in her kitchen. ”They were so pathetic I couldn’t help but find them endearing. That’s how I knew he was serious about getting past my family’s security.”

Old school courtship. Why hadn’t I thought of that approach?

I waited until late evening to call my nephew, forgetting that teenage boys actually keep reasonable bedtimes, unlike those of us who live in the night world.

”Uncle Dominic?” Vincenzo’s voice was thick with sleep. ”Is everything okay? Did something happen with the family?”

”Sorry, kid. Forgot you weren’t running on underworld hours like your old uncle.” I glanced at the reinforced clock on my office wall, noting it was well past bedtime hours. ”I need a favor this week.”

”School night, Uncle. Whatever family business it is, can’t it wait?”

”I’ll have the driver pick you up after classes tomorrow in the armored sedan. Consider it a business proposition with the organization.”

That got his attention immediately. ”Business proposition?”

”I’ll make it worth your while. Just trust me on this one, Vincenzo.”

The next afternoon, Vincenzo strutted into my office at Zenith Systems with the cocky confidence only teenage boys raised in mafia families possess. His swagger was abruptly halted when he spotted Zoe organizing classified intelligence files at her bulletproof desk.

”Uncle, what exactly did you need me to...” His words died as his eyes widened, taking in Zoe’s professional but undeniably lethal appearance.

”Zoe, meet my nephew Vincenzo. Vincenzo, this is Zoe, the woman who keeps my entire operation from burning down around us.”

My nephew, apparently channeling every terrible pickup line he’d ever overheard from the soldiers, stepped forward with a grin that would make his father proud. ”Damn, even the FBI database couldn’t find someone as fine as you.”

I couldn’t contain my laughter while Zoe fixed me with a look that could melt steel armor.

”Really, Dominic? You’re already corrupting the youth with your pathetic game?” Despite her scolding tone, amusement danced in her predatory eyes.

”That masterpiece was all him,” I managed between chuckles.

Zoe approached Vincenzo with the calculated grace of a trained killer, looking him up and down with theatrical consideration. ”You know what, kid? If you were legal and not family, I might actually consider it. You’re pretty cute for Thorne blood.”

Poor Vincenzo turned the color of fresh blood, and I felt a stab of something that might have been jealousy watching my deadliest associate flirt with my teenage nephew.

”So you’d consider my underage nephew, but your boss gets nothing?” I challenged, enjoying this rare moment of levity in our violent world.

”He’s got better lines than you do, Dominic. I’m heading out for my lunch surveillance run. Try not to corrupt him too much while I’m gone.”

After Zoe left, Vincenzo collapsed into the nearest leather chair like his legs had given out.

”Holy shit, Uncle. How do you concentrate on territorial business with her around?”

”Watch your mouth, and I’m a professional,” I lied smoothly. No need for him to know that Zoe had me wrapped around her perfectly manicured, trigger-happy finger.

”Come on, we’re going to conduct some reconnaissance.”

”Since when do you go to civilian shopping centers?”

”Since today. I’ll explain in the armored car.”

During the drive through Thorne territory, I outlined my plan while our security detail followed at a discrete distance. Vincenzo listened with growing disbelief, occasionally shaking his head at what he clearly considered the worst strategy in organized crime history.

”Why don’t you just walk up to her with proper introductions like a normal made man?”

”Where’s the challenge in that? Besides, haven’t I taught you anything about the art of conquest? The best territories require careful siege tactics.”

We passed by the boutique first, but she wasn’t working today. I led Vincenzo to an upscale stationery store where I purchased expensive cards with matching envelopes, then we settled into the shopping center’s food court to begin my campaign.

”There she is,” I said, spotting the familiar figure at a table near the windows.

”Uncle, she’s gorgeous, but I think you’re setting yourself up for total annihilation. A woman like that probably has half the city’s wise guys throwing themselves at her feet.”

”Trust me, kid. By the end of this siege, she’ll be surrendering to me.”

I pulled out the first card and wrote carefully before sealing it in the envelope. The coffee shop across from the boutique would serve as my command post.

”Alright, here’s your first delivery mission.” I handed over the card.

Vincenzo opened it and read aloud: ”Temptations like you deserve sinners like me.” He looked at me with pure horror. ”Uncle, this is absolutely terrible. She’s going to think you’re some kind of psychopath.”

”Just deliver the message, smart mouth.”

What felt like an hour of waiting for enemy intelligence passed before Vincenzo returned, looking slightly traumatized.

”Okay, so this little messenger service is going to cost you extra protection money. She nearly called mall security, which would have meant real cops. I’m pretty sure she thinks you’re stalking her.” He handed me a folded piece of paper.

Her response was written in elegant script: ”You should be ashamed of exploiting your nephew for this juvenile behavior. Do you have no dignity?”

”What exactly did you tell her?”

”She was about to call mall security, which would have meant involving outside law enforcement, and you know what Mom would do to both of us if we brought heat on the family. So I did damage control. Told her my uncle saw her, thinks she’s beautiful, but he’s too honorable to approach directly without proper introduction.”

I had to admit the kid had the quick thinking of true Thorne blood. Penelope would indeed have our heads if we compromised family security over my romantic pursuits.