Page 13 of Maximum Bet

Lucas’s expression brightens as he runs a hand over his dark hair and inches forward in his seat. “Amazing. I can feel the little guy move when I put my hand on her stomach. It’s the craziest thing watching him grow through her. It’s becoming real now, you know? Next week she has another doctor’s appointment. I’m going to go with her so I can listen to his heartbeat. It’s a boy, did I tell you that?”

“Only a thousand times,” Leo mutters.

I wink at Lucas as he grimaces with a mumbled, “Sorry.”

“I’d be excited, too,” I tell him.

And I would.

It’s not like I haven’t thought about it—the concept of Cassandra, with my child inside her. Fuck. I’ve thought about it a lot—more than I should.

Because right now isn’t the time.

I have a cartel and a Bratva family breathing down my neck, a new hotel opening, and a wedding to plan.

No.

Babies will have to wait.

I clear my throat and shuffle the financial statements sprawled across my desk. “So, what are we looking at in the way of security hirings at Pharaoh’s Temple? Do we have enough bodies for the opening?”

“We’re looking good.” Lucas straightens his shoulders. So far, he’s impressed me in his new role as head of security for Pharaoh’s Temple. After being shot in the leg during our first standoff with the Kozlova Bratva last year, Lucas proved he was a significant asset to the Romano-Tariello organization, and I promoted him.

Leojumps in. “We’ve fully hired our civilian security staff, and we have twenty Romano-Tariello associates so far. When Marco returns from the Virgin Islands, he and Lorenzo will head out to the desert with another training group, and we plan to bring ten more associates on to the team.”

I lift a pen from the desk, rotating it between my fingers. We staff all Tariello hotels with a mix of legitimate security personnel and “associates,” who are truly our syndicate’s foot soldiers and captains. “Thirty at Pharaoh’s Temple is a good start.”

“Actually, I have a question for you about the next batch of training,” Leo says. “In truth, the question is from Nico.”

“Shoot.” I tap my pen, waiting.

“Nico is impressed with the training regime we’ve implemented. He wants to know if he contributes financially, if we would allow his Chicago recruits to join.”

Tilting my head, I consider my cousin’s request. “Sharing the responsibilities of getting men trained doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Maybe a few of his higher-ups can learn from Marco and Lorenzo and take on some of the logistics.”

“It would also allow us to join Las Vegas and Chicago further,” Leo points out. “Having men willing to work together and armies we can lend to each other in times of need would strengthen both cities.”

With a nod, I concur. “Let’s do it.”

“Perfect.” Leo lifts his notepad and pen from my desk and scrawls a reminder. “I’ll call Nico this afternoon. We also need to decide how we want security organized for the grand opening gala. Lucas, do you have any recommendations as to who we should have stationed in the casino’s controlroom?”

As Lucas begins to answer, a buzzing emanates from my pocket. I shift in my seat to pull out my phone, then tense when I see the caller ID.

I cough and send the call to voicemail, then send a text message.

Can I call you back later?

Although I know “later” can’t be more than a few minutes.

“Leo, Lucas, I’ve got some work to do. I trust the two of you to assemble a strong team for the night of the event. You can send it to me for final approval before you hand out assignments.”

Leo’s brow furrows as he side-eyes me. “Sure, Dominic. We can do that.” The way his tone lifts and he draws out his words lets me know he didn’t miss my phone call or my subsequent reaction.

I give a tight smile and ignore my adviser’s curious stare.

“No problem, Dominic.” Lucas stands, smoothing his hands along his charcoal slacks. “Leo and I will get the list to you ASAP.”

“No rush,” I say, rocking back in my chair, pen clenched in the fist that rests on my lap. “We have time.”