Page 27 of The Mobster’s Prize

That alone proves how stupid that man is. Anyone could crack that code.

“If you go to my apartment and pick up my car, you’ll get through the gate without question. You should take at least ten men. One to drive each vehicle. He has a Valkyrie. A Rolls. A Bugatti. The list goes on and on. All of them are worth more than the four million he owes you.”

“That sounds like a fuck ton more than what he owes,” Dario clips, eyeing me skeptically. I hadn’t had a chance to tell him about how Santone had spent his money. Alexandra has been a distraction.

“I figure he owes you interest. Plus, more for the headache. Personally, I think you should have all of them. He certainly doesn’t deserve them.”

Dario looks in my direction again.

“I like the way she thinks.”

I do too.

“I’ll go round up the boys and inform them of the plan. Once we have surveillance on the place, I’ll let you know when we plan to go in.”

“I can handle it, boss.” Anything to win his favor so he doesn’t bust my ass for breaking his order.

“No. Your job is to stay here and make sure this girl is safe. Once her dad sees her car coming through the gate on the surveillance feed, he’ll know she had something to do with it.”

I don’t fucking like the sound of that.

I go to protest, thinking we should come up with a different plan, but he holds up his hand.

“Don’t worry, Dagastino. Once the job is done and the vehicles are secured, he’ll know that she’s protected by the family. If he even thinks to lay a hand on my soldier’s girl, he’ll end up ten feet underground.”

Am I hearing him correctly? Did he just give his approval? It sounded like he did.

“It was nice meeting you, Alexandra. I hope to see you again soon. Dagastino,” he snaps, “walk me out.”

“Yes, boss. I’ll be right back, babe.”

I step around her and follow him outside, him bidding Alexandra one last farewell on his way out.

“I tried not to, boss. But…”

“Save it, Dagastino.” He holds up his hand. “Two minutes with the girl, and I understand why you disobeyed the order. She’s quite the catch. If I were you, I’d put a ring on her finger before she realizes what a grumpy ass you can be.”

He didn’t need to give the warning. I already came to the same conclusion. And what she just did back there, sticking up for me, showed me that I can trust her with my life. I know all I need to know now. She’s going to be my wife.

“I’ll let you know once we’ve retrieved the cars.” He opens his car door. “Do me a favor? Ask that girl if she has a favorite. I’ll make sure it’s hers.”

“Thanks, boss.”

Alexandra won’t want any of those cars. But maybe I can convince her to take the most expensive one, so she can use the money to open up her bakery. After what she lived through under her father’s roof, she deserves it.

I turn to head back inside, seeing her watching from the kitchen window. My little snoop.

“It’s okay, baby.” I catch her as she rushes to me.

“He’s not going to kill you?”

“No. He’s not going to kill me.”

“So, what did he say?”

“He told me I should lock you down before someone tries to steal you from me.”

Of which, I would never let happen.