Reckless & Ruined Read Online Free Page A

listening in.”
    “I don’t like chocolate.” Adriano was more likely to enjoy a cold beer on a hot day than eat a bowl of chocolate flavored ice-cream. “But if you’re paying, I’ll have some.”
    Riley smirked. “Figures. The have that strawberry flavor you like, too. Let’s go.”
    Adriano followed alongside his father. The quiet street was devoid of traffic for the most part, but it was still early. After a good ten-minute trek, Riley stopped at the vendor with the brightly colored sign advertising gelato and the favors offered. Once his father had ordered the two cups and the creamy treat had been paid for, Adriano let Riley find them a bench to sit on further down the street.
    “Eat,” Riley demanded.
    Adriano glanced down at the cup of strawberry gelato. He wasn’t interested in food, but clearly his father had a motive behind this little … whatever it was. Sticking the tiny spoon into the gelato, Adriano took a decent sized bite and waited his father out.
    Sometimes, with Riley Conti, it was all about the wait.
    “Three cars down across the street, left side,” Riley said.
    Adriano followed his father’s gaze to find a cobalt blue Porsche with windows tinted dark. “I know that car.”
    “You should. It belongs to Damian Rossi.”
    Ah.
    Tommas Rossi’s cousin and right-hand man for his portion of the Rossi crew.
    Everyone suspected Damian’s role in the Chicago mob had everything to do with helping to run a crew, but Adriano knew better. Damian was nobody’s man except for the boss’s. Terrance never outright said it; he didn’t have to. Damian did all the dirty work that Terrance didn’t want to, like the killing.
    Quiet men were dangerous men, after all.
    Damian was certainly a quiet man.
    “What is he doing around here?” Adriano asked.
    “Business, probably,” Riley replied. “He might be marrying a DeLuca, but he’s got no allies to speak of. Damian never was any good at picking sides in a fight. He only ever picks his side, but that’s a good way to be, too. You see, that way, he doesn’t lose.”
    Point taken.
    “Aren’t you worried that Terrance might have sent him around to spy on you?”
    Riley laughed. “No. Believe me, if that were the case, I wouldn’t have seen Damian at all. There is a reason why we call him Ghost, Adriano.”
    “I’m aware of his skills, Dad.” Adriano stuck another spoonful of gelato in his mouth before saying, “You know, stuffing my mouth full of food won’t stop me from arguing with you.”
    Riley eyed his son, smiling. “You’re too perceptive for your own good, Adriano.”
    “No, I just know you.”
    “Truth. We’re very much alike, son.”
    “And entirely different,” Adriano muttered.
    “That we are,” Riley agreed quietly. “You’re angry with me.”
    “Figured that out, did you?”
    “There’s no need for your mouth to make an appearance, son. But yes, I’m very aware of your feelings. You’ve made them clear more than once.” Riley made a disapproving sound under his breath, adding, “And you know better than to do that, Adriano. Challenging me like you have been, it’s ridiculous. I won’t stand for it. Family is most important. You know that. I expect you to be loyal to me at all times, son.”
    “I thought the Outfit was the family. That’s what you always said.”
    “It is,” Riley replied.
    “Family forgives, Dad.”
    “Not this one, Adriano.”
    “Mom’s body isn’t even cold yet,” Adriano said.
    “Your point?”
    “You’re already looking for the next hole to fill, Dad.”
    Riley scowled. “Adriano—”
    “I can’t help but wonder if you’re just using her death as an excuse to get something else that you want. And if that’s the case, you’re just an asshole.”
    “Watch yourself, son. You’re treading a very thin line.” Riley stood from the bench and dropped his full cup of gelato into the trash can. “I think we’ve talked enough.”
    “I think we haven’t said nearly