Arranged marriage to the princess of the Red Scorpions

346 You’re A pain

Jovani wanted to end the call the moment he realized who the person was. Except, they wouldn’t let him. Or rather, they said enough to keep his attention just as his finger hovered over the button to end the call.

“Now, don’t be so tetchy. I know that we don’t exactly have the best past between us but I did call for a specific reason. A few things that I think you will be interested in. The princess’s brother woke up, I’m sure you’d like to know that.”

Richard made sure to draw the other in carefully. Jovani wouldn’t willingly talk to him unless he would benefit from the conversation. Richard bit down on the fork to catch the rest of the mashed potatoes before they could fall back down on the tray as he waited to see if the other would take the bait. The nurse gave him some useful information. All of which he wouldn’t be so quickly to divulge to the Vedova Nera boss. At least not without getting something out of it in return.

“While that is good news I’ll be certain to tell Samuel about, I highly doubt that is the only reason you called me.” Richard could hear the other’s bitter tone through the other end of the phone. One would think Jovani would’ve given up on his grudge after so many years. Everything should’ve been cleared up between the two of them by now.

“For someone who hasn’t talked to me all that much, you certainly know me quite well already. There are a few other things that I did want to bring to your attention while we’re talking. Some from Lena, a few from my own observations. Primarily I would love to know what’s going on between her and your kid cousin. I seemed to have missed something important in a few hours away. Second, I’m wondering if you’re keeping a certain someone on your side of the world safe? One that I would very much like to reconnect with.” By the heavy breath that followed his words, Richard knew the other wouldn’t be so quick to bite onto that mouthful.

“I’m not around anyone else important right now so you can see whatever it is you want to without concern. I also don’t intend to give away whatever you tell me either. Call it selfish curiosity born out of self-interest. One that might end up benefiting you as well.” As long as Lena didn’t suddenly come back, Richard would keep the conversation going as long as he could. Just a little bit of time would be all it would take for him to get ahold of what he was really after.

Jovani however didn’t intend to play ball that easily with the other man. He didn’t have the time or patience nor did he think the other deserved anything from him. Emily needed to hurry up before he lost himself any further than he already had. 𝒇𝒓𝗲e𝔀𝗲𝚋ｎoѵℯƖ. c𝑜m

“Whatever is going on on my side of the world isn’t anything that concerns you. Even if I did know something or have someone, I wouldn’t tell you. Not now or ever. If you want to know what’s going on between the two, I would suggest you ask Lena because your guess is as good as mine beyond the fact that there was a gun involved somewhere. I’m sure you’re smart enough to put the pieces together yourself.” Jovani shot Emily a quick text as he made his way towards his office. He didn’t want Samuel or anyone else to overhear his conversation. It wasn’t exactly his place to tell anyone else their business. Family friend or not, Richard could figure out what he wanted to know on his own. Nosy man could be good at doing that when he wanted to be. Right now would be the perfect time for him to put all of those skills under his belt to good use rather than bothering the Vedova Nera boss.

Jovani muted the phone as he dismissed anyone else who he passed on his way to his office. The less people in the house tonight, the better it would be for him. Having guests over made it too crowded as it was. One day without cleaning wouldn’t cause the whole place to burn down. Even if it did, that was exactly what the insurance for the place was for.

.....

“Ah. You see though, I do need this information from you for a number of reasons. You should know that I have quite a few reliable sources that work with me. Some who wouldn’t mind finding out the information in ways I don’t think you would like and that would push too many other people into your business.” Jovani gritted his teeth. Damn Richard for going straight for the one thing that he wouldn’t want to have to deal with. Could a bullet not be put through at least that man’s head so he longer had to deal with him? Just one little bullet and the problem would be taken care of for the forever future.

“You know, you’re a real pain I honestly don’t have the time or patience to deal with right now.” Jovani left the door to his office own as he entered it and closed the blinds.

“Whatever you’re thinking or wanting to know, the information won’t come from. Blackmail doesn’t work anymore and you should know that.” Jovani would call Richard’s bluff any day he got the chance. The Vedova Nera boss didn’t believe for one second the other could what he said in the first place.

“Suit yourself then. You should be aware though that if I find out on my own, I’ll be more likely to spread they information around than if you told me yourself.” Jovani paused for a second to think this threat over.

Did Richard think he had the upper hand? For what reason would that be?

To push so hard meant he must’ve been hiding a, trump card but what kind would that be?