I’m not surprised to learn Ben is behind the lack of information on the internet, and I suspect his interest in the tech industry stems from his desire to control all that is said about him and his business. “Did you have to initiate or did you get a pass because you were older?”
He smirks, and I swat his chest. “Don’t make fun of me! You successfully wiped all information from the web, so I’m forced to rely on romance novels for my intel.”
“I like hearing that,” he says, and I roll my eyes.
His expression turns more somber. “I had to initiate, the very next night. I did it under duress, but I wasn’t stupid. I knew I had no choice. To deny him meant death. I initiated and spent a few years training and working as a soldier.”
“Have you killed a lot of men?” I don’t want an actual number, but I won’t shy away from the truth.
“I suppose that depends on your definition of ‘a lot.’ But, yes, I have killed men. Tortured them. Stole from them. I’ve done a lot of shit I didn’t want to do, but I had no choice then. I knew the only way I could change things was by doing the dirty work, proving I deserved my place, working my butt off to earn it and the respect of the men and the other families, and when I took power six years ago, I began my program of changes.”
I take a gulp of my wine before setting it down and turning fully around so I’m facing him. “Tell me about it. I want to know. I remember how shocked and impressed I was when I visited the Caltimore Holdings building. It was not at all what I expected.”
Ben’s face comes alive as he tells me what he’s been doing during the years of our separation. “Tradition is very important to the Italian mafia. To most mafia organizations, actually. But the whole structure needed modernization. RICO laws have made it tough to continue doing business the same way, if you want to stay out of jail. So, I have focused on legitimizing as much of the business as possible, placing huge focus on developing our construction companies, transforming our clubs and casinos into high-end establishments catering to powerful VIPs, networking with the right people in industry, government, and the judicial system, and buying up strategic IT firms.”
“I read about that and formed my own assumptions, but I’d like to hear it from you. What exactly is your interest in technology?”
“First, IT is a very good investment in the current climate. But it also gives us a means of elevating core traditional businesses.”
I wasn’t expecting him to say that, and I’m not quite sure what he means. “I don’t understand.”
He puts his glass down, facing me. His entire face exudes passion, and I can tell he genuinely loves what he does. “Racketeering and extortion were how a lot of mafia organizations were built, but the days of sending thugs in suits to shake up bar owners, restaurateurs, and local store owners are gone. Now we offer protection against online fraud, and our customers pay a monthly retainer to avail of those services. Of course, our tech companies also provide regular services to clients, and we have a division that focuses on internal business—investigative work and keeping shit off the net.”
I mull over my other questions. “So, you don’t sell drugs or guns or sex?”
“Not guns, but we still sell drugs and sex.”
I grimace, and nausea swirls in my gut. “Please tell me you aren’t involved in sex trafficking.”
“I’m not. None of the New York families are.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “Thank God.” He cocks his head to one side, curiosity clear in his gaze. “I took an interest in it after what happened in Vegas. I volunteer at a local support center—or I guess I did,” I add, realizing I will have to call the manager and let her know I am no longer available.
“When things settle down, I am sure you can find another center locally or find other ways to help. It’s something I feel strongly about too.”
I can tell he means that, and it reassures me. “So, if you’re not involved in trafficking, what kind of sex do you sell?” Bile swirls in my mouth as I remember that seedy club I visited with Tony when I was pregnant.
Ben takes my hands in his. “High-end sexual services through our network of casinos and clubs. It’s not like that place you stumbled on in Queens. I got rid of all those shitholes. All our clubs are upmarket, and we only cater to the rich and powerful. We don’t have dealers or hookers on streets anymore. We supply high-quality drugs to VIP member clientele who frequent our clubs and casinos. We also use those establishments to wash money. We have a team of women who service our clients either by prior private appointment or at one of our sex clubs.”
He laughs at the look of shock on my face, and my cheeks heat. “Are you really that shocked?”
“I hadn’t given it much thought. I see you wearing your designer suit, and sometimes it’s hard to remember you’re not a regular businessman.” On some of the occasions Ben visited Rowan, he had come straight from the office. The sight of him in a suit is enough to set my ovaries on fire. Seriously. The man is a bona fide sex god when dressed in a suit. I squeeze my legs together, ignoring the sudden ache pulsing between my thighs.
“I’m a regular businessman, most of the time. And, to be honest, a lot of ‘regular’ businessmen, with no mafia ties or connections, are more corrupt than me or any of the other dons. You’d be surprised.” A funny look crosses over his face, but before I can probe him on it, he continues talking.
“My mom was a hooker, and I saw the shit she had to put up with from pimps and johns. I make sure our girls are treated well and with respect. That’s why we have a waiting list a mile long for vacancies. We only hire the best women, and they are carefully vetted, as are the clients. A bodyguard accompanies every one of our girls on private dates, and security is tight at all the clubs. The girls are well paid, attend regular beauty appointments, and have medical checkups every month.”
A horrid thought enters my mind, and I spew the words out. “Do you fuck those girls?”
“Never.” He pulls me onto his lap. “I don’t fuck employees. It’s a hard and fast rule that is part of the employment terms and conditions for all staff who works at our clubs. Similarly, staff is not permitted to take drugs, and we run regular drug tests. I run a clean establishment. I have HR departments and teams of people who ensure everything we do is the same as any other professional company.”
“Wow. You really have made a lot of changes.”
“It doesn’t stop there. We have a couple of private security firms, and our soldiers make up ninety percent of the employee body. They still undergo initiation. That’s one tradition I will never be able to change. But they attend initial training in one of our high-tech training facilities, and then they move to the security firms to pay their dues.” He chuckles. “I have to laugh when I see some of our guys on camera working charity events and doing security at concerts and gigs and movie premieres.”
“You have infiltrated every part of society.” A shiver runs up my spine with that acknowledgment.
“Yes.” He tweaks my nose. “And it’s all legit and above board.” His hand lands on my thigh, and I jump at the unexpected contact. “Do you have any more questions?” he asks, brushing my hair aside and nuzzling my neck. “Or can we retire to bed?” His voice drops a couple of octaves, and the gruff husky tone does funny things to my insides. He drops a slew of drugging kisses up and down my neck, and I’m having trouble breathing.