Taming Ricardo, The Italian Billionaire

Alfio grinned. “No, which is why you’re going to pay us back for renting it.”

Mario smirked and nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you’re the billionaire. We just wanted to ensure your comfort.”

Looking skyward, Ricardo said, “Of course. Let’s just get going.”

Both Mario and Alfio snickered as they followed him to the vehicle. “You know I thought you two would start acting like adults by now. You’re thirty years old, for Christ’s sake.”

They all slid into the car and Alfio immediately reached for a bottle of champagne. He held it up to Ricardo who shook his head.

“No thanks.”

“Ah, deciding to stay in the sober lane nowadays?” He asked

“Just trying to cut down,” Ricardo murmured.

Mario grabbed a glass. “I’ll have some. You know, Rico. We are starting to act like responsible adults. We’ve decided to follow in your footsteps and dominate the business world. Thanks for showing interest in our idea and coming all the way to New York to hear us out. I have a good feeling about this,” he glanced at Alfio. “We both do. With your participation and guidance, this project is going to be a success.”

Ricardo gaped at Mario. His eyes then shifted to Alfio. “Oaky, who are you two and what have you done with my brothers?”

Alfio rolled his eyes. “Don’t joke around, bro. It kind of freaks me out when you try to be funny.”

Mario snorted. “He has a point.”

“Well, pardon me for being shocked that you two are thinking about business, thinking about actually working. That hasn’t exactly been the trend with you two.”

With a shrug, Alfio took a sip from his glass. “We’re well aware. But we’re ready for this Ricardo. You inspired us and we want to get right down to business.”

Ricardo’s brows elevated. “So we’re just going to get right into business talk? You two are not going to take me to some ridiculous party to get wasted and bang models?” When the twins gave him surprised looks, he shrugged. “Your words not mine.”

Mario chuckled. “Nope, no parties or women. At least, not until we get started.”

“Am I being pranked or whatever the Americans say?” Ricardo asked, eyeing his brothers suspiciously.

“I believe you mean punk’d,” Alfio replied. “And no this is serious. We are very serious.”

“Right,” Ricardo mumbled. “Well, then, let me hear it.”

Alfio’s eyes lit up. “Okay, so remember when Silvia died and you- oomph.”

Mario drove his elbow into his brother’s side and sent him a warning look. Ricardo froze for a brief second. Hearing his wife’s name brought on a wave of grief but he quickly pushed it aside.

“I’m sorry, Ricardo. I-”

“It’s alright. There’s nothing wrong with calling her name.”

Alfio nodded but still wore a repentant grimace.

“Really, it’s fine. Continue. After Silvia died…”

Alfio shifted uncomfortably. “A-after she died, you demolished the house and sold the one you rebuilt for a boatload of money.”

“Yeah,” Mario piped in. “You then went on to buy that rundown apartment complex and turned it into luxury condos. It was brilliant.”

Ricardo shrugged. “Yes, but those were just projects to take my mind off of what happened…they were trial projects, like a hobby. My expertise is in the shipping industry not property development.”

“Well, your hobby made you millions,” Alfio said. “How about the three of us turn your hobby into something greater just like you turned dad’s little venture into an empire.”

Ricardo studied his brothers carefully. They made very good points. His two projects in the past had surpassed his expectations. Mario and Alfio were looking at him expectantly, hope shining in their eyes. He couldn’t let them down, not when it seemed like they were finally growing up. “What exactly would be my role?”

“You have the money to invest, the experience and the pull in the business world. With your money and your name, we can make it happen. We already have a property in mind that would be a perfect start. We just need to sell the idea to the right people and that’s also where you come in. You don’t have to give us an answer tonight. Get some rest, think about it, we’ll wait.”

Ricardo sat back in his seat and let out a breath. “Alright boys. I’ll think about it.”