Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 78076 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78076 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“You didn’t need to. I’m a lot smarter than you realize, Laura.”
“And even if he did, what does it matter—”
“It matters because you’re mine.” He still didn’t raise his voice. Didn’t throw his arms down in a rage. But his control over his emotions was more terrifying than the combustion of those emotions. He could convey so much with so little. Could scream at the top of his lungs with just a whisper. “And he knows that. He knew it when you told him I was your hot-as-fuck boyfriend. Knew it when I stabbed Lucas. Knew it when you told him I killed those motherfuckers. He knows what happens when you disrespect men like me, but he seems to have forgotten.”
“Wait…how did you know I told him that?”
“Because I knew you would. He needed to know I did what he should have done seven years ago. And you wanted him to know that too.” He reached for his glass and finished the contents. Then unexpectedly, he threw the glass at the wall, and it shattered into pieces. “Make sure he knows you’re the only reason he’s alive right now.”
Somehow, like always, we ended up in bed.
He pinned my face to the mattress with my ass in the air, the arch in my back so prominent it hurt a little, and pounded into me like I was a woman he’d spotted across the bar and took home for the night.
I took that big dick over and over, panting into the sheets balled near my face, knowing he was conquering my land and claiming it as his all over again. His fingers fisted my hair as he kept me in place, his other hand gripping my hip as he pushed harder and harder, driving me into an orgasm and then the next…over and over.
When he was finally finished, he let me go.
He lay back on the pillow, one arm tucked under his head, his body shiny with sweat.
I straightened my back and felt the discomfort subside before I lay flat on my stomach, catching my breath even though he was the one who’d done all the work. We lay there in silence, and I was so satisfied and comfortable I could fall asleep, even though it was the middle of the day.
“What happened with your father?”
I sat up and ran my fingers through my hair. “You know, he made some threats… I made some of my own.”
He sat up against the headboard and looked at me.
“Basically said I was a hypocrite for being with someone like you.”
He turned his stare straight ahead and looked outside.
“But I told him you were nothing alike. He’s never protected me, but you do.”
His eyes were back on me, impossible to read.
“He and I…we’re never going to get along.”
“There’s no reason you have to.”
“Really?” I asked. “Even though he’s my father?”
“Tolerating someone you hate is toxic to your sanity. Family is no exception.”
“Yeah…” I sat up farther and grabbed his shirt at the edge of the bed. I pulled it on, cold from the draft that came from the terrace. “But I’ve got to help my sister. She’s too young to know better.”
He watched me run my fingers through my hair. “I need to get back. Have business that requires my attention.”
“I do too. I’m behind on work.”
“Then we’ll leave tonight.”
“I’ll have to come back and deal with my sister later.”
“I’ll come with you. And if I can’t, you’re still welcome to stay here.”
I couldn’t turn down an offer like that. A beautiful home right in the heart of Florence. My favorite gelato place was so close. And his clothes were in the closet, so I could wear one of his shirts to bed. “Thanks.”
18
BARTHOLOMEW
I sat in the parlor, Bleu on the couch across from me, the rest of my men sprinkled throughout the room, listening to the conversation with attentive ears.
“The Moroccans have cut ties with Leonardo,” Bleu said. “Naturally, Leonardo is in full-on meltdown.”
Now that I knew how he treated his daughter, this was even more satisfying. “Good.” I brought the cigar to my lips and took a deep puff, my body humming with power. “And he’s got one man down too.” That was just the icing on the cake.
“He’ll turn to different partnerships in his desperation. Probably even the US.”
“But we know that won’t go anywhere.” I rested my arm on the armrest, grinning like a fool. I’d moved my chess pieces and had my checkmate before Leonardo even realized we were playing. The death of his brother couldn’t have been more convenient. Too distracted by the funeral and revenge against his small-time enemies, he had no idea that a much bigger shark had joined the bloody waters.
“No.”
“Good work, Bleu.” I stabbed my cigar into the ashtray before I stood up.
“Are you leaving?”
“Yes.” I headed to my bedroom to change. “The prime minister is expecting me.”