Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 65682 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65682 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 263(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
Arturo wants to meet at the hotel to exchange Aria while his eldest son, Benedicto, handles the exchange at the port, So, Ace, Banger, and I head over there, our bikes roaring as we cross paths with a black SUV.
The vehicle slows down as it draws near, and I feel a flicker of unease in the pit of my stomach as it passes. I don’t trust Arturo’s men, but I take solace in the fact that they need us more than we need them.
As we ride the distance to the hotel in silence, lost in our own thoughts, my mind races considering the reality of the whole situation. What are we getting into? This is uncharted territory for the MC.
We arrive at the upscale hotel and park our bikes in the nearest parking lot. The building’s glass facade reflects the moonlight, making it gleam like a beacon in the night.
We step through the glass doors, and I let out a low whistle. “Looks like our host has a taste for the finer things,” I say to Ace and Banger.
“I wouldn't expect anything less from the old guy.” Ace chuckles, punching the button for the penthouse suite.
“So, Ace, what's the deal? We just get Aria and go?” I ask, leaning against the wall of the elevator.
“And to hear what the old man has to say and see what he wants from us,” Ace replies, shrugging.
“I hope he has good news for us,” Banger chimes in.
Ace raises an eyebrow. “Don’t get your hopes up. The old bastard doesn’t do anything without getting something in return.”
The elevator dings, signaling that we have arrived at the penthouse floor. We step out, and Arturo’s son, Emiliano, greets us with a sneer.
I'm about to give him a piece of my mind, but Ace holds up a hand, stopping me in my tracks. “Ah, let’s not ruin the atmosphere,” he says with a playful smirk.
As we follow Emiliano down the long hall, I can’t help but take in the obscene wealth of our surroundings. “I guess if we’re going to be making deals with the devil, we might as well do it in style,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
Joaquin chimes in, “I’ll drink to that. But let’s hope this particular devil has a really good bar.”
We finally reach the end of the hall, and Emiliano opens the door to the suite.
“Well, let’s see what kind of fresh hell we’re getting into,” I say with a grin, leading the way inside.
The suite is just what I expect, over-the-top luxury, almost ostentatious, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown Long Beach. The all-white décor makes it feel more like an asylum than a hotel.
Arturo turns with a smile. “Gentleman,” he says, a glass of amber liquid in his hand. “Welcome to my home away from home. Drinks?”
I shake my head because I want to keep a clear head just in case some shit pops off. Ace does the mingling and bullshit with guys like Arturo.
“Whiskey, Irish, if you have it,” Ace tells him with a smile, then looks around as if he gives a shit about all this finery. “Nice place.”
Arturo nods. “It’s a beautiful place to stay while we’re in America. But forget the small talk. I know there’s much to discuss, Mr. Ace, Mr. Dix.”
Ace, unperturbed, takes a sip of his drink and coolly retorts, “Do we have much to discuss? I’m not so sure I agree with that, Arturo. We’re here for the girl.”
The old man looks up at Ace. “You have made things difficult for my operation by eliminating the Iron Kings. Without them, you must step in and take their place.”
Ace smirks, “I’m afraid I don’t take orders, Arturo. You can’t tell me what I must do.”
Arturo smiles, revealing his yellowed teeth. “Perhaps you don’t understand the potential for profit. The Iron Kings were making a fortune collaborating with us. And now, that fee is yours.” He reaches into his coat pocket and pulls out a post-it note with a figure written on it and hands it to Ace.
Ace shakes his head, “Money isn't everything.”
Relentless, Arturo continues to push his argument. “Your men have families to care for. Don’t you wish to provide for them? This will be incredibly profitable for both of our organizations.”
Ace hesitates and finishes the whiskey, setting the tumbler on a side table. “Okay, we’ll give it some thought. But that’s all I can promise, Arturo.”
The old man widens his grin. “You’ll see. It will pay off.”
“Only time will tell,” Ace says with a grin of his own. “Is the girl here?”
Arturo nods. “She is. Bring her out, Emiliano.”
The man glares first at me and then at Ace before leaving the room in a huff. He comes back less than a minute later with Aria Morgan, grabbing her arm harder than necessary before he shoves her in our direction.