Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Simon wagged his finger. “We need a stronger group to unite with. Only then will we send fear to the North, East, and South.”
Some of the men around the horseshoe bobbed their heads in agreement. It was clear this had been discussed a lot, without me.
Clear disrespect. They’re only going to let me have the title of Chairman. They plan to rule on their own.
Simon stepped onto the platform, something that was rarely done. Had my father been alive, Simon would have never come within four feet of the throne. And no one else would have allowed it either.
And being on the platform was showing everyone else that he could easily walk all over me. And if he could walk all over me, then other people could to.
Meanwhile, I could have easily shot his eyes out, but that would’ve messed up my ninety day probation. No one wanted to serve a Chairman that killed their Board of Directors.
Simon dotted his fingers in the air with each word. “We need strength. The sort of strength that comes from well-seasoned men.”
This son of a bitch. We get it. I’m young and female.
Simon stood right next to the throne and looked down on me. “The Board has decided that you will be married to Santino DeLuca. He serves as the Captain of America’s West Coast.”
Enraged, I shot up from the throne and glared at him. “That’s not happening.”
Fast, Rue got to my side and remained quiet.
Simon’s smile widened from the reaction. “The marriage will be in two days.”
“I am not getting married. I don’t even know who Santino DeLuca is?”
“You’ll meet him soon.” Simon checked his watch. “In fact, he’s on his way.”
Tired of the bullshit, I closed the distance between us. And took out both guns. “Did you hear what I said? I’m not marrying anybody.”
The room went silent.
A slight shiver came from Simon, although the wicked smile remained on his face.
My grandmother stood as her voice echoed in the room. “Kashmere! Do not disrespect this room.”
Damn it.
Sighing, I put the guns back in my holsters. I didn’t back away. There was barely an inch between us.
Simon’s expression shifted to pure amusement. “Congratulations, Kashmere. Soon you will be Mrs. DeLuca.”
I leaned closer to him and whispered, “What’s this move?”
“I have none.”
“You are definitely planning something,” I whispered. “This is some bullshit move.”
“Correction, little girl. I have no moves. Instead, I control the whole game.” Simon walked off and raise his voice to the Board. “This is a celebration! This union between the Killer Crows and the DeLuca family will be a great one.”
Dane and Merik got to my side. Neither had pleased expressions.
Simon pranced around. “Santino brings heavy power and an army with him. This is our moment for victory. Soon the DeLuca Family will help us control all of Paradise.
I glared. “We have control of Paradise.”
Simon turned my way and wagged his finger. “Correction. The Syndicate has control of Paradise. We just happen to be lowly members of the Syndicate. And everyone in Paradise knows that the true leader of the Syndicate is Dima. And now he’s trying to be our new mayor. If he wins, the man will hold power over the city legally and illegally.”
One of the Executives muttered, “No one man should have that much power.”
I shook my head at them. “So, basically, you’re all telling me that the Board doesn’t have faith in me, but they will put it all in some stranger—some fucking white guy with a white army?”
No one responded.
Cowards.
I didn’t sit back down on my throne. I didn’t even have any words to argue with them.
I remembered the day when Chanel had been told that she would have to get married. She’d taken the order with no complaint and was ready to serve them.
Family over Everything was the Killer Crow’s motto. Chanel had lived by it. She’d even died for it.
Doing my best to mimic my sister, I straightened my back and nodded to. “Fine. If the Board believes that this marriage to Santino DeLuca will be beneficial to the Killer Crows, then that’s what I will do.”
Silence ensued.
Then, that same devilish smile covered Simon’s face. “I’m so happy to hear this. May you have a happy marriage with many children.”
I almost dry heaved at the very idea of my being pregnant.
Simon faced the Executives and Shareholders. “Tonight, there will be a feast as we celebrate this great union between the Killer Crows and the DeLuca Family.”
Grandmother rose.
For one second, I hoped she would say something and save me.
When she was young, she’d been forced into an arranged marriage too as well as her mother. I’d heard horror stories about both of those marriages. It was the sort of gossip that was hushed and required to remain secret. There were stories of screaming and knock-down-drag-out fights, complete domestic abuse on both sides. There was even whispers that Grandpa had a whole other family right in the South of Paradise that no one spoke of or claimed.