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)
Grandma looked at me.
Help me please. Have my back on this. You get it.
I shivered under her attention. I remained still, nervous to even make a movement that would displease her.
Grandma turned to Simon and smiled. “All has been taken care of thanks to you. All Killer Crows are invited to this evening’s engagement party. Dress your best.”
I swallowed.
Simon picked up his gavel and slammed it against the table. “Meeting adjourned.”
Grandma walked over to the platform, slowly rose onto it, and held her arms out.
At least I finally am making her happy.
I might have went over too quickly to those welcoming arms. This would be the first hug in a long time. I yearned for her warmth and was excited that I would finally get it. Everything would be okay if she at least approved.
Maybe, I can be like Chanel. I can suck it up and do what they want. Maybe this won’t be so bad.
With a stern expression, Grandma got to me and wrapped her arms around my waist.
I hugged her back.
She leaned toward my ear and whispered, “Kashmere.”
I smiled. “Yes, Grandma.”
“Don’t mess this up like you mess everything else up.”
I tensed and left her hold.
She stepped back and gave me a fake smile. “Do we understand?”
I blinked. “But. . .what are the other times I messed up?”
She let out a long breath. “We don’t have time for this. Grow up.”
I raised my eyebrows. “I’m just. . .actually wondering so I don’t mess up again.”
People walked by us.
She widened the fake smile and kept her voice low. “Tonight, do your best to look pretty. Then, you arrive on time, sit next to Santino DeLuca, and keep your mouth closed.”
“I planned on doing just that, Grandma.”
“Then, good.” She wore a skeptical expression and then walked off. “Let Simon do all the talking between the DeLucas. Simon is the only person to handle this.”
I watched her hurry off to Simon and chat with him. And on her face was a genuine expression of warmth.
I can’t ever please that damn woman. Why do I even try?
Next to me, Rue gave me a sad smile. “We should get you prepared.”
Merik snarled. “I guess we can’t kill our grandma right?”
I sighed. “God would hate that.”
Merik looked at the Executives chat with each other. “What we need to do is blast this whole motherfucking place up.”
Dane crossed his arms over his chest. “For once, I’m leaning close to Merik’s suggestion. This is blatant disrespect. They would have never tried half of these things with Romeo.”
“Grandma listened to everything Romeo said. He was her and everyone else’s golden child.”
Rue’s frown deepened. “And even with Chanel, they gave her six months to slowly accept her marriage with Pedro. The engagement was enough to maintain the peaceful union between both parties.”
“That was their back up Golden Child.” I shook my head.
Merik looked at Rue. “Then, why is the Board rushing this marriage?”
Dane studied Simon as he held grandma’s hand and strolled away. “Simon has a plan that’s directly connected to this marriage—one that will guarantee him or his son take the throne.”
Rue added, “My guess is that you’re being dangled in front of the DeLuca family like cheese to a mouse. Then, Simon will create a bond with this Santino.”
“They’ll get rid of the Syndicate together,” Dane said. “Then, Simon will probably get rid of you.”
Rue gasped. “Wait.”
We both looked at her.
“What if. . .I don’t know.”
“Say it.” I widened my eyes.
“What if after Santino helps the Killer Crows get rid of the Syndicate, Simon kills Santino and blames Kashmere.”
I tensed.
“The DeLuca Family would want to get rid of Kashmere.”
“What the fuck?” Merik growled.
Dane held up his hand. “Let’s not get too creative with our paranoia. One problem at a time.”
I must stop this marriage.
5
Unexpected
Santino
T
his cannot be my life. I planned to die a bachelor.
My driver maneuvered the Bugatti down Caviar Lime Highway. Only Leonardo rode with me.
Too annoyed with Tomasso, I had him ride along with my guards. They followed in several vans behind us.
I’ll accept this fate for now, but I will definitely try to get out of this.
I was dressed in a black, double-breasted tuxedo made of satin, with tails that fell at the knees. I had on a red bow tie with a matching red silk vest.
Tomasso had explained that the color red was important to the Killer Crows. We both figured that my wearing it would provide a smooth transition.
My nerves flared.
Fucking married?
I checked my watch.
The engagement party would begin soon. Don Enzo expected me to be there on time. Once I arrived, I would need to have my eyes open and my mind observant.
Years later, when other DeLuca soldiers arrived to help take over the city, I would serve as their tour guide to Paradise and the Syndicate.
That meant that I had to be deeply woven into the Killer Crows and even this city.