Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 376(@200wpm)___ 301(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Dominik gives a signal to Evinka, and she begins to hand out tablets to everyone. Even I get one.
When I turn it on, a drawing of an Asian-inspired building shows on the screen.
“Before we look at the plans provided by an architect, let's talk business,” Dominik tells everyone with a brisk tone. “Are you all prepared to invest a hundred million dollars?”
“What do we get out of it?” Ilias asks with a disgruntled expression on his face that makes him look like the mean bastard he is.
“Shares in the island with around-the-clock access to it. I plan on making this place a fortress where even if we’re attacked, we’ll be safe,” Dominik mutters. “And most importantly, if one of us is under attack the other four will help to eliminate the threat.”
“So next time the bratva attacks me, you’ll drop everything and come help?” Ilias asks Dominik.
“Yes.”
With a smug look on his face, Ilias says, “While the four of us bring manpower, what do you bring?”
Dominik leans a little forward, his features tense with anger. “I bring the fucking weapons. Without it, your army would be pretty useless against the bratva.”
Santiago smirks at Dominik. “If I buy into the alliance, will I continue to get discounts?”
“Don’t push your luck,” Dominik grumbles, his tone laced with an unspoken threat. “The discount was a sign of good faith and a one-time thing.”
Santiago shrugs. “Was worth a try asking.” He lets out a chuckle, then says, “You’re all in Europe, mere hours from each other, while my ass is here in South America. What happens when I’m attacked?”
“The island is right by you,” Dominik mutters. “You’ll just have to hunker down until we get to you.”
“Hmm…lucky me,” Santiago grumbles.
“We can each station men on the island. Will that make you happy?” Enzo asks.
“Much happier,” Santiago replies.
“With that settled, do we all agree to have each other's backs?” Leonardo asks while typing on his phone.
“Let’s put it to a vote,” Dominik orders. “All in favor of an alliance, raise your hand.”
Leonardo and Santiago are the first to raise their hands, then Enzo and Ilias follow.
Dominik looks at Cassia and mutters, “You’re the heir to the Greek mafia. I’d feel more comfortable if you voted as well.”
She glances at her father, and when he nods, she lifts her arm up.
Evinka raises hers, and only then does Dominik put up his hand.
Being present at the birth of the most powerful alliance on the planet, my heart beats a mile a minute.
“Switch on your tablets, and let's discuss the plans,” Dominik instructs.
We sit for more than an hour while everyone makes changes, adding their own unique touch to the facility.
Santiago suggests that a clinic be constructed to which everyone agrees.
The meeting pauses when servers bring cold beverages and trays with finger foods.
Dominik leans into me and asks, “How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine. It’s interesting to see it all come together.”
He presses a kiss to my temple, then whispers, “I’m proud of how you handled Ilias. You did very well.”
Receiving praise from him makes warmth burst in my heart and a smile form on my face.
Chapter 19
DOMINIK
During the trip back to Slovakia, I become more and more aggravated with the people around me.
I just want to get home so I can be alone with Grace.
When I shift in my seat and glare at Sef and Martin, who are playing cards, Grace takes hold of my jaw and turns my head toward her.
“You can’t fire a gun on the plane,” she reminds me.
“Is it that obvious?” I mutter.
“Yes.” She moves her hand down to my chest. “Try to focus on anything but the other people. Think about the island.”
“I’d rather think about you.” I rest my head against the seat and stare at her. “So you say you’re ready?”
Her eyes dart to mine, and she takes a little too long to reply, “Yeah.”
“You don’t sound so sure.”
She glances out the window as she whispers, “I won’t know until we try.”
“Look at me,” I order.
Grace lets out a sigh before bringing her eyes back to mine. “This isn’t the time or place to talk about it.”
“They’re sitting too far away to hear us,” I say. I pick up her hand and lace my fingers through hers. “How do you want to test your theory?”
“I don’t know,” she mutters, clearly uncomfortable having this conversation with me.
To check how ready she is, I ask, “Which positions do you like?”
I watch as a blush creeps up her face, then her features tighten as she admits, “Just not from behind.”
I’m instantly hit with a need to destroy something. My tone is too harsh when I ask, “Is that what he did?”
Lowering her eyes, she looks at our joined hands while nodding.
That’s why she instantly had a panic attack when I grabbed her from behind the other day.