Total pages in book: 18
Estimated words: 16498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 16498 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 82(@200wpm)___ 66(@250wpm)___ 55(@300wpm)
The next morning, I kick my plan into action. I call my dad to ask for a favor. “I met my girl.” He should fucking understand. Every goddamn male in our family seems to follow the same path. Meet our soulmate, fall instantly in love, then act like a caveman.
“Let me step into my office,” he tells me, and I hear rustling on the other end of the line. “What do you need?” my dad asks.
I take a deep breath and explain the entire situation to my dad and ask for his temporary help with the new dealership. I don’t have the time to dedicate to both endeavors. And Hunter means more to me than any fucking business.
“Goddamn, son.” For years, there have been rumors that my family is “connected” but they’re wrong. For the most part. While my dad’s Italian family has several less-than-above-board associates, Russo Motors is a one-hundred-percent legitimate business. “Do you have any idea what you’re getting into?” His worried sigh fills the phone line.
“You know how it works,” I remind him. Once a Russo man finds his soulmate, there’s no going back. We’re caught, reeled in, and theirs for the taking.
“Fuck a duck.” My dad laughs. “I’ll arrange for Marty to fly out and help you keep everything moving at Russo Luxury Motors.”
Things are falling into place. Marty has been with Russo Motors for years. He knows the inner workings of all the dealerships. “He should keep things on track while I fight for my girl.”
“And he can take over the dealership if you get yourself killed fucking with Marco Dean’s niece.” My dad tries to joke, but it’s a very real possibility.
“I’m glad to know you’re worried about me.”
“Any time,” my dad jokes before adding, “I’m going to try to keep this from your mother until you get everything settled.” I seriously doubt he can hide anything from my mom. The woman can smell love in the air from miles away.
“Thanks.” I laugh. “You’re a lifesaver.”
“Keep me up to date.” My dad turns serious.
“I will,” I promise and hang up. A list-maker by nature, I sit down and start working on my “Catch My Little Love” list.
After finishing my list, I call Marco Dean and ask for a meeting. “Meet me at the club for lunch. I’ll be there at one.” This fucker doesn’t waste words. He hangs up without waiting for my reply.
At one o’clock, I follow the decrepit, older-than-dirt host to the back of the “club.” This exclusive establishment is a well-known mob hangout. Fuck. I hope I make it out of this meeting alive.
“Have a seat.” Marco points to the seat across from him. He turns to the waiter and orders drinks for us. It’s against my religion to let another man run the show, but I know this is necessary to gaining what I want most in life. My little love.
“You needed to see me?” He sits back and lets his jacket fall open. I notice the handle of a gun under his arm and realize the mob boss came prepared. To either listen or kill me.
I take a sip of the expensive whiskey and sit back to stare at him. “I’d like to ask for Hunter’s hand in marriage.”
Marco’s dark eyes narrow as he stares at me, and I feel sweat begin to roll down my back. It’s several tense moments later before he finally speaks. “That’s pretty ballsy of you.” He picks up his glass and swirls the dark amber liquid around. “You just met her last week. It’s very fucking convenient that you want to marry my very wealthy niece so soon. I kinda worry you’re after more than love.”
“Wealthy?” I know Marco is rich beyond imagining, but I had no idea my girl has money. “Why do you have her working as a house cleaner then?”
“She wants to be independent.” Marco shakes his head. “Stubborn like her mother, God rest her soul.” Sorrow fills his gaze as he talks about his sister. “Hunter refuses to use her trust fund. She wants to do it all on her own.”
I knew my little love was perfect. “I have more money than I can spend in a lifetime.” I’m done jumping through Marco’s hoops. “I’ll sign a prenup giving her all of my money if that makes you happy.” She’s more important than anything in the world.
I start to feel like a bug under a magnifying glass as he stares at me. What feels like a goddamn eternity later, he finally asks, “And you’ll give up your rights to all of her money in this document?” Fucking mob boss negotiator.
“Absolutely.” I don’t blink an eye. “Whatever it takes to put your mind at ease.”
I almost pass out from relief when he smiles. “Then let’s have another round of drinks and celebrate.”