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)
I let out a long breath, doing my best to accept the oddness of this mission.
Perhaps I could learn something that would help me take over Paradise without honoring the damn marriage.
I looked out of the car window.
The crescent moon was barely visible. It was less than half full—barely noticeable. Just a haunting sliver carved into the black sky. As we left the next exit and drove further away, the moon slipped from my view.
Why would Don Enzo think I was the right man for this mission?
Don Enzo was a brilliant man—quick and cunning, violent and confident. There was no other human on this planet that could outwit him. He knew when to attack and when to sit back and watch for the enemy to reveal weaknesses.
I learned everything from him.
Don Enzo taught me how to present a welcoming smile to anyone, and then stab, shoot, or choke them in the next second.
I frowned.
Right or wrong, I would be the dutiful soldier and loyal nephew. I would follow the Don’s lead, even if I hated the entire idea of this.
Leonardo grabbed my attention. “We’re here.”
I shifted my attention to a view of opulence and wealth.
As the Bugatti approached, large red gates opened.
We drove through the gates and rode on a graveled path that led to a grand entrance of white marble columns. Acres and acres of rose bushes outlined the path.
Then, the driver slowed the Bugatti as if to take in the sight. Seconds later, I realized what had captured his attention.
The view was surreal—something out of a dream.
Amazing.
“Leonardo, tell the driver to stop the car.” I pressed the side button on my door.
“Yes, sir.” He typed the message into his phone.
My window lowered.
I heard the sound of rushing and rippling water. Instantly, a calming effect poured over me.
Seconds later, the Bugatti halted and then backed up to the shocking view.
What is this?
Three large white marble fountains stood. Water trickled down from the top and wisped into a large, connected web of water and mist.
Yet, it wasn’t regular water. This liquid was a deep shade of crimson. It resembled freshly spilled blood.
Completely captivated, I awed at how the red water danced in the air, wafting up and down, up and down with brilliant motion.
I inhaled.
The air reeked of roses.
Well, at least this is an intriguing place.
I leaned back in my seat. “Tell him to go on.”
Seconds later, we drove away, but I couldn’t get the haunting image of the fountains out of my head.
And this is the house? Or should I call it a palace?
A massive mansion loomed ahead, draped in pure white marble and exotic woods with intricate carvings decorating the walls.
The Bugatti pulled up to the front, giving me a closer view.
Well. . .if I was going to marry into a family. . .surely this would be the one.
It was clear the Jones Family had exquisite taste and could teach me a lot of things about style.
The mansion was built in a circular shape with a grand monumental entrance in the center. It was utterly decadent, yet imposing. While lights lit up the first level. No lights shone from any of the windows at the top, which left that level lost in darkness.
Regardless, the engagement party appeared to be in full swing.
Hordes of glamorous people left expensive cars and strolled toward the castle’s marbled steps. Black men wore thousand-dollar suits with silk ties and custom-made shoes. Black women stunned in hypnotic gowns and exquisite diamonds that could have rivaled the sparkling stars in the sky.
And the crowd strolled with the distinguished air of royalty.
Leonardo opened the door and left.
I stepped out and smoothed down the front of my tux. “This is a grand place.”
“It is.”
Some of the strolling elegant people glanced our way as more of my vans appeared and parked.
Up close, I realized that some of the women’s hair glittered with diamonds.
Leonardo took in the huge sight. “This will be your new home.”
“Hopefully, not for long.”
Leonard glanced at me. “You don’t believe it will be a happy arrangement?”
“I don’t care. I don’t like to be arranged at all, and I damn sure doubt I will enjoy marriage.”
A hint of a smile appeared on his face. “I understand, sir.”
Tomasso and my guards gathered around me and kept their guns in their holsters.
We headed up the stairs and toward the immaculate entrance.
An older black man stood there as if he was waiting to greet me. When we came close, he extended his hand. “Hello, Mr. DeLuca. My name is Simon.”
I shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Tomasso hurried between us. “Simon is the supervising Executive of the Board.”
“One would consider me a sort of high-level CEO. I’m just one of the humble servants of the Killer Crows” Simon extended his hands and gestured to all of the opulence around us. “Either way, I hope you are excited about this happy occasion.”