Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
It’s not the first time, but again it hurts more than it has in the past. I’m not sure why, unless it is because I’m finally realizing there is no hope. I have no say in anything. I never have and never will.
“You’re marrying him. Be an adult and accept it. You owe me. You owe this family. The world is full of disappointments, Melina. Learn to accept them like an adult.”
He stomps off then and I watch as he and my brothers all leave.
The door closes softly—too soft for what just transpired.
antonio
“What the hell is going on here, Dracos?”
“Nothing is going on. I have elected to go an alternative route.”
“Another route? Do I need to remind you that you’re the one who arranged this damn meeting? You came to me.”
“I need no reminder. I have decided after meeting you that the two of us aren’t a good fit. Doyle Kelly’s offer is much more beneficial. You Americans take everything so personal. It is not. This is business. You need to learn to separate it from your emotions,” he lectures.
This son of a bitch. My hands try to shake with the need to choke the life out of his miserable hide—but I contain it. Barely. I always keep a tight rein on my emotions, but I’m sick of this asshole.
“You approached me. On your assurance, I decided to go with you instead of my other options. You asked me down here to seal the deal.”
“And now, I’ve changed my mind.” He sounds so full of myself that I want to slam his face into this damn conference table. I resist, but barely.
“Do whatever you want, Dracos.”
“Glad I have your permission,” he says snidely.
That pushes me over the edge. I shove away from the table, my chair scraping against the expensive tile with an almost satisfying screech. “You don’t know who the fuck you’re dealing with, but you’re about to learn. I’m not the kind of man who can be led around by my dick. I don’t let my women do it and I sure as fuck won’t let you. You want to play fucking games and waste my time? You best prepare, old man. You best prepare,” I growl, stomping out of the room. I leave the others to deal with this bullshit. Maxwell can give me hell later. I need a drink and some warm pussy to take out my frustrations on.
I make it out into the hall. Four of my bodyguards are out there. It may seem excessive, but there’s something about this entire trip that has kept me on edge. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always relied heavily on my gut and my gut is telling me that the bullshit in Dracos’ boardroom is just the tip of the motherfucking iceberg. As far as I’m concerned, getting out of Greece can’t come soon enough.
I stop for a minute as I’m walking down the hallway. I feel like someone is watching me and it’s not the security detail. Two men are following behind me but keeping their distance. I’m used to them.
This is different.
I look around as the hair on the back of my neck stands at attention. I frown, not seeing anything at first. My gaze zeroes in on the door on the right of the hall. It’s white like the rest of the doors in this place, wood and intricately hand carved. All the other doors are closed but this one is opened slightly.
On instinct, I walk to it and peer inside. It’s an office. I’d venture to say it is Dracos’ office. I don’t understand it. I could have sworn someone was watching me, but it appears empty. I shake my head, turn, and then start walking once again to the patio. I need to get out of this place. It’s obviously driving me crazy.
I take a deep breath as I make it outside. I would normally enjoy the beauty of Greece, but this trip has been a clusterfuck from day one. I’m ready to get back home.
Dracos Stratakis can kiss my motherfucking ass. I’m going to enjoy making that old man squirm. I know just where to start, too. I take out my phone, scrolling through my contacts as I make it to my limo. I slide in, letting Levi close my door as I find the number I need and hit dial. It’s time to teach these assholes that you can’t fuck with the DeLuca’s.
It rings twice and then Killian answers.
“O’Leary. Make this good because I’m in bed with my woman. I have a long list of things I want to do and talking to your ugly ass isn’t it.”
“You’re such an asshole.”
“Takes one to know one,” Killian laughs. “To what do I owe the honor of being interrupted from pleasuring my wife by the great Antonio DeLuca.”