Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 103124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103124 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 516(@200wpm)___ 412(@250wpm)___ 344(@300wpm)
About that night and what really happened.
But also about the time I ran away, a seventeen-year-old boy who had been sent crazy by his love for a girl who lived thousands of miles away on another continent.
About running away from home to find her, only to learn she had moved on in her new life.
About going home brokenhearted and with my tail between my legs, only to be told the truth from my father about what really happened the night my mama died.
About knowing I had given my heart to the enemy and how I must do whatever it takes to get it back.
My hands fist into balls so tight I’m white knuckled.
The intercom on my desk buzzes, and I turn away from the view.
“Your brother is here,” Anastacia announces.
The door opens, and Massimo breezes in like he doesn’t have a care in the world.
While we may look the same, we are worlds apart. I’m uptight and carry the weight of an empire on my shoulders, while he views life as one fun adventure after another.
“You fucking suck as an underboss, you know that,” I say, pissed at him for missing the meeting with Luca. “You were supposed to be here an hour ago.”
“I needed to take care of something at the club. Did I miss much?”
“Only me almost putting a bullet in the old fuck’s face. He’s pissed.”
“You were expecting that.”
“Yes, but he’s taking offense. The relationship is breaking down. We need to keep an eye on him.”
“Duly noted.”
I pour him a scotch and hand it to him. “What did you have to take care of at the club?”
“A portion of the roof fell in. Bad craftsmanship.”
“And you took care of it?”
He waves it off. “I can assure you, the contractor will have it fixed by tomorrow morning.”
“Or?”
“Or he loses his balls.”
I smile. “Nice work.”
“Will you be bringing Bella by for a visit?” he asks.
“Of course.”
“Does she know what kind of club it is?”
“The club and what type of patrons it caters to hasn’t come up,” I reply absentmindedly as I try her number. It rings, then goes to voicemail.
So does a second attempt.
She’s screening my calls, which is a surprise. I thought she would take every opportunity to remind me of what a monster I am, given her outburst the other evening, when she had a lot to say.
“You might do her the courtesy of explaining. I don’t want a scene.”
“She’ll behave.”
Massimo laughs. “That’s what I like about you, brother. You are, at the very least, an optimist.”
“She knows what’s at stake.”
“Yes, but she doesn’t strike me as the type to roll over without a fight.”
She’s not.
That’s what makes this even more appealing.
Her fire turns me on.
I try her phone, but again, there’s no answer.
It suddenly occurs to me that perhaps Bella is fighting me as we speak.
As in, running away.
I call Damian, who is currently perched outside her apartment block.
“Has Bella left her apartment this morning?”
“No, boss.”
“Are you sure?”
I hear the rustle of paper and a mouthful of food as he speaks. “I haven’t taken my eyes off the entrance to her building all morning. She hasn’t left.”
Something isn’t right. I can feel it.
“I want you to knock on her door.”
“Boss?”
My irritation unfurls. “I want you to get off your ass and go knock on her fucking front door.”
There’s more rustling of papers and the car door opening and closing.
“And ask her what?”
“Christ, I don’t give a fuck. Just fucking do it.” I grit my teeth as aggravation creeps up my spine. “And call me back when you’re at her apartment.”
I hang up, my stomach tightening.
Impatiently, I drum my fingers on my desk in front of me while my brother watches on, amused.
Finally, my phone rings. Damian’s name flashes across the screen.
“Is she with you?”
“No, boss. No one’s answering. It’s like no one is home.”
My last drop of patience leaves me. “Kick in the door.”
Damian pauses. In person, he’s terrifying. Six-foot-seven and built like an army tank. That’s why I hired him. He’s very useful when the added muscle is needed in a situation. But his looks are deceiving. He’d sooner talk things through than throw a punch.
“You sure, boss? This place doesn’t look like it’s the type of place that will take kindly to someone doing that type of thing.”
I rake my fingers down my aching face. “Jesus Christ, Damian. Just kick in the goddamn door.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll do it. But there ain’t going to be an armed broad on the other side who will start firing at me the moment I break in, is there?”
“No, but there’ll be a ropable don ready to kick some butt heading your way if you don’t fucking kick in the fucking door.”
There’s a thud and a smash, as Bella’s door caves in under the weight of Damian’s foot.
“Well..?” I ask impatiently.