Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
“Give me the address,” she orders. After the manager hands her a note with the details on it, she asks, “Can you arrange a yacht for me?”
“Yes. What time would you like to depart?”
“In thirty minutes.”
“I’ll make sure the yacht is ready for you.”
“Thank you.” She gives him a professional smile, then turns around and walks back toward the elevators.
When she presses the button for the top floor, I ask, “Are you meeting with the other members?”
“Yes. I sent them all a message after getting out of the shower.”
Concerned about her health, I ask, “Are you good to travel?”
“Yes.”
“Just don’t overdo it.”
Her eyes flick to me. “I took the extra time you insisted on and stayed in the hospital. I need to get to work, or I’ll lose everything. Don’t get in my way.”
I nod even though I know it’s going to be difficult standing still on the sidelines and not jumping in to help her.
Chapter 16
CASSIA
When we step out of the elevator on the top floor, I start feeling bad about how I just spoke to Knight.
I take a few steps toward the boardroom before turning around to look at him. “I didn’t mean to snap. I’m sorry.”
He glances around the area before locking eyes with me. “I’m just looking out for your health. You can’t take over the organization if you end up in the hospital again.”
“I know. You’re right.” A smile tugs at my mouth. “I promise, I feel fine. I won’t overdo it.”
When he nods, I look at the open door to the boardroom. “You’ll have to wait outside again.”
“I understand.”
I suck in a fortifying breath as I start walking again, and right before I reach the doorway, Knight murmurs, “You’ve got this.”
His encouraging words make me lift my chin and straighten my spine as I enter the boardroom where Leo and Enzo are already waiting.
When Leo sees me, a smile spreads over his face. “You look much better.”
“Thank you.”
“How do you feel?” Enzo asks as I take a seat, his dark tone making the question sound like a threat.
I glance at the Portuguese man who’s in charge of a crime syndicate. I haven’t dealt much with Enzo Oliveira, but there’s something about his quiet demeanor that gives me the impression he’s the most brutal of us all.
“Ready for action,” I reply, my voice firm.
“That’s good to hear,” he mutters before glancing down at his phone that’s vibrating. “Excuse me.”
I watch as he gets up and walks to the floor-to-ceiling windows before answering the call with a bark, “What?” He listens for a few seconds before snapping, “Take care of the problem before I return, or I’ll scatter your body parts in your front yard for your family to see.”
Jesus.
He ends the call then dials another number before growling, “Keep an eye on Jardim. I don’t trust the fucker.”
My attention is one hundred percent focused on Enzo and I’m taking mental notes of how he conducts business.
Someone touches my shoulder, and my head spins to my left, where Santiago is standing.
“Good to see you out of the hospital,” he says. “I would’ve talked to you earlier, but Knight wanted to ask me something, and when I looked again, you were gone, and I didn’t want to intrude at your home.”
I offer him a grateful smile. “I appreciate everything you’ve done to get my aunt to the island.”
A wide grin spreads over Santiago’s face. “I like her. She said she bakes the best chocolate cake. Is it true?”
“Yes.” God, her baking is responsible for most of my weight gain as a teenager.
“I expect one as payment for everything.”
Thinking Santiago’s joking, I say, “Just let me have the fee, and I’ll settle it as soon as possible.”
A frown line appears between his eyes. “No, I meant it. All I want is chocolate cake.”
“It better be the best cake ever,” Leo chuckles.
“Just cake?” I ask to make sure.
“Yes.” Santiago takes a seat on the other side of the table and leans back in the chair. “If I like it, then she can bake me one every time we find ourselves on the island together.”
I stare at Santiago, not sure how to handle his generosity.
Screw it. Building a friendship with these men will only count in my favor.
I give him a friendly smile. “I’ll have my aunt bake a cake for you as soon as possible.”
Dominik comes into the boardroom, drawing our attention to him. “Sorry, I’m late. I can’t stay long. Grace’s morning sickness is severe today.”
“Oh no,” I say, leaning a little forward. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
He shakes his head. “I’ve got it covered.” Taking a seat, the man who’s responsible for creating the alliance locks eyes with me. “The bratva has flooded Greece. I got word that they’ve aligned themselves with someone who doesn’t want you at the head of the table.”