Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88153 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 441(@200wpm)___ 353(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
“I… isn’t what right?” I question lamely, not about to agree to anything because with Dante I could be saying yes to any number of things, and none would be good.
“Emilia.”
It’s just one word, but the voice is cool, solid, and very familiar. I immediately look over to find Niko standing there. His face is stern, breathtakingly perfect, and emotionless.
I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. “Niko.”
“I came to claim the birthday girl for her dance.”
“You’re too late, Niko. Emilia and I were just about to do that ourselves. I traveled all the way here to celebrate her birthday. She’s family, you know,” Dante interjects.
“I don’t know,” Niko counters. “It would appear to me that she’s trying to pull her hand free. I suggest you let her.”
I thought Niko’s voice had been cold before, but I was mistaken. It’s sub-zero now. It seems to work, too. Dante immediately drops my hand. I frown, taking my hand back and rubbing it. If I were dealing with anyone else, I would take control and go out on the dance floor alone, telling Dante to take a hike and Niko thanks, but no thanks. I’m not, however.
I’m not sure why I feel so nervous right now, but I do. Besides, Niko and Dante both are dangerous men. I know what they do for a living. I know what it requires. I also know that with the position my father holds, I’m in a precarious situation. I’m only sixteen, but I’ve noticed the looks I get from the men wanting to make it farther up the ladder in the family. I’ve always known that’s what Dante sees when he looks at me. He wouldn’t physically hurt me, but he’s creepy for sure. He sees me as another way to get into his uncle’s good graces.
Antonio DeLuca and I aren’t close, but he's been part of my life for as long as I can remember. When his father was the head of the family, it felt like I had a second father. He spoiled me and told everyone that he viewed me as a daughter. Apparently, that and the fact my father has the position he has, is all it takes to get on the wrong radars.
“Emilia is just shy. You’re making her nervous.”
Asshole. I want to go off on him. Yet, I feel everyone’s eyes on me. Since my anxiety is already close to the surface, I can feel the tension inside me building. I try to find my voice—all while hiding the way my hand shakes.
“Leave, Dante. Emilia doesn’t want you here.”
“You can’t talk for Emilia. You have nothing to do with her or my relationship with her.”
“She’s sixteen. You have no relationship with her. Now, I’m not going to say it again. You’re done here. Leave.”
“You can’t tell me—”
“You’re forgetting who I am, Dante. I tell you to jump and you will fucking jump. Now, I’m telling you to leave.”
“Listen here, Niko—”
“You’ve got about two seconds before I prove to you that I don’t care who your uncle is.”
“This isn’t over,” Dante spews. “You may have my father’s old position, but you can’t tell me who I can talk to within the family.”
“I can in this instance.”
“The fuck you can!”
I jump because Niko’s fist comes up and plows into Dante’s face. The man stumbles, staggering to try and remain standing. Watching it all, takes my breath. I gasp at the anger that permeates the air. I don’t quite understand what I’m seeing. The fury on Niko’s face isn’t contained at all now.
“Remember who I am,” Niko bites out. “I can do whatever the fuck I want, especially when it comes to my property.”
“Your property?” Dante questions, but I hear the fear in his voice. It’s nothing compared to the fear that I’m feeling, however.
What is Niko saying.
“Exactly. Victorio?”
“Yes, Mr. Petrova?” My bodyguard speaks up, moving from behind Niko.
“Take Mr. Russo into the library. I’ll be there after I dance with Emilia and talk with her. You and two other men keep him contained. I don’t want to see his face back out here tonight. Are we clear?”
“Yes sir, but—”
“Never question me. You don’t know me that well yet, so I’m going to give you a slide.”
Victorio nods.
“When I give an order, you carry it out. There are no ‘buts’. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.”
“Since I can guess what you’re asking and Dante’s cocky look is annoying me more than it should, I will tell you I have clearance from the top on dealing with Dante in any way I see fit.”
“No fucking way!” Dante says, paling.
I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m having trouble dragging air into my lungs. Zoe grabs my hand and I lean into her.
“Breathe,” she whispers into my ear. “This is good. It’s going to be okay.”
She sounds so positive. I am anything but. Niko sucks all the air out of the room—leaving nothing to breathe. He’s bigger than life. I’m positive being called his property is anything but good. When he turns to look at me as Vic and two other men practically pull Dante away, my heart thunders in my chest. He reaches out his hand. I look at it, finally knowing the meaning of the spider and the fly. I force my gaze back to his face. He's not smiling. He’s not showing any emotion at all. He’s back to being the cold, closed off Niko that I am familiar with. I have to say, I prefer that to the anger that leaked through moments ago.