Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 141(@200wpm)___ 113(@250wpm)___ 94(@300wpm)
Fucking hell. It only took Luca five minutes and one call to discover my curvy little blonde heart thief’s name and room number. I should’ve realized at that time my girl could be in danger, but I’m losing my goddamn edge. Meeting Mira fried my brain circuits.
The mere mention of her name makes my pulse quicken and turns my cock to stone. “Grimaldis…” I curse under my breath as all the possibilities flow through my mind. “Those motherfuckers.”
Luca nods, his eyes filling with concern. “You always knew having close personal relationships would supply them with potential weak spots. It’s time for us to go into damage control.” Then he adds almost under his breath, “If you plan to pursue a relationship with this girl.”
There’s no doubt in my mind and no choice for me. Leaving Mira alone now just isn’t possible. I set my glass down on the railing, a new wave of protectiveness surging up within me. “Where is she now?” I ask without answering his question while a little voice in the back of my mind celebrates having an excuse to keep her close.
“She’s still at the hotel, enjoying her vacation, completely unaware of the danger she’s in,” Luca replies.
I turn to face the sea again, my mind racing. Mira is innocent, completely removed from the bloody chess game of power and retribution I play daily. The thought of her being dragged into this mess, of her being hurt because of me, is intolerable.
“We need to get her out of here,” I say, my voice firm, leaving no room for argument. “Tonight.”
Luca nods, already anticipating my next move. “I’ll arrange it. We can have her moved to a secure location. But she’ll have questions, Lorenzo. Lots of them.”
“That’s my problem,” I reply. “Just make sure she’s safe.” I’m not sure how I’ll convince the innocent woman to give me a chance, but I’ll figure it out somehow.
Luca turns to leave, his mission clear, but then pauses. “And Lorenzo… are you one hundred percent sure this is what you want?”
“Yes,” I admit. “I know it’s not wise, and it’s probably not the right thing to do, but I can’t give her up.”
“You drank the goddamn water in Silver Spoon Falls when you met with Dante Arakas, didn’t you?” He shakes his head.
Not this fucking bullshit again. One visit to the small Texas town where there are more millionaires and billionaires than common folk and an unexplainable number of happily ever after unions, and the craziness seems to have worn off on me.
I lean back, rolling my eyes at his question. “I did.”
Luca raises an eyebrow, a rare sign of interest. “And you ignored the rumors about the water?”
I chuckle without humor, the sound unexpected even to my own ears. “Magical water that causes love at first sight didn’t really sound too dangerous at the time.”
“And now?” Luca asks, eyes narrowing slightly.
I take a moment, considering what to say. The memory of Silver Spoon Falls is fresh with serene landscapes, the affluent calmness, and yes, the almost palpable sense of charm in the air. “Now, I don’t know what to think about the water, but I do know I have real feelings for Mira Jones that I can’t fight.”
“Oh, how the mighty fall,” Luca says, a note of amusement mingled with disbelief.
“I know. It’s goddamn crazy,” I concede. “What I used to believe in could be counted in assets, alliances, and power dynamics. But now? Everything has changed.”
“And you’re sure this is a permanent condition?” He rubs his bottom lip. “It will be viewed as a weakness. Maybe even a sign that you’re no longer able to control the Amante Family.”
“Are you suggesting I’ve lost my edge?” My voice carries a warning, but he doesn’t flinch. He never does.
“No. I just want you to consider all the possible ramifications of this new… relationship of yours.”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I haven’t lost sight of who I am or what I need to do. I can maintain control of the family while pursuing Mira.”
Luca nods, accepting my words, but I can see the lingering doubt in his eyes. He’s been in this life long enough to know this won’t be easy. “So, what now?”
“Now, we focus on the Grimaldis. Ensure every move is calculated and effective. Protect Mira. Her safety remains a priority, whether you believe it’s because of the water or not.”
“And Silver Spoon Falls?” he asks. “Does it have a role in our future?”
I pause, letting the question settle. “Not yet. But Dante’s right about one thing: there’s potential there. Both business and…” I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. “Other avenues.” My little sister just married my best friend, and they now live in the small Texas town.
Luca’s smirk returns, albeit smaller. “Maybe we’ll all need a drink of that water. See if we can balance the chaos with some of that peace.”