Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 388(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 388(@200wpm)___ 311(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
“Maybe he’d use her as a pawn in a bigger scheme.”
“I fucking hope not.”
“Maybe his love isn’t as selfless as it seems.”
I dropped my gaze to my glass, and we sat in silence for a while.
“What do you think his next move will be?”
“I think I know exactly what it’s going to be…and he’s going to regret the day he crossed me.”
I didn’t text her for a few days.
Our last conversation had pissed me off—and I was still pissed off.
But I couldn’t avoid her because I had to stop by the house and meet with Dante. I stepped on to the estate and checked in with one of his men, who notified the butler that I awaited his presence.
I stood in the parlor and looked out the window, seeing the garden outside in the uplighting. It was evening, so Scarlett might not be here, but sometimes she was around when I least expected it.
Footsteps sounded behind me. “Axel.”
I turned and forced a neutral stare as my eyes connected to Dante’s. “Good evening.”
He wore dark jeans and a gray shirt, his arms muscular like he hit the weights every morning. He was fifteen years older than me, but his physical fitness was comparable. His eyes were kind and there was a slight smile on his lips, but I knew it was all bullshit. “Ready?”
“Yep.” I headed to the door.
But Dante stayed behind. “Do you mind if Scarlett joins us?”
I turned back around and felt like I’d just walked into a trap. “Not at all.”
“I thought it was best to give her an introduction.” He turned back toward the arch that led to the parlor, and she appeared a moment later, wearing a leather skirt with a silk blouse tucked into it. She wore stilettos too, but she walked in them like they were flats. She had her father’s height, nearly six feet in those heels, but she was still shorter than both of us. She was fucking beautiful…as always.
Fuck, this was going to be a rough night.
Her green eyes found mine, doing her best to regard me with indifference—and failing.
I slid my hands into my pockets and regarded her with a nod. “You sure you’re up for this? Because it’ll be a snooze fest.”
“It’s fine,” she said with a smile. “It’s part of the job.”
“Exactly, sweetheart.” Dante opened the door for her and let her go first.
I trailed behind, my hands still in my pockets, and watched him open the door so she could get into the back seat of the SUV. He treated her like she was his date, not his daughter, and I wondered if he did that for my benefit.
He got into the front seat with the driver.
I took the other seat in the back beside Scarlett, the center seat empty between us. I spent my time looking out the window and fighting the temptation to look at her legs in that skirt. She had such nice legs…especially when they were wrapped around my head. My mind drifted to thoughts and memories, and I wondered what panties she wore.
Fuck, I had to get my shit together.
Fifteen minutes later, we arrived at the abandoned café in the market district. There was a closed sign on the window, and some people continued to walk along the streets with their crepes and gelato.
I was annoyed that Dante had decided to bring her to this. It was no place for a woman. Well, a woman like her, at least.
We checked in with the host and then were guided down the stairs until we reached a door. A bouncer was there with a cigar in his mouth, and he let us pass when he recognized us. We entered a smoke-filled room, a table in the center with men seated with poker chips in front of them. There were two stripper poles, both occupied by topless women spinning around to the loud music that played over the stereo. The couches were taken by men who watched the private show, bills across the carpet and the dance floor.
“Dante.” Julio rose to his feet and greeted him with a handshake. “You came to party.”
He smiled. “Business is the only party I’m interested in.”
Julio shifted his gaze to Scarlett. “And you brought your own entertainment—”
“This is my daughter, Scarlett.” Dante’s smile disappeared. “She’s learning the trade.”
I was pissed she was even in this situation, with the scum of the underworld. Dante’s arrogance was obnoxious, because he should keep his beautiful daughter far away from pigs like this. He was powerful—but not invincible.
“Ooh.” Julio nodded slowly and stiffened. “I see. Welcome, Scarlett.”
She shook his hand with a smile. The scene didn’t seem to bother her at all—her poker face wasn’t that bad. She didn’t cough at the smoke. She didn’t stare at the naked women. In fact, she helped herself to a drink, making herself a scotch like everyone else.