Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
“I’m not a boy.” Like I don’t know that. I’m more than well aware that the little terror has grown up into a gorgeous young lady. Fuck, I’ve noticed.
Right now, it would be wrong as fuck to show her how much I’ve noticed. A part of me is unable to take the actions I want because she’s too young to teach a real lesson, but another part is ready to fucking hold her to me, knowing she’s safe.
“Then stop trying to be one of us. You’re going to get yourself killed, and that would destroy your parents.” It would kill me and the world would bleed, but I can’t tell her that. “If that asshole had gotten a hold of you, we would have had to make a deal to get you back.”
“Why would you?” She lifts her chin, daring me to lie to her, but the truth is simple. I can keep the complicated part to myself.
“Your father might not be the head of the family, but he’s right up there, Viper. You’re a princess, even if you want to be a fucking warrior.” I wipe her wound that’s going to need stitches. “That’s going to leave a scar.”
“Well, that’s okay because it’s not for you to look at anyway.” She takes my shirt and presses it to the wound. I need a doctor to look at her before I lose my cool.
“One day, someone will…” I’m cut off by footsteps behind me. I whip around and see my father approaching, holding his arm that’s been wrapped up. Santos, my best friend, follows two steps behind him. His head tilts sideways as he spots Vivian and confusion and concern cross his face.
“Let’s get out of here. I need a word with you both.” I nod, tension radiating through every bone in my body. Today could have gone a lot worse, especially if something happened to my fucking little viper. “Santos ride in the other vehicle.”
“Yes, Boss.” He nods. “Good luck,” he says to me, but then he shakes his head as he gives another glance in Vivian’s way. He’s probably thinking the same thing we all are. She wasn’t supposed to be here and the risk is insane.
We only had a handful of women working for us, but they weren’t like Vivian and they didn’t ever get in the action like this. They stayed near the house or guarded our women on their shopping trips.
We get in the vehicle, and he immediately sings the viper’s praises. “Great shot, Vivian.”
“Yes, we’re grateful for that, but she shouldn’t have been here in the first place,” I snarl, glaring at her while she sneers at me through the darkness of the vehicle.
“Son.” The warning is clear. I need to leave her alone before I go too far and say something that gets me in trouble. As the next in line, many would see my lack of concern for my father as my interest in overthrowing him. It’s not like that at all. I love my parents completely and I’ll take over when it’s time and not a moment before.
“Sorry, Father, but as you can see, I’m sure this is only going to spur her on,” I argue. He’s about to snap on me when the door opens. I’m grateful he’s alive, but Vivian’s safety matters the world to me.
“The hell it is. Young lady, you’re not doing this shit again,” Enrico barks, jumping into the front passenger seat. I swear I could see the new gray setting in his hair as he speaks. I’m glad I have someone on my side, regarding this matter.
“Yes, Father,” she replies so meekly and filled with contrition as she momentarily dips her head that I almost believe her, but then Viper lifts it up with a smirk. “Or I’ll wait until I join another family before I engage in action.”
I’m fucking grateful that the darkness of night keeps the shadow on me because the venom practically seeping from my mouth would be visible as I ask, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
She looks at me and then turns away with an air of arrogance. “Matteo reminded me that I’m a mafia princess, and princesses find their mafia prince to marry. There are lots of bonds to make instead of wars.” She cracks her knuckles, and I feel like I fucking stuck my foot in my mouth. She’s not marrying another mafia prince. Over my fucking dead body.
Still, I’ll fix that shit. There’s only one prince for her, and when she’s grown, she’ll be my fucking queen.
Vivian
It’s been two weeks since Matteo put a bullet in that guy’s head, rescuing me from danger and protecting me—then breaking my heart with his next words. My hero and my enemy in one moment.
I look in the mirror, checking my wound for the dozenth time. It hasn’t fully healed, but Matteo’s right; there will be a nice scar in its place. A sigh falls from my lips as I stare at myself.