Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77233 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Lust burned in my chest.
I'm going to make that pussy so sore.
She caught me watching her and flashed a quick, knowing smile before making her way back to the bed. “Stop being nasty.”
“I can't help it.”
The bed creaked as she got in and handed me the ashtray.
With my free hand, I covered her nude body with the blanket to warm her up.
Once back in my arms, she lit the joint.
I assessed the odd ashtray. It was an uneven, lumpy piece of clay, with what seemed like a galaxy of colors splattered across its surface. Blues, purples, and flecks of glitter were scattered haphazardly, giving it the appearance of a miniature, yet abstract rendition of outer space.
A wide smile spread across my face. “Did my baby make this?”
“Yep. That's your Father's Day present from last year.”
“So basically she's Picasso.”
Zuri winked. “Pretty much.”
“Back to the waterfront.”
“Okay?” She took a hit from the joint and then handed it to me. “The revenue from such a project would be substantial. High-end retail spaces, luxury living units with a view. . .the profits would be in the billions and create certifiable generational wealth.”
“And all with the government's approval?” I inhaled the joint and relished the smooth smoke flowing into me. “Mmmm. What's this?”
“It's from Banks' garden.” She eyed it. “I think he calls this Mystic Meadow.”
“You really like working with them?”
“I love it.”
“Any danger?”
“I'm kept far away from them and their gangster shit.”
“No close calls?”
“Not a one.”
“Hmmm.” I handed the joint back to her. “So. . .Francesca shows up out of nowhere and gets in the way of Viper Mob making billions of legitimate money?”
“She does. Plus, I don't even think she really wanted to do anything with the property. Her proposal was thrown together with no real plan of how she would get it all done.”
“She jumped in because she wouldn't want Viper Mob to do anything big.”
“So she blocked it?”
“And they decided to use their judges and lawyers to get me out—one of her most dangerous enemies.”
Smoke left Zuri's nostrils. “And now Viper Mob is free to bid again.”
“And with Francesca dead and the bloodbath around the cause.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I doubt anyone would plan on outbidding them.”
“I don't think it would be smart at all.” Zuri gave me the joint.
I waved it away and leaned back, processing this new information. “So. . .my path of revenge just shifted the dynamics in Shadow Heights's underworld.”
“And Paradise City. Don't forget Marcelo's silent side deal.” She inhaled some more and then put the joint out in the ashtray. “Getting you out was a strategic move. Viper Mob is not just aiming for profit. They’re cementing alliances, buying loyalty, and making sure that their great-great-great grandchildren are at least millionaires.”
Very smart, Siren.
This tranquil bliss washed over me.
Maybe it was the marijuana.
Or perhaps it was the fact that I was finally getting my life back.
Love was in the air, and millions of dollars too.
I placed the ashtray on the table next to me and studied Zuri. “Should I take the job or not?”
“Only if there is a contract and I can negotiate it.”
I quirked my brows. “Interesting.”
“This job would need to be a corporate position, although a. . .violent one.” She cleared her throat. “The contract must outline a substantial salary, at least seven-figures.”
“I get the feeling that he'll give me almost anything I want.”
“Good because you're going to want a lot.”
“I am?”
“I will be asking for equity. You should have stock options in the waterfront project.”
“Now you're making my cock hard.” And I wasn't telling one lie.
It jerked on the side of my thigh and stiffened.
She grinned. “You'll have a certain percentage of the shares, vested over a period.”
“Keep talking dirty to me, baby.”
She chuckled. “Insurance is crucial too.”
“Boring.”
“Dante, given the. . .unique nature of your position, a comprehensive insurance package is non-negotiable. Life, health, liability—the works. And it will extend to Carmen.”
“And you.”
“When we are married.”
“It will extend immediately to you. I want the both of you taken care of if anything should ever happen.”
She frowned. “Nothing will happen. Please, don’t say that.”
“I'm sorry.” I reached my hand up to her gorgeous face and caressed her cheeks. “What else?”
“There's the perks. Expenses for travel, accommodations, and entertainment should be covered. If you're representing the company, it should be in style and with security. That also means a company car. Armored and with the latest technology.”
“He gave me one already with a driver. There's also a condo with clothes in it. He's been courting me.”
“He won't be the last.”
“Meaning?”
“Marcelo wants you with Rowe Street Mob.”
“How do you feel about that?”
“The Diamond Syndicate has been shaky. I would wait until they've figured their shit out before entering as a newbie.”
“Then, yes to Viper Mob?”
“As I said. . .only if I can negotiate the contract and. . .”