Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 163(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 163(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
"He's your son," Daisy whispers, her eyes wide. "How could he do all these things? Why me?"
I don't have an answer for her. The old adage is true: blood is thicker than water, but not always. "I don't know, sweet Daisy. Carlo...I don't know. But you are under my protection, and I will die before he harms a hair on your head."
There's a flicker of emotion in her eyes, something I can't read. Her lashes sweep down, and her voice is soft, almost shy when she speaks. "Thank you. You have no idea how much that means to me." Then her gaze shoots back to mine. "But what about everyone at the restaurant? Marie, the other chefs, Mario...are they in danger?"
My chest feels tight at her words. God, someone wants to kill her and all she can think about is the safety of others. People she barely knows.
"I'll tighten security, but even as it stands right now, a Cirilo goon would have to be insane to try and hurt you or anyone else in the very heart of my family's empire. Il Fiore is untouchable...if they value their lives, that is."
Daisy lets out a relieved sigh and gives me a tentative smile. "Good. That's good."
"Come, sweet thing," I say, dropping my arm and instead wrapping my fingers around hers. "It's been a long day. I think it's time for a bath, and then bed."
Her eyes change from fearful to curious—excited, even—until I call out for Elena. No matter how much I had been looking forward to spending the evening alone with Daisy, Ashton's information means I have work to do. I'm far from the only Falcone, and if another family thinks they're going to go toe to toe with us, I need to inform everyone.
Elena appears quickly, and I instruct her to draw a warm bath. "Run the tub for Miss Linden and get her anything she needs before bed."
Daisy's expression falls, and I lean down, whispering into her ear, "I promise to make it up to you, sweet thing."
She shivers, and I grin. Oh, how I plan to make this good for her.
Despite the late hour, most of the Falcone associates I call are more than happy to come out. We all understand the business and the fact that it has no schedule.
Some arrive within the hour, some the following morning, but by the time the sun rises, nearly all the important heads in the organization have been briefed.
They all agree with me. This is a foolish attempt at a takeover by a cocky upstart.
I'm not naive enough to believe that Carlo is the only one behind this. It's a child's ploy, one meant to distract me and cause the Falcones to divide. Carlo is just too inexperienced to realize he's being used as a wedge meant to drive the Falcones apart. He thinks he's the mastermind behind it all, but in truth, he's just another puppet, and I have no doubt that the Cirilo family would use him as a bullet sponge at the first chance.
Carlo may be a fool, but I'm not.
By 9 AM, all my business is concluded, and I haven't gotten a wink of fucking sleep. I find Ashton, who has also been up the entire night, brewing coffee in the kitchen.
"Go get some sleep, kid."
He turns to face me, dark circles evident under his eyes. "Sir, there's still work to be done."
"And it will hold till morning. Get everyone who worked overtime home and fresh guards in place. I want extra security with Daisy unless I'm with her. For now, post someone in the hallway to the guest room. I'm going to try to snag a few hours of shut-eye."
"Yes, sir."
I make my way upstairs, stifling a yawn. Carlo, you fucking moron. What were you thinking?
I drag myself into Daisy's room, the door propped open, and her scent is everywhere. Clean and soft and feminine. I can see the cloud of her hair on the pillow, her hands folded under her cheek.
Like a moth to a flame, I make my way to her, shedding my shoes, pants, and shirt as I do, finally crawling between the sheets in just my boxers. Daisy doesn't stir, her breathing even, and I wrap my arm around her waist, tugging her close to me.
It's then that she wakes up.
"Dom?"
"Shh, sweet thing. Just let me hold you."
"Okay," she mumbles sleepily, settling back down.
I press a kiss to her neck, nuzzling my face in the soft strands of her hair.
"Daisy," I say, my eyes closing. "My sweet angel."
The next time I wake up, the sun is high. Groggy, I turn over to find Daisy in bed with me, but fully awake, sitting up and scrolling on her phone. She's dressed for the day already, black leggings that outline every curve and a matching equally tight long-sleeved shirt.