Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 94915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
I stare at the Don. His words reverberate in my head. Vassal of the Bianco Famiglia. That would effectively end my business as I’ve always known it and make me a client to the Biancos. I’d answer to them, have to run my plans past them, and be forced to do what they fucking ask. I’d be their goddamn lap dog.
The idea is too repulsive, I can barely keep myself from cursing at the bastard.
“That’s not acceptable,” I manage to say, barely keeping my cool. I’m surrounded by Bianco soldiers right now, and one wrong move will get me killed.
But the goddamn arrogance of this man.
Simon doesn’t seem remotely surprised by my refusal. “Then I can’t help you.”
The piece of shit. He dragged us out here only to offer a deal he knew I’d never accept. Becoming his vassal would be the same as cutting my own throat. Hell, dying would be better.
I spent my life working for other people. At first, I struggled to survive on the street, and then I clawed and fought under Pascal’s painfully exacting tutelage, only to end up one of his glorified soldiers. The whole reason I came to America was to build something for myself.
That’s what I’ve been fighting so hard for. This gang, this city, this fucking country is mine, and if I agree to be a vassal of the Biancos, I might as well be nothing at all.
“There has to be some other way,” Ronan says, playing peacemaker. “You can’t really think he’d agree to that.”
Simon’s smile is tense, but not unfriendly. “The problem is, you’re asking a lot and offering very little. My main concern is the city’s stability, and I think if we worked more closely together, we could create a good environment for everyone.”
“You mean, if I agree to be your fucking employee?” I know I’m pushing it, but I can’t help myself.
“It wouldn’t be so bad. We have resources and access. You’d be safer, overall, for only a very reasonable cut.”
“No, thanks. I’d rather let Dusan shoot me in the face.”
Simon laughs and turns away. “I don’t blame you, honestly. I’d probably react the same way if someone made me that offer.”
“We appreciate your time then,” Ronan says, giving me a hard look.
I say nothing, because fuck him.
“It’s a shame, really, that we couldn’t come to better terms. But I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising. Your grandfather Pascal is just as stubborn. He didn’t want to stay in the oasis, and instead preferred one of our safe houses. The penthouse apartment in the Carter Building. I’m sure he’s happy there.” Simon walks off, swaggering slightly.
“Well, that was interesting,” Marco says and gives us a nod. “Good luck.” He follows Simon away, and I’m left standing alone with Ronan, totally stunned as I try to process what just happened.
“What the fuck was that?” Ronan asks me, shaking his head, looking mystified. “Did he seriously just fucking say that?”
“Seems like he did.” I narrow my eyes as Simon and Marco get into a black BMW and drive off. The Bianco soldiers follow after them. “Sounded like an invitation to me.”
“Why? I mean, do you think it’s a trap?”
“I don’t know what his game is, but if Simon Bianco wanted us dead, we’d be dead right now.” I blow out a long, frustrated breath.
Now we know where Pascal’s hiding. I have no clue what Simon gains by telling me, but there’s no way I won’t make use of this information.
Even if it costs me everything.
Chapter 42
Brianne
Another meeting at the Hayes household. This time though, it’s an evening meal, and the place is much less crowded. There are only the most important uncles and their wives, plus a few of the up-and-coming cousins, scattered around. Niall’s running the show while Ronan takes meetings in his office.
Julien’s agitated. I don’t blame him. Everything going on must be really difficult, especially knowing that he’s going to have to kill his own adopted grandfather. Even though he says he hates Pascal, it’s not easy to turn on a person that gave you a chance and lifted you up like that.
We’re ushered into Ronan’s office not long after arriving. The place is tense and on edge, and I’m guessing everyone knows about what happened at the mansion. As soon as Julien gets settled, Valentina appears in the doorway, smiling and looking gorgeous like always. “Mind if I borrow Brianne?” she asks.
“If she doesn’t mind,” Julien says, deferring to me, which I appreciate.
I want to stick around and hear what these two have to say, but I decide I can’t pass up the chance to have a chat with Valentina.
She’s the only person in the world that understands what I’m going through. Or at least, she went through something like it.
“I don’t mind at all,” I say and follow Valentina through the house.