Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 86883 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86883 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 348(@250wpm)___ 290(@300wpm)
“I understand.”
“You’re not angry?”
He lifts an eyebrow. “I rarely issue warnings and usually go straight to the violence, so no, I’m not angry.”
I relax a little and fold my arms to show him just how relaxed and unfazed I am. “Good.”
“Good?”
“I was hoping you hadn’t drunk from the same cup of assholery like your manager has and expect your staff to put up with that kind of behavior in your club.”
“I expect my staff to be treated with respect.”
“Have you told Dario that? Because I’m pretty sure he isn’t on board with that particular philosophy.”
“What would you suggest I do then?”
“You’re asking me for advice?”
“No. I’m simply curious as to what you would do.”
“Is shooting him in the dick an option?”
Amusement tugs at his lips. “Let’s pretend this is your club. What would you do?”
“I would kick his ass to the curb and find a new manager. Someone who knows how to treat their staff with respect and actually care about them.”
“Done. Do you want the job?”
“Excuse me?”
There is no way he just offered me the position.
“Dario was correct in saying I don’t visit here on a Sunday night. But tonight, I’m here for a very specific reason. He’s been stealing from me, and by the end of the night, he will know with great clarity what happens to people who steal from me.”
A thrill zips up my spine.
He’s going to kill him.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because by the end of the night, I’m going to be short a club manager, and I want you to replace him.”
Two things are vying for my attention in my head right this minute.
One, the fact that he’s going to make Dario pay for his crimes, which let’s face it, isn’t going to bode very well for Dario.
And two, he’s giving me a promotion.
A promotion because I suck so bad at mixing drinks?
“Why me?”
“Because you demand respect and give it in return. You’re personable, and according to Eve, the staff all love you… even Natalie, which is a feat in itself.”
“She was a tough nut to crack, I’ll give her that.”
“I trust my instinct, and my instinct is telling me you’d do the job right.”
“But I’ve never done anything like this before.”
“So you’ll learn. Besides, Eve oversees everything, so look at it more like an executive assistant role to her.” He folds his arms and regards me with those impenetrable eyes. “Or are you trying to talk me out of it because you’re afraid?”
“I’m not afraid.”
Am I?
Is that what the knot in my chest is all about?
I’m afraid of letting him down?
Massimo.
A De Kysa.
The De Kysa.
Oh hell no.
“I’m a Bamcorda,” I blurt out, reminding myself of why I will never be afraid of a De Kysa or anything to do with them.
“We all have our faults,” Massimo says with a wicked smile touching his lips.
A sexy wicked smile that sends another tingle through my body.
“You seriously want me to be involved in running the club?”
“Looks that way.”
“I’m the daughter of your rival. I was lucky you even let me in the door, and now you’re giving me more access to your world.”
“Not my world, my club.” He pushes off the desk to stand in front of me. He towers over me, all broad shoulders and power. “You know this place is very separate from the family business. You won’t be privy to anything I don’t want you to be.”
Standing this close, I can see the lighter flecks in his deep obsidian eyes and every long, dark lash that surrounds them.
And Jesus, what cologne is he wearing?
It’s like a spell being cast, one that makes you so high you don’t care what happens to you.
“So what do you say, little monster, do you dare?”
Massimo holds out his hand.
I reach for it and shake. “Dare accepted.” I can’t help but smile.
It never fails to surprise me how quickly life can turn on a dime.
Sometimes it’s a bad twist of fate.
But sometimes it’s good.
17
MASSIMO
I put a bullet through Dario’s skull within an hour of my meeting with Bianca.
He knelt before me, apologizing for stealing from me and begging for his life.
I could’ve forgiven him for his theft. Taken a few fingers and let the asshole live out his years with only a pair of thumbs.
I could’ve made it quick, too.
But I did none of the above. Instead, I drew it out. Toyed with him. Like a cat toys with a mouse before he rips it apart and devours it.
Why? Because Dario was doing more than just stealing. He was involved in trafficking. And trafficking is one thing the De Kysa don’t tolerate.
To add insult to injury, he was also meeting with those involved with it in my goddamn club. Making phone calls on my goddamn phone. Bringing filth into my goddamn space.
His offences were numerous.
The reasons to kill him abundant.