by K. Webster
By the time I dress and leave the bathroom, Winston is in boardroom boss mode, barking out orders to someone over the phone. It would be intimidating if it weren’t for the pink bird sitting on his shoulder, hunting for bugs in his hair. Every so often, Winston reaches up to stroke Shrimp on the top of his head. I fight a grin as I pack up my clothes and toiletries.
He eventually hangs up on the person he’s talking to and carefully deposits our bird into his cage. Once Shrimp is secure inside, Winston prowls over to me. He snags my jaw in his punishing grip and presses a searing kiss against my lips. It’s times like this I’m reminded why I put up with all the shit when it comes to Win. Because there’s so much potential for us being something strong and unstoppable.
“Time to go, Cinderelliott.”
When we step out of the apartment, a huge scary dude dressed in black is glowering our way. Before I can have time to panic, Winston greets him with a clipped nod.
“Did you take care of the reporters?” Winston asks him, striding toward the elevators, the two of us following behind.
“Xavier’s handling it,” the beefy guy says. “I’m Todd.”
I relax a little. “Ash.”
“Pleased to meet you, Ash. We won’t let these assholes get near you.” He winks at me. “Just stay close and don’t talk to anyone.”
We step onto the elevator and Winston is a cold statue. I lean into him, needing some of his strength because I’m slightly freaked out having to face more people like Clay. And what if Scout is out there? I tremble and Win plants a kiss on top of my head. It’s such a sweet, simple gesture—one a boyfriend would do. Later I’ll give him all kinds of hell for it. Not now, though. Now I need him.
Winston guides me outside once the elevator chimes. A crowd of reporters have gathered in front of the building. I keep my head down and move my legs quickly to keep up with him. He practically shoves me into the vehicle waiting at the curb. Once my bird is stowed beside me, he climbs in on my other side.
“Miss Elliott.” Daniel’s eyes are concerned in the mirror.
“I’m still holding you to our sightseeing date, Danny Boy.”
He chuckles. “I’ll see what I can arrange.”
Winston, like the jerk he can be, pushes the button to close the partition. I scowl at him.
“Don’t flirt with the help, Cinderelliott.”
“I am the help and you do a lot more than flirt with me,” I argue. “I’m pretty sure your come is still running down my leg.”
His nostrils flare. “Always pressing my buttons.”
“I have to make up for all those days you avoided me.”
“All those days? It was three. Don’t exaggerate.”
All playfulness fades as I take his hand, threading his fingers with mine. Surprisingly he allows it, squeezing my hand once.
“Win, are we good?”
A wicked grin tugs at one corner of his lips. “No, baby, we’re not good. That’s not who we are. We’re bad, but don’t worry, we’re really, really good at it.”
In Win speak, we are good.
“You called me baby,” I taunt, barely able to hold back a giggle.
“If the shoe fits, Cinderelliott…”
“Asshole.”
“And for some reason you like me.”
Oh, no, Constantine. I don’t like you. Not even a little.
But love?
You better believe I’ve fallen for you despite your every attempt to keep me from doing it. And I’m going to drag you right along with me whether you like it or not.
* * *
I follow Winston into his condo, surprised to find both Keaton and Perry sprawled out on the sofa. Winston sets Shrimp’s cage in its usual spot in the living room and then frees him. Our bird chirps happily and flies straight to his favorite chandelier. Keaton smirks at Winston where Perry just grins like an idiot at him.
“Don’t,” Winston growls.
Perry laughs. “What? I didn’t say anything.”
Winston shoots both his brothers a fiery glare. “Don’t look at me like that.”
“I’m just smiling,” Perry deflects. “Not a crime, Winny.”
“And I’m only trying to understand what it is exactly I just witnessed,” Keaton says, craning his head up to watch Shrimp flap his wings in excitement.
“You can birdwatch later, kid,” Winston gripes. “Right now, we need to discuss some family shit.”
Keaton’s gaze skims over to me. His features tighten when he takes in my red, puffy eyes. I’m sure I look like absolute shit after the craptastic day I’ve had.
“Anthony got something set up?” Perry asks, leaning forward on the sofa, resting his elbows on his knees.
He’s thrumming with excitement whereas Keaton is kicked back with his bulky arms stretched out over the top of the sofa, not a care in the world.
I drop my bags on the floor and then plop down on the cushion between Perry and Keaton. Winston crosses his arms over his chest, a scowl hardening his face.
“I spoke to him a bit ago,” Winston says. “We’re to meet the Morellis at a restaurant in neutral territory.”
“Wait…” I tense at his words, frowning at him. “You’re meeting with the Morellis?”
“I’m taking my damn building back.” Winston’s blue eyes flash with victory. “Leo fucked up. I knew he would which is why I tied him with a binding agreement. This meeting is merely a chance to watch him throw a tantrum as he signs it back over to me.”
His arrogance, when directed my way is annoying, but when he’s screwing someone over who truly deserves it, I’m mesmerized by it. Winston Constantine is a powerhouse who gets what he wants no matter the cost or effort.
“You’re obsessed with that building,” I tease, enjoying the way his lips quirk up on one side at my words.
“Aww.” Perry tugs at a piece of my hair. “You and Winny kissed and made up.”
“We get to move back,” I say with a triumphant grin.
Keaton snorts out a laugh while Winston rolls his eyes.
“You can’t move back if you never lived here in the first place,” Winston explains as though we’re dense children and he’s the daddy. “You and the bird—”
“Our bird,” I interrupt and Shrimp chirps loudly in agreement from above us. “Shrimp is our bird.”
“You and the goddamn bird are simply being relocated.” He shoots me an agitated glare. “For fuck’s sake, Cinderelliott, get the hearts out of your eyes.”
“She’s not the only one with hearts in their eyes,” Perry mutters unwisely beside me.
Winston flips his middle finger out and waves it at him. “Enough of this. We have important things to discuss. Firstly, someone leaked out the fact that Ash was staying at the whore apartment?”
“The whore apartment?” Keaton mutters, amusement in his voice.
“Why?” Perry demands, growing serious. “What happened?”
“Some reporter guy was waiting for me upstairs and…” I shiver at the disgust that slithers through my veins. “He was a creep.”
Winston produces a phone and tosses it at Keaton. “I want all you can find on this journalist. Get Ulrich on it if you need to. Then, I want you to destroy him. Perverts who knock women out and then take pictures of their fucking underwear while they’re unconscious deserve much more than a simple ass beating.”
“What the fuck?” Keaton growls. “I’m on it.”
I shoot him a thankful smile.
“Not many people knew where Ash was staying,” Winston continues, “but the press found out. What’s really fucking alarming is how Scout Mannford knew. I’m certain he leaked it, but the big question is how did he know?”
I’m about to mention Nate, but that didn’t go over too well last time, so I throw Deborah under the bus instead. “Your secretary hates me. She dropped off my bird and belongings. Maybe it was her.”
“What about Nate?” Perry asks and I want to high-five him.
“Hm
m,” is all Winston says. “I’ll get to the bottom of it. After my meeting with the Morellis. But, the bigger issue at hand is the threats Scout slung at me.”
Keaton leans forward, body tense and aching for a fight. “Need me to kick his ass?”
“He will be dealt with soon,” Winston growls. “Permanently.”
That sounds ominous, but at this point, I don’t care. I’m tired of Scout and his brothers trying to hurt me at every turn.
Perry squeezes my knee. “Are you okay?”
“Ash is fine. She didn’t talk to him and she won’t have to. If he comes near her, fuck him up.” Win’s command is directed at Keaton. “I need you to keep an eye on her while Perry and I have the Morelli meeting tonight. No one comes into this apartment.”
Winston paces in front of the empty birdcage. He’s usually tightly held together, so it’s a little unnerving to see him so unwound.
“Will you guys be safe?” I ask, drawing Winston’s intense stare my way. “From Leo?”
Winston scoffs. “We’ll be doing all the fucking at this meeting. Leo won’t be safe from us.”
“What if Leo goes all beast mode and decides to beat the shit out of you?” Keaton demands, making my stomach twist violently. “I’ve heard rumors about him. This is more than just bad business deals. This is life and death. Don’t leave me in charge of this family. I swear to God, I’ll fucking find you in Hell and kill you again if you do.”
“Keep your panties on,” Winston grinds out. “They won’t do anything in public. And if they try, that’s what Xavier and Todd are for.”
Keaton settles, but only marginally so. “Don’t provoke them. Just get your stupid building and get out of there.”
“Have you met Winston?” Perry asks, snorting. “He’ll provoke Leo until he loses his shit just for the entertainment value.”
“Please don’t,” I murmur, locking eyes with Winston. “I can’t raise our baby bird on my own. He needs a daddy.”
Winston’s lips twitch but he doesn’t smile. “I’ll make sure his inheritance is sufficient.”
Keaton sniggers, shaking his head. “Never thought I’d see the day when—”
“And you won’t see another one if you finish that statement,” Winston snaps at Keaton and then to Perry barks, “Let’s go.”
I launch myself from the couch and leap into Winston’s arms. He catches me on instinct, his palms going to my ass. With my fingers diving into his hair, I kiss him like it might be our last. He indulges me with a little tongue action and then he smacks my ass.
“We can do this later,” he grumbles.
“From your bed?” I bat my lashes at him. “Pretty please. I’ll pay handsomely for it.”
“I do not want to hear this,” Keaton complains. “I’m going to see what Francis can cook me up.”
As he passes, Winston plucks me from his body and sets me to my feet. “I’m serious. No one comes in this apartment.”
I can almost read the warning in his gaze. Not even Nate. Don’t worry. I’m not falling for that again.
“I won’t let anyone in.” I smooth his hair back that I’d messed up during our kiss. “And you never answered my question.”
Perry laughs as he stands from the couch. “On that note, I’m gone too. You driving or am I?”
“Daniel,” Win says. “I told him to wait in valet.”
“I’ll go sit in the car so you two lovebirds can make out.”
Winston ignores his brother’s comment, instead letting his hot gaze drag down to my lips. “How will you pay for it?”
He loves our games as much as I do.
“What do you want?”
“That’s a dangerous thing to ask a man who has everything,” he warns. “It might be something you can’t give me.”
“I’ll figure out a way to make it happen.”
“So desperate.” He reaches up and hooks a finger under my chin, tilting my face up. “If you’re going to be in my bed, maybe I should get to tie you up so you can’t get needy and cling to me all night.”
“Hmm, naked and tied up in a billionaire’s bed. You really twisted my arm, Win. Where do I sign up?”
He rubs his thumb over my bottom lip. “Your smart mouth needs to be punished.”
“I’ll be the naked teenager in your bed waiting for you to defile me.”
His glare is murderous. I’m highly entertained, though, when my palm covers the bulge in his pants. This guy is mine. A perfect match for me. Always down to do the same filthy things I want to do.
“Please be careful,” I say, standing on my tiptoes to brush a kiss over his handsome mouth.
“You make good on your end of the deal and I’ll get through tonight to make good on mine.”
With those words, he turns on his heel, leaving me alone, but taking my heart with him.
He better bring it back.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Winston
Manhattan Mile High Club is a swanky restaurant on the 80th floor of one of the tallest buildings I don’t own. Yet. It belongs to a family who’s been in this city far longer than the Constantines have. However, they can’t hold on to it forever. Eventually they’ll sell to me because I’ll keep sweetening the deal until they do.
“You think this will go smoothly?” Perry asks, tension in his voice, as we pull up to the curb in front of the building.
“It will.”
“So sure of yourself.”
“I have to be,” I tell him with a shrug. “If I doubt myself, then my opponent will too. If I enter every fight knowing I’ll win, they’ll never have a chance.” He starts to open the door, but I stop him by grabbing his arm. “Stay quiet and let me or Anthony do all the talking. We’ll be in and out soon enough. For some reason, if Leo loses his shit and things go sideways, you find Xavier and Todd and get the hell out.”
He frowns hard at me, his eyes darkened by shadows. “If things go sideways, I’ll find you and then get the hell out. I’m not leaving you, Winny. Ever.”
“Mother will never let me hear the end of it if I let her golden child get killed.”
“I know in Win’s World, you’re this sole dark hero who saves everyone in his wicked vicinity, but in the real world, your brother—who can bench just as much, if not more than you—is going to back you up no matter what. You don’t have to do everything by yourself.” He holds up a fist. “Team Constantine, remember?”
“I’m not bumping your fist like we’re hoodlum teenagers. And you’ve been hanging out with Ash too much.”
He just grins at me, still holding his fist up like an idiot. I finally bump it, so he’ll get out of the goddamn car and on with it.
We enter the Manhattan building that’s been around probably since the beginning of time for all I know. The lobby is elegant and has the distinct, cloying scent of old money and privilege—sweet and a little bitter. Whereas most of my buildings have been renovated and updated with the changing times, this particular one still boasts Art Deco from the late ’30s. Brass-inlaid geometric patterns adorn the arched ceilings, terrazzo floors gleam as though they’ve been recently polished to perfection, and the etched-glass doors along the corridor to the elevators all complete the dated look.
When this building is mine, I’ll rip all of this out and give it a much-needed makeover.
Perry and I stand in front of brass elevator doors, staring at our distorted reflection. From this viewpoint, we could be twins. Both suited. Both blond. Both similar in build. Despite my brother being a man child a lot of the time, he’s stepping up considerably where this family and Halcyon are concerned. Maybe he’s right. Maybe I don’t have to shoulder all of the burden. Once, I shared that burden with Dad. It’d feel good to unload some of it on Perry once he can handle it.
The slightly twangy ding of the elevator signals it’s ready for our ascent eighty floors into the clouds where a family of rats await. Footsteps approach, and before we enter the elevator, said rats scurry around us, chasing of
f the building’s natural scent with that of aggression. Perry’s body tenses, but I ignore them, stepping into the elevator. My brother and I stand with our backs to the wall as the Morellis file inside.
“Evening, gentlemen,” I greet, my grin wolfish. “If you like steak, the Manhattan Mile High Club has the second best…” I trail off, tapping my jaw. “Now that Edge is no longer around, I suppose theirs is the best now.”
Lucian doesn’t reward me with a reaction, remaining rigid and stone-faced. Leo, though, is predictably a bastard. He glares at me with glittering menace. Lucian must be keeping him on a leash because he doesn’t say anything. The box becomes crowded as several bodyguards join them and a man with a thick file folder tucked under his arm. From the looks of it, one of their bastard attorneys. It’s ridiculous the two of us against this army of assholes. They’re probably strapped with weapons whereas the only thing Perry and I carry are our powerful last name and heavy wallets. The Morellis are reckless cowboys in a world that’s long-past blurred by them. Where everyone else in this city has evolved and realizes that money is the sharpest blade there is, they’re still clinging to their guns and macho fucking attitudes.
Perry mashes the button for the 80th floor and then keeps his hands threaded together in front of him. I take my time sweeping my stare over each one of our enemies, taking in all their imperfections one by one.
“Just the two of you?” Lucian asks with a lift of his dark eyebrow. “Aren’t you a little…unprepared?”
I glance at Leo pointedly. “I think, Lucian, that your little brother was the one who was unprepared when he started making deals he wasn’t capable of upholding.”
The elevator dings and opens on the 27th floor, saving us from a Leo explosion. An elderly couple on a residential level eyes the tense crowd and waves us on to take the next elevator. The doors close once more. My phone buzzes and I pull it out to read a text from Ulrich.
Ulrich: Found more stuff for you, boss. Gave it all to Tony earlier.
Me: Nice work.
The elevators open again on the 68th floor. A man in a suit—my man—steps on. Xavier says nothing as his imposing presence fills the otherwise crowded space. Now we both have security. I know they hire the best. So do we. Here’s hoping neither of them need to draw their weapons during this meeting.