by Eden Summers
He raises a brow. “Is she in your pocket, though, or in your bed? I heard whispers of a marriage proposal and wanted to make sure you were still considering my generous offer.”
“Have you been spying on me, Costa?” This asshole is more thorough than I anticipated. “All this strategy and foresight is leading me to believe you were in on Robert’s abduction plan from the beginning.”
“I give my word that I wasn’t. Like I told you, my involvement started once I heard Jordan had the children in his possession. I’ve helped you ever since.”
I scoff a laugh.
Maybe he believes he helped. Maybe he’s so fucked up that he’s convinced his actions are benign instead of an act of hostility.
“What about the proposal?” he asks. “Is what I heard true?”
We drive onto the I-5 heading away from the hustle of the compacted city streets.
“It’s true.” I meet his gaze. “I’m sorry to inform you I won’t be aligning our families through marriage. But I’m sure we can come to some other kind of arrangement.”
Disappointment enters his features. Calculated, fraudulent disappointment.
He nods and tangles his fingers in his lap. “That’s okay. I’m not giving up.”
Of course he isn’t. He doesn’t plan to stop until he has me nailed to a wall.
“I’ve made up my mind, Costa. Whatever you plan to threaten me with won’t work.”
He clucks his tongue. “I’ve never threatened you. And I don’t plan to start. What I offer is enlightenment. I want to show you the alternate options to marrying a Fed who will only threaten your empire.”
“Why don’t you just tell me what—”
He holds up a hand. “Please. Give me this last opportunity to prove myself. I’ve lived long enough to make many mistakes. All I’m doing is trying to stop you from making one yourself.”
“I can handle my own problems.”
He inclines his head. “I admire your confidence, son. But marriage isn’t just a personal commitment. Not for men like us. You’re balancing the success of your entire empire on this woman. And I assure you the lust won’t last. You might be having fun now, but soon it will wear off.”
Bullshit.
I know things with Anissa will be challenging. But my want for her goes beyond lust. It always has.
“How many long-term relationships have you had?” he asks without curiosity, because I swear he’s already aware. This asshole has dug deep enough into my past to understand my previous lack of interest in commitment. “Have you shared your house before? Your belongings? Your trust? What will you do if she betrays you? What will happen if after you commit to her in the eyes of the Lord, things don’t work? Will she walk away with a lifetime’s worth of your secrets? Or will you be able to silence her?”
Silence? No, he means kill, and for once, the imagery of that act leaves me cold.
“Weren’t you the one trying to tempt me into marrying your daughter?” I scowl. “You’re not doing a good job selling commitment.”
“That’s the thing, son. My daughter is malleable. You can shape Abri however you like. If you want a doting wife, she can be that for you. If you prefer a business partner, she’s smart enough to hold her own. And if you desire no strings, she can stand by your side in name alone, turning a blind eye to a long line of mistresses.” He sighs and relaxes back into his seat. “What I’m trying to say is that a marriage to someone in law enforcement will forever be a noose around your neck, waiting for you to slip. Yet the alternate option of my Abri will bring nothing but ease and prosperity.”
“And if things don’t work out with her?” I drawl. “Does she walk away with a lifetime of my secrets, or do I get to silence her?”
“You will never need to worry about that. As I will be as heavily invested in a successful marriage as you, I’ll make it my duty to ensure my daughter is everything you need her to be.”
This fucker is proving to be more like my father with every word. Maybe more misogynistic and cruel.
“Trust me, Cole. You don’t want to align yourself with a woman for anything other than financial gain.”
I hadn’t planned to marry at all. Until Anissa.
There’d been no concept of commitment. No desire to slice myself open and share my secrets with anyone until my little fox came along.
Now, life is different.
“I appreciate your concern. Unfortunately, it won’t change my mind.” I stare out the side window as we drive farther away from the city. “How long until we reach our destination?”
“A while.” Salvatore grunts. “We’re heading out of Sacramento.”
I’m getting farther and farther away from those kids. From civilization and witnesses.
“I understand you’re not convinced.” Emmanuel leans closer and lowers his voice. “I was young and hopeful once. But tell me, how can this woman possibly improve your future? What will she bring to your family other than risk?”
I don’t owe him answers. I shouldn’t even acknowledge his question. Yet his scrutiny eats at me, coarsely grating away layers of protective coating to expose flaws in my future.
“Perspective,” I say on instinct. “Insight. Strength. New blood.”
Anissa isn’t a prop or a fling. She’s the outsider who will fortify my empire.
“And you’ve weighed this perspective and insight above the threat she will pose when everyone who has ever worked with your family begins to question your sanity? What do your men think of her? What about your suppliers? Your informants?”
His biting inquisition isn’t new. I’ve been through all this on my own. I’ve weighed the options. And every time I convince myself Anissa is worth the risk.
Emmanuel heaves an exhale, as if hating to be the bearer of bad news. “The cartel won’t be pleased—”
“Enough,” I growl. “I’m done talking about her.”
He sucks in a long breath and slowly nods. “I understand.”
The ride becomes silent as we coast for miles. The further we go, the less traffic follows. Away from the city, past the outer suburbs, until there are few cars on the road and even fewer houses in sight.
They want desolation, and we’re close to getting it.
This ride could be my last.
This old fuck, with his disturbing smirk and lack of self-preservation, might be making a move to wipe me out now rumors of my father’s death have started to circulate.
And why wouldn’t he? I have no successor. My sisters are neither capable nor inclined. Decker lacks the ingrained brutality. Luca hasn’t been around long enough. Benji is a fucking traitor. And although Hunter knows every aspect of my business and could handle taking over, he wouldn’t want the responsibility or the leadership.
Tobias is the only replacement who can rule my family, and he’s not even within a few years of being able to grasp the helm.
Salvatore takes an exit off the I-5, taking us over a bridge to cross a river. My prospects are even worse out here. Houses are separated by numerous acres. We pass a vineyard as the sun lowers toward the horizon and I’m sure the approaching darkness is all a part of their plan.
“It’s not much farther.” Emmanuel stares down the middle of the car, focusing out the front windshield.
We follow alongside a wire fence for mile after mile of farmland before the road curves wide, taking us in a new direction.
“Here.” Emmanuel points up ahead. “We’ve arrived.”
We approach a dense barrier of trees on the left, bordered by a white ranch fence, the billowing scrub blocking the view of what I presume is a house yard. I remain quiet as we pull into the property, passing open metal gates and the thick tree line into an expansive manicured garden.
This place is its own oasis shielded from the rest of civilization.
The trees block out the world, enclosing us amongst the dense lawn, sculpted rose bushes, and, from what I can see, an impressive farmhouse up ahead.
�
�Is this place one of yours?” I ask.
“No. Just a rental in a perfect location. I want you to have privacy while you reconsider your future with Ms. Fox.”
I stiffen at her name.
His insight into Anissa is no longer a revelation—it only makes the dust settle on the level of exposure I’ve placed upon her. The risks will increase once the world learns of her value to me. But I’ve known that all along. It’s the distance currently between us that makes the reminder fucking brutal.
“My gift.” Costa juts his chin at the lavish house as the car pulls up a few yards from the wraparound porch. “Have an open mind.”
I drag my gaze along the pristinely painted exterior, the orange glow of the late afternoon sun gleaming off the windows. For a second I think he’s offering to buy me the property, until I see the woman leaning against the porch railing near the front doors.
Slim, blonde, and cover-model pretty, she’s a vision of perfectly choreographed temptation that fills me with adrenaline. “Your daughter, I presume?”
“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” He releases his seat belt and opens his door. “Come meet her.”
“This is a waste of time, old man.”
He slides out to peer down at me. “Maybe. But humor me. Spend some time with her before you make a rash decision.” He closes the door on the conversation, leaving Salvatore to glare at me through the rearview mirror.
“We’ll be watching,” he warns. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
I laugh. Can he sense my sudden thrill?
This woman is exactly what I’ve been looking for—their fucking soft underbelly.
I get out, the smirk still haunting my mouth as I leisurely stroll after Emmanuel and climb the three stairs to the front porch.
The woman eyes my approach, her appraisal sly as she seductively bites her lower lip.
“Cole, I’d like you to meet Abri.” Costa greets his daughter with a kiss on the temple, then retreats. “Abri, this is the man I’ve been telling you all about.”
I don’t take my gaze off her, scrutinizing every detail from the deep blue eyes that sparkle with mischief to the way her fingers loosely tangle in front of her, showing no hint of apprehension.
She’s beyond visually appealing, with high cheekbones and enough subtle makeup to accentuate her beauty. And even though she’s covered from shoulder to foot in her designer sheer blouse, peach blazer, and tight white pants, it’s clear she’s sporting an astronomical body.
She’s a viper.
I may have been born to rule and lead, but this woman was a strategically raised Trojan horse who only has one aim in mind—temptation.
“Cole.” She says my name like a lover’s call, the syllable whispering past my ears as she saunters forward in ankle boots to offer her hand. “I’ve been told a lot about you.”
“I promise it was all lies.” I play the game, sweeping my palm over hers for a quick shake, the connection increasing my thrill.
“I assure you, every word was kind.” She chuckles.
“Like I said, all lies.”
Her laughter continues, bubbling like a gentle brook. “Let’s take a walk.”
My pulse quickens as I remain in place, anticipating discouragement from Costa that never comes. He doesn’t voice disapproval of me being alone with his daughter. He doesn’t even drop the faux friendly expression.
“That’s a great idea. Just don’t go too far.” He claps me on the shoulder and strides away, his polished shoes thudding along the porch. “Take this seriously, son. I assure you my Abri is a far better option for your future.”
Leaving me alone with this woman, even though unarmed, is senseless. He’s banking her safety on my reputation for not involving women in the games of men. But that moral high ground is no longer on the table.
“You seem worried.” Abri inches closer as her brothers leave the car, their stares fixed on us. “Don’t you want to be alone with me?”
I meet her gaze, searching for sincerity, and grin when I don’t see any. “I’m not the one who should be worried.”
She rolls her pretty eyes and passes me to descend the stairs. “I’m far too prepared to be worried.”
Meaning?
Maybe she has a weapon. Or more eyes are watching from the overbearing tree line, even though the sedan is the only car out here.
Neither would matter, though, if I wanted her dead.
Problem is, she only holds value as a hostage. Breath needs to remain in her lungs.
“Where are we going?” I stroll after her, catching up on the pebbled drive to head in the opposite direction to the men in her family.
“Anywhere.” She shrugs. “I don’t care, as long as we can talk.”
So she plans to lure me into marriage through conversation and the gentle sway of her lush hips? This bitch gets ten points for optimism.
“What do you want to talk about, snowflake?” I hold the aggression from my tone.
Fuck this beating-around-the-bush bullshit. I need to get back to Anissa. She’s exposed without me. And the thought of Stella and Tobias approaching another night without their family is gnawing at my impatience.
Abri shoots me a grin. “We need to talk about us, of course. You mainly. Tell me about yourself.”
“You want menial chitchat?” I shoot a glance over my shoulder. Her brothers still eyeball me.
“It’s not menial anything. We’d be creating a foundation that will hopefully start a very beneficial future for all of us. You’re a highly successful businessman, Cole. But your wealth can’t be anywhere near the level of my father’s. Aren’t you excited at the prospect of unimaginable success?”
“I’m satisfied with where I’m at.”
“Liar.” She snickers. “Men like you are never satisfied. I bet you thrive on new opportunities. You’re just daunted by how different my father’s offer is from what you’re used to.”
“And you appreciate the prospect of marrying someone you don’t know?”
She pauses, her smile remaining in place as she focuses aimlessly across the yard. “Let’s just say you’re a far better prospect than I anticipated.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. If you want to talk, then tell me how a pretty girl like you would ever agree to an arranged marriage.”
She stops and turns to face me, her expression remaining bright as she raises a brow in condescension. “For starters, I’m no girl, tough guy. And agreeing to marry you didn’t take much convincing. I do what needs to be done for the success of my family.”
I’m not buying it. Not unless she’s clueless.
“Do you know who I am, Abri?” I stare into those sky-blue eyes. “Do you have any idea what being with me would entail? It would be a loveless marriage completely devoid of emotional connection. Surely you want more than that.”
Her sly smile widens, exposing a dimple in her left cheek. “I’d never set my sights on something so pathetically whimsical as love. I know it doesn’t exist. Neither does God, for that matter. Both were created to appease the masses.” She pivots on her heel and continues forward. “What I do know is that you’re a piece of the puzzle that will help bring diversity to my family’s wealth. And I can do the same for you.”
“You didn’t answer my question.” I grab the crook of her arm, making her stop. “Do you have any idea who I am?”
She snaps rigid.
In the distance, a throat clears in subtle warning.
I grind my teeth, struggling not to tighten my fingers as her haughty gaze lowers to my grip.
“Sorry. I thought you were being rhetorical.” Her menial expression remains in place as she yanks her arm away. “But my answer is yes. I know who you are. Somewhat.” She shrugs again. “I don’t have specifics. I don’t need them. I’m well aware your business dealings are more aligned with my mother’s side of the family, and that doesn’t faze me.”
Her mother’s side of the family? Who the fuck is her mother?
“See?” She beams at me. “This is why we need to talk. Clearly you’re at a disadvantage with information. Let me enlighten you.” She keeps walking, reaching the end of the house to lead the way around the side.
She doesn’t give a shit that she’s now out of sight from her protectors. She gives no fucks at all because she knows I’m currently a sucker waiting to be ass fucked by her father. But that won’t last forever.
“Cole?” She pauses a few yards around the corner. “Come on. This is good news.”
Like fuck it is.
I’ve been blindsided again, and the worst part is knowing that seemingly kind old woman looking after Stella and Tobias may have blood like mine running through her veins. She might not have a loving heart or gentle intentions. She could be just another fucking Trojan horse.
I glance over my shoulder again, glaring at Salvatore and Remy who stand at the front porch steps before I stalk after Abri, my palms itching to squeeze the life from Costa’s only daughter.
I scrutinize the tree line to our left as I catch up to her. Someone has to be hiding in the scrub. Someone with a rifle scope to stop me from giving this family what they deserve.
“My mother has a large extended family.” She holds my focus as she speaks. “She’s a Cappelletti.”
The name hits like a physical blow.
Italian fucking mafia.
I let out a long, slow breath, refusing to let shock grip me by the balls, and focus straight ahead. The tall trees stop at the edge of the side boundary to give sight to the leveled paddock of dry grass and dirt behind the house yard. “This obviously isn’t public knowledge.”
Decker and Luca would’ve found the information otherwise.
“My father went to great lengths to cover up the connection before they were married. He previously wanted nothing to do with their reputation. Our legitimate businesses would’ve suffered—”
“Previously? What about now?”
She’s quiet for a moment, nothing but the building chorus of cicadas calling to the approaching night.
“Abri?” There’s a warning in my tone. “You wanted to talk, so fucking talk.”