Page 45 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

“She doesn’t have to like it, she just has to do it…and she will. Your daughter’s an underboss. She knows the score.”

“If something happens to her, I…” He stops. “We’ve lost so much.”

I don’t give a fuck. “Time is of the essence. You said she’s loyal, a leader, and would take a bullet for you. She won’t have to on the last front.” No, it’s going to be worse than a bullet for her. “And those other qualities are what I’m looking for in a wife. We can both benefit from the arrangement, financially and otherwise. I’m looking at the long game here. This arrangement is an investment in the future.”

Declan rises and starts to pace. He stops near one of the tall windows lining his office, his shoulders slumping. “And Conor…Conor will be safe, too?”

I allow a tight smile. “Yes.” I pause for a second, letting him contemplate his plight before I hammer him once again with the reality of the situation. And to let him think he has the upper hand, that he’s making the decision. When it’s done and dusted, psychological warfare is surprisingly easy, especially with the egos running around New York. “You know exactly what will happen if you back down from this deal, Declan.”

He shakes his head. “No, I’m not backing down. We have a deal. Protect my family, my children, and you marry my daughter.”

This time, I stand. “I think it’s time to meet my bride before I take her home, don’t you?”

CHAPTER8

HEAVEN

I’m vulnerable and exposed.

That feeling sits inside me, and it’s right. Not the attack, that was…well, I don’t know what that was, but Patrick and I handled it, no matter how condescending Conor’s expression when we recounted to Dad what happened.

Conor called me weak. Fucking weak. I wanted to punch him hard, but I somehow kept my cool. He’s been looking for something to set himself apart, rise to the top any way he sees fit. And getting me to act out is one way to show Dad I’m not the right material.

Meanwhile Conor runs around doing God only knows what, all in the name of proving himself the biggest badass this side of Long Island.

He’s wrong, because he’s wild and careless and takes the kinds of risks that get people killed. That get the attention of the wrong sort.

I close my eyes.

Like Dominguez, the name thrown at us in the attack.

Like Matteo Villani.

Opening my eyes, I take off my baseball cap and peer into the restroom’s mirror, the fluorescent lights casting an evil glare on my bruised face. Everything happened so quickly this morning, and I can’t help but wonder what the living hell got Dominguez’s attention. Maybe he’s making waves. I don’t know.

A shiver slithers down my spine.

But that doesn’t make me vulnerable and exposed. I can cast my net and find out what’s going on. In fact, I’ve already quietly begun that. So far nothing.

My phone buzzes and I dig it from my pocket. I frown at the message. It’s from one of my loyal Bronx people. I’ve been making inroads into the Irish enclave there, something both Dad and Conor have dismissed, but something I see merit in. Big and small, they all make a difference when you need things done.

Dom shake-ups across town. Other fams. More coming.

Fuck. I’ll deal with this later. Because the thing that’s got me almost hyperventilating is the overdressed Italian devil with Dad.

He stole my breath when he walked in. I saw him…how could I not? A man like him is stunning. He has presence. He makes hearts quicken, panties wet, and no doubt a few dicks swell. I hate him. That hasn’t changed. But Christ, is he one hot man.

One who decided to toy with me. One who’s in a meeting with Dad. And Conor.

A meeting I’m kept from.

I know my place. My orders were explicit, the meaning more than clear.

Work the bar tonight means “not invited.”

Patrick is stuck in bed with his chest taped up to keep his two broken ribs in place, so I can’t talk to him right now. But I’m thinking there was something in Conor’s face…and in Dad’s…when we mentioned Dominguez. If they know something, how could they have neglected to give me the heads-up that maybe some cock knocker out there wanted to send us a message?

One like Dominguez.

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