Page 33 of Kingpin

“Yeah. I mean, you had your plan. It didn’t go as anticipated. So maybe there are other plans.”

Tilting my head to the side, I became curious. “Are there other plans?”

“Look, all I know is that Daddy’s waiting for you to do as you’re told. Beyond that, I’ve got no idea. But I think you’re overthinking things.”

“Am I really, though?”

“Just focus on your task at hand. I mean, take your time, so I can enjoy Hawaii a little longer. But just do as he asks. We’ll all be better off for it.”

I snickered. “So, heisthe one doing this.”

“I have to go. This chicken and banana bread isn’t going to eat itself. I’ll call in a couple of weeks, okay?”

“Brianna. Wait. No, no, no, n—!”

She hung up the phone anyway, leaving me with the sinking feeling that my uncle really was behind everything.

14

Bonnie

I fluffedmy hair out as I stood in the bathroom. The royal blue and silver lingerie looked amazing, and I just knew Israel would enjoy it. The lacy bra barely held up my breasts, and the peekaboo lacy panties accented the jiggle of my ass cheeks. With my natural makeup and my hair down and smoothed out, I looked like something right out of a magazine.

“Way to go,” I murmured.

I gave a little turn before I slipped the white silk robe over my arms. The robe Israel had gotten for me for our wedding night. The contrast was perfect, and I couldn't wait for him to get home.

The only issue was that I didn’t knowwhenhe was coming home.

I walked out of the bathroom and made my way to a bookshelf in the corner. I ran my fingers across the spines, old and new alike. The smell of books greeted me every morning, and I had become addicted to them. The room was something out of my own imagination, and a new book graced my nightstand every two or three nights.

“Bingo,” I whispered.

I plucked the biography of Lucky Luciano off the shelf. I made my way downstairs, anxious to greet Israel whenever he got back from work. I held the banister down the stairs, refusing to trip in my impossibly high heels. Then, I took my place on the white couch in the living room next to yet another set of floor-to-ceiling windows.

I cracked open the book.

I became so engrossed in it that I lost track of time. I flipped each page, eager to finish the next one before that elevator started whirring. Each chapter bled into the next. My fingers flew at lightning speed while my eyes devoured every word. Images rushed through my mind. I heard voices in my head talking back and forth, bringing the dialogue to life.

Until there was nothing but darkness.

The next thing I knew, I felt my body being lifted. I couldn't force my eyes open, but I felt him. I felt his warmth. It bled through my dream state, even though my eyes stayed glued shut. As the beautiful scent of his cologne wafted through my nose, I felt us ascending the stairs.

Israel walked me into my bedroom.

I felt him settle me against the bed. The soft satin sheets finally pulled me from my dream state. My eyes fluttered open, and I watched him turn his back to me, heading for the double doors. He had carried me to bed. The man who wanted to make my life a living nightmare had carried me to bed.

Maybe he really can forgive me.

“Join me,” I said.

My voice was groggy from sleep, but I knew he heard my words because he stopped in the doorway as I sat up.

“Please, Israel. Just one night.”

I propped myself up on my elbows and watched him stand there. Like prey, frozen in the distance, I knew I had his attention. I rolled onto my side. I slid my top leg up the bottom one, crooking it for his viewing pleasure. With my elbow pressed against the pillow, I leaned the side of my head against my palm. Waiting for him to turn around and drink me in.

“You look lovely tonight,” he said.

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