Page 109 of Ruthless Redemption

“But if he says no—”

“He won’t.”

She gives me a wary look. “But you said he has for over ten years now. And besides that, your brothers expect to lose millions if their father is murdered.”

“I have an idea that will ensure they bounce back quickly. Trust fund or not. They’ll have their own income and influence. They’ll slide straight into a position of power far greater than Emmanuel ever had.”

Her face slackens. “Matthew…” She’s figuring it out. Putting the puzzle pieces in place. “You can’t be serious.”

My lips kick with pride. She’s smart. Or maybe she has the ability to read me like a book. Either way, she’s fucking perfect. “It’s a win-win for all of us.”

“You want them to take over from Lorenzo so he can retire?” She pushes to her feet. “Don’t tell me they agreed to do that. It’s crazy. Their father’s schemes are one thing, but this is…” She shakes her head. “This is insane.”

“They don’t have a choice.”

“So theydidagree? Or theydidn’t?”

“We haven’t discussed it yet.”

Her eyes bug. “You haven’t told them? Matthew, this isn’t the type of situation you spring on someone. Their lives will be changed forever.”

“For the better.” I reach for her, sliding my fingers around her wrist to pull her between my legs.

“How can you say that when you worked so hard to get out? You hated that lifestyle.”

“I hated being alone,” I counter. “I went from having a girlfriend and a family to being an orphaned, drug-addicted teenager who killed for a living. I had nothing.But they’ll have everything.”

“They’ll be in danger.”

“They already are. They’ve dabbled in the drug and gun trade for years. They’ve abducted kids and disposed of bodies. God only knows what else they’ve been involved in.” I slide my hands around her hips. “Yes, there will be teething problems. But it’s the perfect fit. They’re getting exactly what they want. Protection. Money. Security. A career—”

“Taking on a criminal empire isn’t exactly a career.”

“Mia dea, they’re already in this lifestyle whether they like it or not. And the only two options they have are to start from scratch with no money and prospects or slide straight to the top of the food chain. Because either way, Emmanuel is going to die, and they’re not going to see a cent of what they’re owed.”

She peers down at me, her brow furrowed, her teeth digging into her bottom lip.

I hate seeing her like this. I fucking wish we could go back to when she didn’t know who I was. When she was all smiles and shy seduction.

I’d do everything differently.

“It won’t work,” she whispers. “You’re going to set this up with Lorenzo and then your brothers will back out, leaving our plan with Emmanuel exposed.”

“It will work.”

“If you’re so confident, then what’s worrying you?” She cocks her head. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”

“I’m not worried.”

“Don’t lie to me,” she warns. “I can see it.”

“It’s not concern for the plan. I’m convinced all parties will understand the favorable opportunity this provides.”

“Then what?” She narrows her gaze. “There’s something—”

“It’s guilt, Layla.”

She balks, pulling back. But all too soon her shoulders slump, her tension easing. “You blame yourself.”

---