Page 26 of Pirate's Plunder

“Have a drink with me and convince me why I shouldn’t kill you before she returns.” I grin and nod.

“It would break her heart and gain you nothing but sure, I’ll drink your expensive bourbon and pretend to be a part of your world as long as you don’t ever question my ability to protect my wife ever again.” I follow him into the room, which I know has surveillance since Spector hacked it weeks ago.

“You’re bold, I’ll give you that. But I have never questioned you until today. I understand and respect the need to avenge your parents.” I snort and cross my arms.

“Then why did you put a hit out on your only heir?” He turns with two glasses and hesitates before handing me one.

“I wouldn’t. I was hoping you were smarter than that.” I snatch the glass, spilling some of the liquid on the rug.

“Oops, damn shame. It’s Persian, right?” I downed the alcohol and slammed the glass on his table, ignoring the coaster.

“Ezek-” I take two steps and get in his face before he can finish my name.

“Pirate. You haven’t earned the right.” We stare each other down, and I see the moment the old man knows he’s got no chance in hell to intimidate me.

“She is my whole world. The only good thing I’ve ever done. Why would I want her dead?” I step back like he slapped me.

He wouldn’t, and I knew that when I came here, but to see the open honesty in his graying eyes makes me feel like the bastard he accused me of being.

“Now you see.” He sips his drink while I pace his office.

“Marco,” I hiss the name, and if I were waiting for him to confirm my suspicion, I’d be dead and gone for as much as he gave me.

“Why?” I’m missing something, and I hate not being informed.

“What happens to me when I die?” What do I care?

He clicks his tongue and sets his drink down.

“Upon my passing, all my influence, power, and money transfer to my only living heir. Normally, a son, but I was never granted one. So, as is custom, it passes to my daughter. However, she is now married,” he stops talking, wanting me to fill in the blank.

“Me?” No fucking way.

“You really had no idea, did you, son?” Nah, no fucking way in hell!

“She owns nothing permanently as a woman. Her only job was to bear children to continue my name. I tried to marry her to someone half decent, but she refused him rather publicly. Sincethen, all my efforts have been for nothing. No one would have the headstrong girl. I guess I should thank you for saving me the trouble. However, I think you just made your life a hell of a lot more complicated.” Alfonso chuckles as he brings the glass back up to his lips.

“Another?” I nod, picking up my glass and walking over to the bar to refill it myself.

I’m halfway through my third drink, lost in thought, when Genesis arrives. She’s showered, dressed, and pushing two suitcases while a large bag hangs off her shoulder. I reach for it and grunt.

“Careful, that one has my babies in it.” My eyebrow rises as the bag starts to move.

“What the fuck?” I lift the flap and find two dogs wagging their tails with big eyes looking at me.

“My Pomeranians, Linus and Lucy.” She bends over the flap and makes baby noises at the overgrown rats.

I turn to Alfonso, whose shoulders are shaking with suppressed laughter.

“You really need a better research team.” Either Spector is slipping, or my father-in-law is right, and neither is a good thing for me.

I hate not knowing what I’m getting myself into.

“Clearly,” I groan trying to get comfortable with the idea that I didn’t only steal a wife but inherited her fucking ankle biting monsters.

“Is this all, or should I have the Tools come get more stuff?” She shakes her head.

“Most of my personal stuff is at the sorority house. I only had extra clothes and items of sentimental value here.” Christ, I may need to knock out a wall to make room for all her shit.

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