Page 13 of Arturo's Temptation

“Well, we’re off to a tremendous start.” He rubbed his temples. “Don’t make me regret this.”

“You won’t.” I said with a sly grin. “If there’s one thing I understand on a personal level it’s fury. And judgin’ by the amount your daughter’s harbourin', I reckon it’s exactly what I need to mould her into the leader you want.”

“Good.” Lorenzo replied before wandering off.

Fuck was that an understatement of the century. Pent-up anger was just the first delicious step into foreplay, and man, did I want to play with that woman.

Isabella Ricci, you’re going to be mine, you just don’t know it yet.

7

Saturday,31st March, 6:03pm

What the actual hell was my Papa thinking?

I huffed out a breath as I paced back and forth. The usual comfort of being in my own space was doing nothing to contain the rage building beneath my skin.

I can’t work with that guy! The dude looks fishy as fuck.

That and he’s clearly classed himself as god's gift to man.

I sank into the arm chair opposite my bed and ran my fingers through my hair. I could usually follow my father’s logic, but that? That was insane. We never invited outsiders into our business. Ever. Did he not think Red, Emmet, or even Gino were capable of training me to handle stuff? These were people we could trust. They were family.

And I did not trust that guy, at all.

“Bells?” The sound of my brother’s voice dragged me out of my reverie.

“Come in, Luc,” I sighed. The door opened to reveal my brother in a sky blue button down and a pair of Levis with his hair neatly styled. He sat on the very edge of my bed, picking atthe comforter. The guilt flowing off him in waves made me super uncomfortable.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t—” He started.

“Luc, don’t… Please,” I breathed. “You did what was right for you and Theo, and I am so proud of you for that. If this means Theo can have his Papa around more, then I’m willing to do it. He needs you.” Relief broke out across Luca’s face. Without another word, he stood, pulling me to my feet and into his embrace. And just like he’d done since we were in the 8th grade, he rested his chin on the top of my head and squeezed my shoulder.

“God, I love you, Bells.” He whispered. “You’re going to make a kick-ass leader. Better than any version I ever could have been, and you know it.” I knew he was trying to be reassuring but it didn’t help.

“Not with that bastard’s help I won’t.” I scoffed as I removed myself from his hold.

“Ah, you’ve met the infamous Arturo Ramos then?” Luca said. His tone sounded impressed.

“Uhm, excuse me… Infamous? Who died and made him king?”

“Wait, are you seriously telling me you’ve never heard of him?” Luca looked taken aback.

“Nope. Should I have?” It was the truth. I had no clue who the dude was. I only knew him as the smug bastard who had annoyingly captivating eyes.

“Bells, he’s the most sought-after assassin in the world. Word is he trained with the Hamiltons, and that he was tight with its leader, Frank Hamilton.”Huh… That explains the British accent.“Pa said he’s been the most difficult fucker to track down. Seems to me you’ve scored the jackpot.”Jackpot? Was everyone high?

“God, how lucky I am to have an arrogant psycho like that in my corner?” I huffed. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get ready for dinner.”

“And to welcome the new arrival with that famous Isabella smile?” He laughed and I could have gut-punched him there and then.

“I’m sorry, what?” I spun back around and gave him my most lethal stare.

“Uhhh. I thought you knew. The guy starts tonight, and you know Ma’s rule.” He at least had the decency to look guilty for breaking the news.

“Oh, for the love of God!” Does my mom’s hospitality know no bounds? “Well, he won’t be here long, not if I have anything to say about it.” At this, I started flicking through my wardrobe with angry swipes of my hand. I heard my brother curse under his breath before blurting.

“Bells, please don’t do anything stupid. We both know this’ll be easier if you go along with it. Besides, he seems like a decent enough guy.”Yeah, right! For a serial killer maybe.I rolled my eyes and contemplated throwing one of my pumps in his face when Luca started for the door saying, “Give it a chance, he may surprise you.”

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