Page 10 of The Love Language of the Cartel

“Is everything okay, Daddy?”

“No, but it will be soon. I just need to have one of my men handle Councilman Reed, or I’ll hop on a plane and pay his ass a visit myself.”

“Plane? Is he not here in Chicago?” I probed.

“He’s vacationing with one of his whores in Cancun this weekend,” my father informed me.

My heart skipped a beat. “Oh, really?”

“Yeah. The greedy son of a bitch is demanding more money to keep our smuggling operations under wraps. I’m over here working double-time to ensure we’re good, while he’s relaxingon a beach sippin’ Mai Tais and fucking his mistress. One wrong move and our entire empire could crumble.”

“I can handle Councilman Reed, Daddy,” I asserted, meeting my father’s icy gaze. “I’m leaving for Cancun tonight to go to Samara’s cousin’s wedding. Since I’ll already be there, let me prove I’m more than just a pretty face to be bartered away in your deals.”

My father, the infamous mafia boss of Chicago, leaned back in his leather chair, his cocoa brown face emotionless and tough as nails. “And why should I trust you with such a delicate matter, Demi? This isn’t some pretty little charity gala or social event.”

I bristled at his dismissive tone, but I kept my voice steady. “I’ve been by your side for years, learning the ins and outs of this business. I know how to read people and how to negotiate. I’m not some naive little girl anymore.”

“No.” He agreed as his chocolate brown eyes narrowed. “But you’re still my daughter, and this world is dangerous. I won’t risk your safety.”

“My safety?” I scoffed as I stood up and paced the room. The Persian rug muffled my footsteps as I moved. “I’ve been in danger since the day I was born into this family. At least let me use that danger for something worthwhile. Let me prove my value beyond being a shiny bargaining chip in your alliances.”

My father’s expression softened slightly, and I saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Pride, perhaps? Or acceptance? “You’ve always been stubborn, just like your mother,” he muttered.

I pressed my advantage, being sure to keep my foot on the gas while I could. “Exactly. And you know I won’t back down from this. So, you might as well let me handle it officially rather than risk me going behind your back.”

He chuckled darkly. “Is that a threat, princess?”

“It’s a promise,” I replied, meeting his gaze unflinchingly. “I’m a Malone, after all. We don’t make idle threats. Isn’t that what you taught me?”

For a long moment, the only sound in the room was the ticking of the antique clock on the mantle. I held my breath, waiting for his decision.

Finally, he sighed. “Fine. You can meet with Reed. I’ll set up the meeting and send you the details. But Dominic goes with you as backup, and you follow my instructions to the letter. Understood?”

Relief and excitement coursed through me, but I kept my expression neutral. “Crystal clear,” I answered with a nod, already planning my approach.

“Don’t make me regret this, Demi,” my father warned. “Benjamin Reed is a greedy mothafucka, but he’s got connections. We need him in our pocket, but we can’t let him bleed us dry either.”

“I won’t let you down, Daddy,” I promised, meaning every word.This is my chance to show him—to show everyone—that I’m more than just Cyrus Malone’s daughter. I’m a force to be reckoned with.

My father reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a thick manila envelope. “Here’s everything you need to know about Reed—his financials, his dirty little secrets, potential leverage points. Study it carefully and recall it to memory.”

I took the envelope, feeling its weight in my hands. It was more than just paper; it was an opportunity, a test, a chance to reshape my destiny.

“Thank you, Daddy,” I acknowledged softly. “I won’t disappoint you.”

He nodded then turned back to the papers on his desk, effectively dismissing me. As I reached the door, his voice stopped me. “Demi?”

I turned with one hand on the doorknob. “Yes?”

For a moment, I saw a glimpse of the father I remembered from my childhood—before the responsibilities of the family business hardened him and his heart to stone. “Be careful,” he said quietly.

I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I will.”

As soon as the study door closed behind me, I pulled out my phone to text Samara the news.

Me:Mexico is a go. I’ll see you later tonight.

The next nine hours flew by in a blur of preparation. Dominic and I traveled separately from Samara and the rest of the girls, to fly in and handle my father’s business dealings first before getting to pleasure. I packed for my trip while poring over the files my father gave me and memorizing every detail about Councilman Benjamin Reed—his favorite restaurants, his gambling debts, even the mistress he’d been keeping on the side. I practiced my negotiation tactics in the mirror and on the private jet, perfecting the balance between charm and blade that I’d need to bring him to his knees and make him kiss the ring.

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