Page 2 of King of Obsession

“Fuck you. I guess you don’t want to find out from where you come from.”

Without a second thought, I spin around, my insides churning with the force of a tsunami, but my voice doesn’t waver. “That’s impossible.”

Because if he knew, then Augustus would have had the information for a longer time, and his refusal to tell me is a betrayal of my loyalty.

“I guess you’re finally interested in something I have to give you.” His voice drips with arrogance, looking smug about finally getting one over on me.

I jerk my chin at him. “What do you want?”

He cocks his head, shoving his hands in his pants. “Beg.”

“Get the fuck out of here.”

I have never begged and never will. I will find out what he knows, even if it costs me everything, including my sanity.

He inhales deeply, aware his chances dim by the second, just like my patience.

“Kill Enzo Ferrara for me, and I’ll tell you.”

“Does the Council approve?”

Even though I know the answer, I want this power-hungry asshole to confess his betrayal. Augustus and the Ferraras have a deal in place. No one touches the other.

“No.”

Of course not.

“That is treason.” I remind him, even though he’s brimming with self-importance. That arrogance will get him killed one day. I am absolutely certain. Time has a way of setting things right.

“I won’t tell if you don’t,” he says with a playful lilt as if we’re in on a secret.

Satisfaction etches on his face. He knows he has me.

Am I really willing to risk my life and everything I’ve built for myself to discover something that seems inconsequential when weighing the costs?

Once again, I’m trapped because I can’t ask Augustus. Apparently, he doesn’t want to share the information with me. Why? Why is he hiding my birth information from me? I agreed to become his assassin, trained since I was barely a teenager. Doesn’t he owe me the truth?

Fuck it. It’s a risky endeavor, but what could go wrong? While my “calling card” is a bullet straight to the heart, I will just shoot Enzo several times and cover my tracks. The trickier part is if Augustus needs me, I must be at his beck and call.

I could play the vacation card. It’s long overdue and I can become a ghost if necessary. No one knows all the names I use for my missions, not even the Council.

My stiletto heels click clack, each step echoing with finality. “If you lie to me, I will kill you.”

A sigh rolls out his mouth. “I am not stupid, Luciana.”

“Why do you want him dead?”

“I won’t jeopardize my position.”

His father’s untimely death brought him the seat at one of the most important tables ruling the world. They’re the unofficial kings of Italy, their influence spanning through Europe and across the oceans. Nothing happens in the financial or political world without them knowing and influencing decisions to benefit them.

“The Ferraras have long relinquished their seat. I doubt they want it back.”

While I made my decision, the distant voice of my common sense insists on continuing this conversation, wanting to gain every bit of information.

Even if this happened before my time, I’ve spent countless hours learning about the Council, their members and rituals. The Ferraras moved to the States and made themselves a home in Reno, taking over the nightlife and ruling from the shadows.

He clears his throat. “My cousin must die. He’s not like my uncle.”

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