Page 28 of Forbidden

“Boss, Henry Holden’s here. Says it’s urgent.”

My stomach lurches. I drag a hand down my face, feeling the stubble scrape. Henry Holden doesn’t have the luxury of being ignored, not when he’s desperate. I take my time answering. Let him stew. The man wants me in his family as soon as possible, and I’m sure whatever brought him here at this hour only means he’s found a way to make that happen faster.

“Send him up.”

The elevator hums, then dings. Henry Holden shuffles in with his cane thudding against the hardwood and his bald head catching the dim light. That politician’s grin curls his lips, but his black eyes glint like a predator’s. He thinks he’s got me cornered. He’s wrong.

“Adriano,” he drawls, smooth as venom. “You’ve been dodging me.”

“Yet you found me.” I rise, towering over him, hands jammed in my pockets to keep from smashing his smug face. “What’s this about?”

He hobbles over to the bar, pouring himself a scotch without asking. “We need to talk about the wedding. The clock’s ticking, and you still haven’t gotten back to us on a date. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and I’ve got a party planned. A ceremony before the ceremony if you must say. It will be a big announcement. You, Charlotte, and the whole damn city watching.”

I stiffen. “You should’ve asked before making those plans.”

His lips twitch, not quite a smile. “No need for the formalities when this engagement was agreed over three years ago. We were just waiting for the buzz on Charlotte’s return to die down and now it has.”

Penelope slams into my mind—her wild brown eyes, that damn ponytail swinging when she moves, the way she gasps my name. Guilt consumes me. I’ve kept this from her, this rotting deal with Henry. I’ve been hunting for a way to bury him, to snap this chain, but the bastard’s slippery. Nothing solid to hold over him —no dirt sticks. And now he’s here, tightening the screws.

I step closer. “I don’t remember signing up for your timeline.”

A lopsided grin appears as he sips the scotch. “Well, maybe it’s because I didn’t ask. The party’s next week. And there, we will make the engagement announcement, then the wedding. All in public. I’m sure it will be perfect. One month out, and we need to sell this. My daughter’s reputation—my career—depends on it. You and Charlotte, saving the Holden legacy.”

Legacy. The word tastes like ash. I think of my daughter—her laughter, her tiny hand in mine, snuffed out by a hit-and-run I couldn’t stop. Henry gave me the name of the bastard who did it, and I swore I’d pay him back. This marriage was the price. But that was before Penelope. Way before we got involved, when I was just a man out for blood. Before I knew I’d kill for it. Penelope walked back into my life, lighting up every dark corner I’d buried myself in. Now? This deal feels like a noose.

I grab my jacket, nodding toward the stairs. “Let’s take this to my office.”

He follows, cane tapping a rhythm that drills into my skull. My home office is a bunker forged with dark wood, steel edges, and monitors. I point him to the chair across my desk and drop into mine, fingers laced tight.

He leans forward, elbows digging into his knees. “So I was thinking you and Charlotte fly out next week, Adriano. To meet the in-laws in Sardegna…”

I interrupt. “Your entire reputation has been circling the drain since Charlotte’s little stunt with that gold-digger she eloped with.” I cross my arms. “This marriage was your fix, not mine.”

His teasing smile fades, but he recovers fast. “And you owe me, Vieri. I dug up the dirt on that hit-and-run. Gave you names. You promised me this.”

I clench my fists, nails biting into my palms. He’s right—I owe him. But again, this was before her.

“No.” The word drops like a hammer. “I’m out.”

His face twists, eyes narrowing to slits. “What the hell did you say?”

“I said I’m out.” I stand, looming over the desk. “This deal’s off, Henry. Find another sucker to prop up your shitshow.”

He slams his cane down, the crack splitting the air. “You don’t get to do that.”

“I just did.”

He exhales harshly through his nose. “I don’t think you understand the stakes here.”

“I understand them just fine. I know you need this marriage to clean up your daughter’s mess. I know your political career is hanging by a thread. I also know you think threatening me is your best move.”

His jaw flexes. “It is the best move.”

I smile. “Then take your shot.”

“You don’t back out on me, Vieri. I know who you are. The blood you’ve spilled. I’ll expose every fucking shadow you hide in. One tip from me, and the FBI is knocking down your door.”

I laugh. “Do it. You have no proof. You’ve got nothing but bluster and a bad leg.”

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