Page 9 of Reckless Promises

One million dollars.

I glance once more to the back of the room, but he’s no longer standing there, even if I still feel his eyes. Focused like the barrel of a gun.

Cillian Cross.

I’ve never met him in person, which isn’t unusual, given my father keeps my sister and me hidden away, and they aren’t friends. But I’ve heard the stories like everyone else has.

He walked away from his family at twenty to build his own empire. And along with it, he established quite a reputation. Traveling the world, working his way through women. Cillian built a security company from the groundup just so he’d have an excuse to get his hands dirty for a living.

I’m surprised his palms aren’t permanently stained in blood; he’s spilled so much of it.

Cillian isn’t known for the empire he heads now; he’s known for destroying them. For picking off his enemies one by one, showing no mercy, and having no limits. Cillian didn’t want his throne, but then my father betrayed Ronan Cross, and he was forced to take it.

Now he’s out for revenge.

And he just got it.

“We made a deal.” Sascha is on my father’s heels as they rush backstage.

“I’ll settle this.” My father holds a hand up for Sascha, turning to the woman running the auction. “I think there’s been a mistake. We had an agreement.”

“You know how this—”

“I can transfer a million,” Sascha cuts her off. “Joseph knows I’m good for it.”

“You know the rules, Mr. Rochefort. All funds have to be transferred prior to the start of the auction. If we broke that for you, we’d have to do it again. And that tarnishes our reputation.”

“It’s bullshit. Cillian played us. No one’s ever bid a million. There’s no way he’s good for it.”

She holds the tablet tighter to her chest. “The money’s there, and the bid is valid. I checked. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do.”

Sascha pulls out his phone and dialssomeone.

“Gabriel.” My mom places a hand on Dad’s arm, trying to calm him.

“Not now, Camille.” He shakes her off.

Mom steps back, but if she’s hurt, she doesn’t let it show.

“Odette.” Gen runs up to me, and I catch her in my arms. “Was that who I think it was?”

“Yes,” I whisper in her ear.

She pulls back, her eyes wide as her lips part. But I shake my head. We can’t talk about this here—or at all.

Once more leaning in, I whisper, “Just act normal. Dad’s already angry, and we don’t need to set him off.”

She holds me tighter and Dad notices, his eyes narrowing at whatever he senses from her.

“Camille, you and Genevieve are going home.” Dad waves a hand to his security team, before pointing at my mom and sister.

One of Dad’s guards grabs Gen’s arm and pulls her from my grasp.

“Wait.” Gen tries to shake him free, but he doesn’t let go. “I need to say goodbye.”

“It’s okay, Gen.” I reach out for her, but they’re already pulling her away. “Dad will sort this out. I’ll be okay.”

It’s a lie.

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