Page 49 of Brutal Heir
A whisper of heat kindles low beneath my slacks. “Is that a promise?” I toss her a smirk. “Because I find myself with a lot of time on my hands lately. How hard could it be to get an online nursing degree?”
Shaking her head, she attempts a scowl but with the corners of her lips kicking up, she looks all the naughty little nurse Matteo described. “Just turn around so I can get dressed already.” Her hands curl around the hem of her top, and I stare like a starving man as she pulls it up over her head, exposing a sports bra and perfect porcelain skin covered in a smattering of freckles. Before I can stare for too long, her shirt falls over my head, and I’m cut off from that enticing view.
But her scent…
It’s suddenly everywhere, the citrus and spice invading my nostrils and seeping into every pore. I inhale deeply, taking in her fragrance like an addict.
“Okay, all set.” Her voice leeches through the haze of her natural perfume an instant before she grabs the shirt off myhead and light streams back in. I blink rapidly until my pupils adjust and focus on Rory in a curve-hugging sweater dress.
Dio…
Since she started working for me, I’ve never seen her in anything so form fitting. She runs around the apartment in scrubs most of the day, and I try to avoid her at all costs once she’s slipped into her sleeping attire since it’s a scandalous array of short shorts and skimpy translucent tops.
“What, cat got your tongue, Rossi? Why are you staring?” Her light brow quirks as she regards me. And for a second all that darkness vanishes.
Cazzo, am I drooling? “Nothing… you look nice, that’s all.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” She grins again before curling her hand around the door handle.
Then I see it for what it is. A mask. Just like the one I often wear. What are you hiding, Red? What did that asshole do to you?
Sammy is already outside, drawing my attention back to the present. He stands at the door, waiting to offer her a hand. He helps us both out before rounding the car and returning to the driver’s seat. “Just let me know when you’re ready.”
“Thanks, Sammy,” we call back in nearly perfect unison.
Then she offers her arm, and there’s not a flicker of pity or the fear from minutes ago in those blazing eyes, only pride and defiance.
And in that moment, she doesn’t look like the nurse assigned to mend my broken body. She looks like the woman I’d fight a mob war for. So I take her arm, not out of need, but choice, and stride into my club beside her. And for an instant, I’m not her patient, or the ghost of the man I used to be. I feel like a king, reclaiming his throne with fire in his blood and a Celtic goddess at his side.
CHAPTER 21
THE KING IS BACK
Rory
The crimson velvet curtains part, and cool air skims over my skin as we cross the threshold of the notorious Velvet Vault. The scent of sweet cigars, top-shelf liquor and decadence still lingers in the air, beneath the dim lights. Marching into the lush nightclub with the powerful Alessandro Rossi at my side, I can momentarily forget all about theincidentearlier. I don’t know what it is about the Gemini heir that makes me feel invincible. Growing up, I was always surrounded by strong, ruthless men, men that were feared by all, and yet, I never felt this safe.
Shite, stop that, Rory. What’s gotten into ya? Again, Maeve makes an appearance, the familiar lilt of her voice booming across my foolish thoughts.
Another booming voice draws me from my inner musings, this one loud and very real. About two dozen of the Vault’s staff surrounds a dark-haired guy in a sleek suit who stands at the center of the dancefloor. The disco ball glitters overhead, bathing him in an occasional rainbow of bright hues. He’sspouting off instructions, checking uniforms and going over the VIP clientele list for the night.
Alessandro pauses in a dark corner, and I remain by his side to watch the guy I assume is the manager of the club direct the staff.
Just when it seems like his speech is about to come to an end, Alessandro steps out from the shadows, into the center of the club. The entire room goes silent. All eyes turn to him. He grips the edge of the bar and begins, his voice low and steady.
“Thanks for stepping in to handle things, Vincent.” He pats the guy in the suit on the back before turning his attention to the rest of the staff. “I know some of you didn’t expect to see me again. Hell, there was a time I wasn’t sure I’d ever step foot in this place either. But here I am. Scarred, not broken, and a little more fire in my blood. And a hell of a lot less patience for bullshit."
He sweeps the room with a sharp glance.
"This club—our club—is more than a business. It’s a legacy. It’s a family. And Lawson tells me someone decided to betray that. Someone thought I was too far gone to notice the missing money. Too weak to do anything about it."
A pause. His tone sharpens.
“Let me be clear. I may have been down, but I am not out. From this moment forward, things are going to change. I’ll be watching. Closely. And when I find out who’s been stealing from me, from us, they won’t just be out of a job. They’ll be out of places to run.”
Then, softer. Just a notch.
“But for those of you who’ve kept this place alive in my absence, who’ve stayed loyal, I see you. I haven’t forgotten. And I’ll make sure you’re rewarded.”
