Page 17 of Christmas with the Mafia
I focus my attention on watching him squirm, which is always my favorite part of any takedown. He mops at his brow with his handkerchief, his dress shirt straining against the bulge of his stomach that fine dining and no exercise delivers like a death sentence. Jonathan has lost it all, and he knows it, and this is the perfect time to inflict the final blow and put him out of his misery.
“Unless.”
I throw the bait out on the line and notice his eyes light with interest where defeat was fully in charge mere seconds ago.
“Unless?” he repeats, hope in his voice, and I go in for the kill.
“Sell your company to me. Cut ties and retire to the Bahamas. Take your lovely wife on a world cruise, liquidate your assets and enjoy your retirement.”
I am particularly amused at the idea of that because it’s common knowledge they can’t stand one another and he would also lose access to his passion for screwing his staff.
“I–” He shifts nervously on the spot and I lean in, my gaze cutting any conversation stone dead.
“Give me your answer in the morning. I will send the contract over tonight, and if you agree, you can enjoy Christmas knowing you are set for life.”
I wave my hand toward my guard, who steers thehapless couple away, and as they leave, Regina leans in and whispers, “That was intense. I felt sorry for them.”
“Why?” I shrug, conscious I am still stroking her neck.
“They were uncomfortable. It’s obvious he hated every minute of that.”
Trent smirks as I grin.
“Well, I loved every minute of that, and they should be thanking me. I saved them from destitution because the amount I will pay for their company will keep his wife in diamonds until she dies. It’s an offer he won’t be able to refuse, and he’s only pissed because he won’t get to screw half of his staff in his office under threat of them losing their jobs.”
“Are you serious?”
Regina’s shocked face almost makes me smile. She has definitely led a sheltered life.
“It’s common knowledge.”
“How is it?” She shakes her head. “I mean, who goes around telling everyone their boss is screwing them along with half of their colleagues? Did you even see the guy? I would be so ashamed and make certain the secretneversaw the light of day. In fact–” She shivers. “That guy was seriously cold as opposed to hot. You know, men like that are deluded if they believe that anyone would actually want to sleep with them.”
“I don’t believe sleeping was part of it.”
Regina looks at Alyssia for support. “My God, would you? I mean, gross, that man was sleaze on two legs.”
Alyssia laughs out loud. “Some girls will do anything to get ahead, even if it means giving it from time to time.”
“Oh my God?” Regina’s eyes widen and Alyssia giggles.
“I’ve seen it all the time. Wealth and power are the only attractions they see. The guy could be one foot in the grave and they’d still chance their luck.”
“I feel sick.”
Regina leans back and then jumps as she remembers my hand is still playing with her neck, and she sighs. “I’ve got a lot to learn, haven’t I?”
Trent smirks, and I can tell he likes her. Hell, I even like her because she’s like a breath of fresh air in what has been stale for a long time now.
The guard returns and whispers, “Benjamin James would like a word.”
I groan. Will this never end?
I nod, and Regina leans across and whispers, “If you don’t mind, I really could use the restroom. I won’t be long. Can I get you anything while I’m gone?”
For some reason, her question tugs at what was once my heart. I don’t recall any companion of mine ever asking that, and it disarms me a little.
“No, I’m good, thank you.”
