Page 31 of Nicoli

This man has melted chocolate irises and a jawline that could cut through glass, but there’s something sticky about the look in his eyes. They’re too eager, and I feel like I’m suffocating under the weight of his attention. Don’t get me wrong. He’s painfully attractive—the kind of guy you’d see on the cover of a magazine because, holy shit, is this guy good-looking—but he’s totally giving me predator vibes.

A gold chain peeks from underneath his open-collared shirt, the scent of his expensive aftershave confirming that this man has no shortage of money. Well, that and the dollar sign tattoo on the side of his neck. He slips his hands into his pants pockets, inching closer, looking at me like I’m the only woman in the room. “I was hoping you’d let me buy you a drink sometime.”

Apparently, he’s attractive but stupid. Or he just has no idea who I am and who my name connects to in this town.

“Listen, I’m flattered. I really am, but—”

He holds up his hand in defeat. “It’s okay. I understand.” He pulls a card from his pocket. “Here’s my number in case you change your mind.”

Not to be rude, I accept the card and slip it into my purse. “It’s nice to meet you, Felix.”

Brushing past him, I smile because it’s been a hot minute since a guy approached me in this town. And it kind of feels…good. Too bad I only have eyes for one man.

ChapterEleven

NICOLI

“No.” Alexius’ expression is as plain as day—he doesn’t feel the need to explain his one-word answer at all. It’s as final as yesterday’s weather. Unchangeable.

I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to beat a yes out of his ass. “Why not?”

“Because I need you here.”

“I know no one has ever told you this before, and it might come as a shock, so brace yourself…but you have two other brothers. I know.” I shrug dismissively. “It’s unbelievable that our parents had two more sons and never told you about it, given that you’re the heir and all.”

“Stop.”

“Their names are Caelian and Isaia. Now Caelian, he’s not too bad. He’s easily manipulated, like a puppet on strings. Isaia, however, his attitude sucks. If you ask me, he’s still stuck in puberty because tell him not to do something, and he will do it with so much passion it would set the rain on fucking fire. Sure, he has some redeeming qualities, but it’s not worth fighting through all that shitty attitude to get them. So, I’d suggest you steer clear of giving him any kind of responsibility around here.”

“Are you done?”

“Nope.” I light a cigarette, plumes of smoke coming out the sides of my mouth. “In fact, I haven’t even started yet. Wait until I get to Rome, our long-lost cousin, who I’ve recently discovered has a thing for bondage.”

Alexius’ eyes widen, and I smirk. “Oh no, brother. I know exactly what you’re imagining right now, and you can’t have it more wrong.”

“I’d ask you to draw me a picture, but I’m afraid you’ll see it as a challenge and use my Montblanc fountain pen to draw Rome’s dick on my mahogany desk.”

“There’s no need to draw you a picture. Just swap the positions of the participants.”

“What the fuck are you saying?”

“Like, take the girl in the picture inside your head, and put her in Rome’s position. Then take Rome and put him in the woman’s position.” I twirl my fingers around. “You know, Shibari his ass.”

Alexius’ frown goes from questioning to sheer horror in zero-point-two seconds. “Are you serious?”

“Very.”

“Jesus. Now I can’t get that image out of my head.”

“I know.” I chuckle darkly, remembering how horrified I was after I walked in on a scene where the woman was holding the whip, and Rome’s the one ball-gagged. “I was unable to get that picture out of my head for weeks.”

My brother shakes his head. “I could have gone my entire life without knowing that. Fuck you very much.”

I lift my glass in a mocking cheers. “You’re welcome.”

“Bullshit aside, you can’t leave. I need you here handling the Myth side of things. Shipments. Deals. Memberships. It’s all you.”

“I’m no body language expert, brother, but your flat expression tells me this issue is not up for debate or discussion.”

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