Page 98 of Hook

“Yes, and I hear you’re ensuring I can’t buy shares in San Diego real estate, in my city, because Piero has you in his pocket, is that right?”

I love seeing the fear in his eyes, as it means my name instills fear in men like him.

“Correct. I don’t think we have anything to discuss.” He tries to move around me, but I put my arm out to stop him.

“Wrong. We have plenty to discuss.” I glare at him. He may be a politician but I don’t give a shit who he is. If he stands in my way, I won’t hesitate to remove him.

“I can’t do anything for you. My hands are tied.”

I clench my jaw. “I assume you know who I am?”

He nods. “Of course.”

“In that case, you also know what I’m capable of.”

His throat bobs. “Are you threatening me?”

“Of course, and if you don’t stop jacking about with Piero, I’ll ensure you won’t be breathing for much longer.”

“Piero said the same thing. Who am I supposed to trust?”

Bastard.

“Me. As Piero won’t be a problem for much longer.”

The flash in his eyes tells me he knows what I mean, but he shakes his head. “I’ve accepted his deal.”

“Whatever he’s paying you, I’ll double it.”

His eyes light up at the mention of money, the motherfucker. It’s all that talks in this world, money and power. If you can’t offer either, then violence is the only way to get to the top. I know that as it’s how I got back to the top after Piero sunk me to the depth of the ocean.

“That sounds fair…” he murmurs, rubbing a hand across the back of his neck. “However, Piero might pay more.”

I narrow my eyes. “Are you trying to play me off against Piero?” I crack my knuckles. “You don’t realize the kind of men you’re playing with.”

His throat bobs and he takes a step backward.

I step forward, feeling the darkness well within me and rise toward the surface. “What do you think? I’m in control of this city, not Piero.” Clenching my fists, I keep advancing. “You think that you can side with a man like him in my own city and I won’t react?”

The asshole quivers, fear clear in his eyes. He’s a goddamn coward and I hate cowards.

“Of course not. I accept your offer.”

I clap my hands. “Perfect. My lawyer is waiting outside. Have a seat.” I gesture to the chair behind him.

There’s a moment of hesitation. I sense he would prefer to do business with Piero, probably because he takes a softer approach.

“Boss, we’ve got a problem not related to this asshole.”

I press my finger to my ear. “What is it?”

“The men have caught Gwendolyne trying to escape. She was close, apparently.”

My entire body turns numb. My world spins a little and I begin to shake.

I’ve been gone a matter of two hours and she’s already trying to flee my home. Rage hits me as I thought we were getting past the whole kidnapping and forced marriage thing. She’d been submitting to me and enjoying the sex like no woman I’d ever been with before.

“Fine, you handle this piece of shit and get the contract signed.” I glare at the man before me. “I’ll head back now.”

---