Page 9 of Prince of Vice

“So I’ve been told,” he replies coolly.

“Well, when he died he owed a lot of money to some dangerous people. People that are coming after me for it now.”

“How much money?” Primo asks.

“Far more than I have or could make doing legitimate work in any reasonable amount of time,” I admit.

Primo nods his head and a small smile lifts his lips. “Ah, so that is why you are so intent on taking this case. Do you think that if you win my case, I’ll absolve you of the debts your father owes? Even to other families?” There’s a hint of mockery in his voice.

“I’m not so naive, Primo,” I bite back. “But, I do think that this case will give me a good chunk of the funds I need to settle the most dangerous of debts so that I know me and my sister will be safe.”

“How admirable of you,” Primo replies. “And you think that I’m going to let you take my case because your motivation is money?”

I grit my teeth and stare into his stupidly attractive face. “I think that you’re going to let me take your case because you have no other lawyer and that money is the best motivator of all. Especially in your world where loyalties seem somewhat fluid these days.”

He’s on me in a flash, his thick fingers wrapping around my throat with an intensity that has me gasping.

“Oh, Isabella,” he drawls. “When you overstep, you risk falling into the viper’s den. It’s cute that you think someone will be there to save you. Cute, but foolish.”

I know I should feel fear, but I don’t. Maybe it’s the adrenaline coursing through me. The feeling of his fingers on my throat sends shivers through my body and I’m mesmerized as I stare into his eyes. His grip loosens on my throat and I can finally breathe again.

“So?” I say, trying to seem unfazed. “Do we have a deal?”

“Remind me of the terms you’re offering?” he replies, smiling to himself as if this is all too much fun for him.

“I win your case and you give me the funds to absolve my father’s debts.”

“Sure thing, Moretti,” he says dismissively. I hesitate for a moment, not sure if I’ve just managed to secure my salvation or damnation through this man.

“Alright then,” I reply, my lips quirking into a half-smile as I uncross my arms and reach for a stack of documents on the table before us. Even if Primo isn’t serious about this deal, I have to be.

As I dive back into the evidence, I can't help but steal glances at Primo when he's not looking. There's fierce intelligence that hides behind his even coarser exterior.

And as much as he terrifies me, I can't look away.

Chapter Four

Primo

A week has gone by and Charlie still hasn’t found me another lawyer. Which means that I’ve endured a week of working next to Isabella. A week of smelling her perfume, wanting to feel her curves, and of listening to the sass come out of her pouty little mouth.

I recline in the plush leather chair at my desk, sinking into its embrace as I watch Isabella read the documents in front of her. While the lawyer's body is tempting, it pales in comparison to the dedication and intelligence she exudes. Even though she won’t be the one to represent me at trial, I can't help but savor this opportunity to witness her perform under pressure. Her eyes flicker up to meet mine, and I refuse to look away.

Her attempt to negotiate the little deal of hers with me was endearing. Watching her stand up for herself and try her best to go toe-to-toe with me made my cock so fucking hard.

"Is something wrong?" I smirk, raising an eyebrow. She doesn't flinch.

"Actually, yes," she responds, her voice a mixture of annoyance and determination. "I'm trying to work, and all you're doing is staring at me."

"Are you uncomfortable under my gaze?" I ask, leaning forward ever so slightly.

"Let's just say you're the kind of person who makes people uncomfortable in general," she retorts without missing a beat.

I laugh, the rich sound filling up the room. "In my position, that's an advantage."

"Believe me, that wasn't meant as a compliment." Her eyes narrow, challenging me.

I decide then and there that I'll enjoy this verbal dance with her, pushing boundaries and breaking her down before I tire of her. By the end of the day, I’m confident Charlie will have another lawyer for me, but the thrill of bending her to my will is too delicious to pass up.

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