Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98583 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98583 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“How’d it go?” she asks.
“Demir’s brother wasn’t happy, but I think he’ll come around.”
“You’re a master negotiator.”
“It’s easy, amore mio. All you need is leverage.” I bend down and kiss her. “Now, shall we continue having a nice day together? Or do you want to return to the mansion and spend the afternoon in bed?”
Her lips press together in thought. “How about we walk around here for a while longer, then go to bed for the rest of the night?”
“What a perfect compromise. You really should be the one making the deals for me, you know.”
“You’re such a prick.”
“But I’m your prick.”
We walk arm in arm down the Philly street.
Chapter 45
Lucy
Two Weeks Later
The DeLuca manor isn’t all that great. The entryway has lots of marble and a vintage chandelier worth more than an average suburban house, but still. The decorations are tacky as heck. For a family that allegedly loves beauty and art, the DeLucas come off like a bunch of idiots.
“Right this way.” The head of the house staff leads us into a sitting room. This one is slightly better appointed than the entry. The couch is subtle and designer, while the paintings are a bit more muted. Outside, they tried to show off their wealth and power. But this is where the real deals happen.
“Are you sure about this?” Adriano asks, looking bored as he flops down into a chair.
“I’m positive.” My lips press together. “At least, I think I am.”
“You know you could go talk to someone else. It doesn’t have to be—” His eyebrows arch.
“I know that.” I sit down next to him and put a hand on his thigh. “But she’s been taking over some of her husband’s work. She’ll be a useful ally moving forward.”
“I murdered her husband.”
“That’s a good point.”
“But you’re right.” He leans over and kisses me lightly. I still feel a thrill every time he does that. It’s so casual but loving, and the look in his eye is always filled with adoration. I feel like a goddess when he’s around. I’ve never been this confident before in my life.
Marcy DeLuca enters after only a ten-minute wait. I’m betting she was sitting in a nearby room glaring at her phone like this was some stupid power play. She’s still in all mourning black, though she looks extremely chic in it. Black sleek trousers, a matching black blouse, her hair in a sleek pony, her makeup understated and simple. She glares as she lingers just inside the door.
“I was told you were coming, but I didn’t think you’d have the gall to actually show up here.” Her lips turn white when she shuts her mouth and glares.
“Good to see you too. Please, come over here, let’s have a chat.”
Marcy’s movements are wooden, but she forces herself to take a seat on the edge of the couch across from us. “Make this fast. I don’t know what I have to say to the people responsible for my husband’s death.”
“I’m sure you mourn that cradle-robbing douchebag every day,” Adriano comments.
I swat at him. “Not helpful,” I say before looking at Marcy. She’s scandalized by Adriano’s outburst. “I apologize for my husband. He’s a barbarian.”
“Just tell me what you want,” she hisses, her face turning white as she looks away.
I lean forward. “From what I understand, you’ve been sliding into your husband’s former role. You don’t have the law degree, but I suspect you’ll fast-track your way into passing the bar soon enough. For now, you’re a fixer. You’re the glue in the art world.”
“Get on with it.” She’s breathing hard now. “I’m disgusted with myself for being in the same room as you two.”
I smile sweetly. “As I’m sure you’ve heard, the Marino Family is opening a new art storage facility. We’re rebuilding some of the buildings that were vandalized last month.”
“By you,” she snaps, anger flashing in her eyes.
“Not by me.” I press a hand to my heart. “But you have to understand. Gray Wolf is leaving Philadelphia. We’re taking their place. Which means—” I lean forward now. “If you want to keep playing, you need to deal with us.”
Marcy’s mouth drops open. I can see the surprise, but she’s also thinking hard. I bet she heard the rumors; she just didn’t want to believe them.
I’m trying not to be smug, but I like this. It feels good to have power over this evil witch.
“Never,” she whispers.
“Then we’ll ruin you. Simple as that.” I shrug and lean back in my chair. “Or you can play ball, and we can be besties again. Wouldn’t you love that?”
“You’re disgusting.”
“Think it over. I’d happily destroy you, but wouldn’t we be such a good team?” I stand and hold out a hand. “Come on now, darling. I think we’re done here.”
Adriano takes it and stands. He smiles disdainfully down at Marcy. She’s too busy staring at the floor, her face ashen, her body trembling.