Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 38835 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 194(@200wpm)___ 155(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38835 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 194(@200wpm)___ 155(@250wpm)___ 129(@300wpm)
“Massimo!” Stefano greeted me warmly, as though we’d been best friends for years. His mercurial nature was designed to keep me off balance, but I met him with a carefully crafted, charming smile of my own.
His black shark’s eyes flicked to Evelyn. “I’m surprised you brought your lovely companion. But I’m sure Adrián will be pleased to meet you both.”
Despite his jovial tone, I knew he wasn’t delighted at her presence. Evelyn was an outsider. Until a few days ago, she’d been engaged to one of his enemies.
I cupped her nape, running my thumb over the diamond collar. Duarte’s sharp eyes noted the possessive gesture.
“Evelyn belongs with me,” I said smoothly. “I couldn’t leave her all by herself in that big, empty mansion.”
I let him read the truth in my words: I wouldn’t be parted from her.
He tipped his head at me, accepting the situation. I had Evelyn under my control, and she wouldn’t cause any trouble for him. She didn’t belong to George Crawford anymore, and she wasn’t a threat to Duarte’s business.
I wished Carmen were here to put Evelyn at ease, but I understood why the cartel queen had stayed in Mexico City. After Los Zetas’ brazen attack in their territory, one of them needed to remain in their stronghold to oversee security.
“Come join us,” Stefano invited with a sweep of his arm, gesturing toward a cluster of armchairs in the back corner. A dark-haired man occupied one of them like it was a throne, and a massive guard stood stone-faced at his back. He was about my size—well over six feet tall and roped with muscle. If I so much as looked at Adrián Rodríguez he wrong way, he was prepared to snap my neck.
At least, he could try. We would be evenly matched, and I had Evelyn’s safety to worry about. If he sparked my protective fury, he would die screaming before he got anywhere near her.
I managed to keep the threatening tension from gripping my body as I sauntered behind Stefano to join the men. Acting like a brutish caveman wouldn’t do me any favors tonight. These were my new, dangerous friends, and I needed them on my side. I had to secure the alliance and keep my promise to Gian and Enzo.
When we reached them, my eyes adjusted to the dim lighting in the shadowed corner. The stage was by the bar, and the riotous music that filled the club was notably quieter this far away. Our conversation wouldn’t be overheard, but we wouldn’t have to shout over the music. The setting was ideal for a clandestine meeting.
“Massimo, this is Adrián,” Stefano introduced us. “Adrián, this is our new Italian friend I’ve told you so much about, Massimo Imperiale.”
Adrián didn’t stand to greet us. He remained reclined in his chair, his only acknowledgment of the introduction a slight inclination of his head. He was a king in his own domain, and he bowed to no one. His shockingly pale green eyes seemed to glow through the darkness, studying me with an intensity that would’ve made a weaker man squirm.
I met him head-on, offering him a warm smile. “I’m looking forward to our new friendship.”
He cocked his head, a cunning snake. His cold eyes cut to Evelyn.
I tensed, but Stefano quickly said, “Evelyn is with Massimo. He didn’t want her getting bored at the mansion all by herself.”
“Are you so easily bored?” he drawled, addressing her. “Can you not spend a few hours away from your beloved?”
She stiffened, but she edged toward me. “I want to stay close to Massimo,” she declared, her voice ringing out clearly. She might be intimidated, but she didn’t cower. “He keeps me safe.”
Adrián’s dark brows rose to his artfully tousled black hair. “Do you feel unsafe in my territory?”
She swallowed but met his challenging gaze. “I want to stay with Massimo,” she repeated, avoiding answering his question directly. It was a trap, and she was clever enough not to get caught in it. If she’d admitted she was afraid to be alone in his territory, he would’ve pounced on the insult. She didn’t give him the opportunity to rebuke us.
Again, she pledged her loyalty to me, staring down one of the most dangerous men in the world. The urge to sweep her up in a hungry kiss was almost overwhelming. This strong, stunning woman belonged to me. She gave herself to me willingly. Fearlessly.
“The girl isn’t a threat,” the big man at Adrián’s back interjected, his voice deep like rolling thunder.
The cartel kingpin glanced at his bodyguard, mild irritation tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I can see that, Mateo.” His sharp gaze pierced me once again. “You are both welcome to join us.” He gestured at the empty armchair directly across from him.
Stefano took his seat beside his Colombian partner, and I took the offered chair. It was barely big enough to accommodate me, so I placed Evelyn on my lap.