Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 40037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 200(@200wpm)___ 160(@250wpm)___ 133(@300wpm)
I noticed Kashmere’s grandmother in the back with two armed men. A knowing smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. It was a wicked smirk as if she knew what would happen and was excited for us to finally get our due.
It’s too bad I can’t kill her.
Simon stood on a platform in front of them. He appeared to be in the middle of some grand speech. Another guy was positioned by his side. When Simon saw us, he paused from his sentence and cleared his throat.
Were you rallying them against Kashmere?
To my shock, I spotted TV screens on the back of the wall. On each screen, more men stared back at me. All looked to be in jail.
A very resourceful group. My fiancé’s family is strong and powerful.
That gave me a sense of pride.
I beamed down at her.
She frowned up at me.
I was about to say something to her when Simon grabbed my attention.
“Finally.” Simon glared and checked his watch. “We’ve been waiting for close to an hour.”
Kashmere shifted her expression to a stern mask. “Is that why you’re by my throne? You’re keeping it warm for me?”
Simon snorted. “The way you’ve been behaving, it may not be your throne after all.”
Anger hit my chest.
I stepped forward and pointed. “Hold up. This is her chair?”
Simon continued to look at her. “He has no place in this meeting at this time. Have him leave. Now.”
Kashmere shook her head. “Chanel’s husband, Pedro attended Board meetings as her fiancé. This is nothing new. He remains.”
Simon crossed his arms over his chest. “It is not necessary, especially, when we’ve called the meeting to decide if he will be your fiancé or not.”
“It was already decided.” Kashmere let go of my hand and prowled his way. “Do you remember yesterday’s meeting that you called?”
I followed and gestured for Leonardo to guide my people in too.
A guy laughed on one of the walled-screens. “This is about to be some shit.”
My army entered.
“No. No.” Simon waved his hands. “Absolutely not! Who are all these people?”
Some of the men stirred at the horseshoe table, mumbling to each other with angry faces.
Kashmere walked up to the platform. “They’re his soldiers.”
I climbed on the platform too. “Which means they’re Kashmere’s soldiers.”
Simon quirked his brows. “Mr. DeLuca—”
“We’re all family now.” I grinned. “Call me, Santino.”
Simon frowned. “I am the one that talked to Don Enzo and orchestrated this union. Therefore, I expect your respect and loyalty to go to me and not—”
“You’ll get a thank you, and that’s it.” I looked at Kashmere. “Where is he supposed to be sitting?”
She pointed to the center of the horseshoe table. “Over there.”
I scowled at him. “Go ahead then. Take your proper seat, Simon.”
Simon looked me up and down. Then, he chuckled and gazed at the audience eagerly watching us—other Board members, Kashmere’s people, and my armed men.
All sat or stood still in shock, not sure of what to do next.
“Do you see the disrespect?” Simon backed up several feet and gestured our way. “I won’t lie to you all. I never thought Kashmere was suited for this job.”
I gritted my teeth, not wanting to over step on Kashmere too much, but ready for him to shut the fuck up.
Simon faced the Board and spread out his hands. “We’ve tried to work with her due to her unfortunate grieving. However, she’s dealing with too many emotions to handle—”
“I can lead.” Kashmere glared. “And I’ve been—”
“A disaster this week.” Simon continued to perform. “She slapped her grandmother and kicked her out of the Jones Mansion.”
“Wait a minute.” Kashmere shook her head. “That’s a lie! I didn’t touch my grandmother—”
“So now your grandmother is a liar?” Simon waved her away.
“Lord, help me.” Grandmother touched the side of her face. “She did more than hit me, but I didn’t want to say anything.”
People muttered by the table.
“Bullshit, Grandma.” Kashmere glared her way. “You’re the one that hit me.”
Simon sighed. “Kashmere, your grandmother has earned my respect and this Board’s loyalty long before your father was even alive.”
The man next to him snickered.
I ground my teeth as I watched him talking to her.
How dare he?
Simon had no right to speak to her this way. It was a crime to even let his words fill the air and drip with malice. My rage burned through my veins and was nearly too strong to control. I had no idea where these emotions were coming from, but they hardened my body and turned my heart into ice.
It was hard to stand there and listen to him berate my fiancé this way, but I knew my silence was only a temporary measure.
They have to see the boss within her that I see. That’s the only way they’ll respect her.
Kashmere did not freeze or retreat. She stood with her shoulders back and head held high. There was no fear in her eyes as this despicable man spoke his poison. She did not shrink before his tongue. She simply stared at him without so much as flinching.