Page 82 of King of Sinners

In the meantime, I’m having the meeting here because I don’t want to be any more than a few floors from her at any moment.

Bringing everyone through the police tape to get here also helps set the right tone. I’ve been attacked. Retribution is coming…

But when we arrive late, it’s obvious that the meeting is not off to a good start.

The Dukes sit on one side of the table, tall, polished, and distinguished with their classically good looks.

Across from them, the tattooed Bratva glare, looking rough and ready to break things.

But the Italians are not here….

“Motherfuckers didn’t show.” Jake spits as he stands, turning to me.

I shrug. They are making it too easy for me to gain the other families’ allegiances. Toni Carcetti is going down.

Stopping at the head of the table, I smile at all the men who have collected. “I have an announcement to make.”

Every man turns to look at me. Perhaps they think I’ll mention the tunnel. Or maybe the bomb…

“I’m getting married.” I raise my arms up, flashing a smile.

They give me a polite cheer and a clap as I step to the center of my family. “You can imagine the idea of starting a family has me craving a certain amount of stability.”

Several men nod, though I can see them shift uncomfortably too. They know my measures might mean trouble for them. They’re right. “And that’s what I’m hoping you gentlemen can help me with.”

It’s time to begin…

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Charlotte

I fall asleep again, waiting for Mason to return. The sheets have been changed and the smell of crisp clean cotton makes it even harder to stay awake.

You’d think I’d be rested after sleeping the entire day, but I’m just exhausted.

I don’t wake until Mason slips in the bed with me, his warm body pressing to mine. “How’d it go?”

“Excellent,” is all he answers. “You and Jackson do all right?”

“Jackson and I did fine.” I snuggle deeper into him, wishing that I could feel the slide of his skin against mine in some deeper way but I’m too sore.

Between losing my virginity last night, and now my shoulder, every part of my body aches.

“Are you going to tell me about the meeting?”

He smiles against my shoulder. “The Dukes are joining forces with us. They’ll give us a percentage of their casino, and in return, I will connect my casino to theirs via the tunnel. They’re on the cusp of buying another building and I artfully suggested they might consider waiting to see if the Italians go out of business and then they could have side-by-side properties. In addition, I’ve made it clear that their little incident, the one you witnessed, is best left forgotten by everyone. No one is saying anything, and everyone is happy.”

I turn to look at him. He’s done it…he’s removed the threat to my life. “You’re serious?”

He smiles. “About your safety? Very and always.”

I wish I could turn to better face him, but I can’t put any weight on my hurt shoulder at all. “And the Russians?”

“The Russians are lone wolves, which means they won’t join with the Italians. They would like an opportunity to make me a business offer and I’ve given them a week to do so.”

I shake my head. I sometimes forget that Mason is a man who can move mountains when he chooses.

“And the Italians?” His hand is tracing up and down my hip, his lips sliding over the back of my neck.

---