Page 47 of King of Sinners

I pull my shoulders straighter. They want to take me out? We’ve been a unit this whole time because it insulates us from the mistakes my father made. That’s the real reason we vote. No taking on larger amounts of debt to woo some woman. No making decisions with our egos.

But if they think they’re taking the business I built away from me, they’re sorely mistaken.

In that moment, I realize just how much Charlotte has distracted me because I did not anticipate this happening this quickly. And I always anticipate every move in the business sector. It wasn’t that the signs weren’t there. I’ve just been so focused on her…

Leo jabs his hand in the air. “Aye.”

No one else speaks.

Slowly, Leo’s lip curls as he stares from Kincaid to Kincaid. “Fine. That’s the way you fuckers want it. That’s the way you have it. But I’m not done here.” With a snarl, he turns on heels and stalks to the elevator, jabbing the button and disappearing.

The breath slowly releases from my lungs. I’ve still got a chance to make this all right. I can beat the Italians, neutralize the Dukes, have our revenge on Toni Carcetti and Giovani Vendetti, and get the tunnel made to grow our business even bigger. It’s a long list, with one more addition. Keep Charlotte safe.

“Well that sucked,” Luke rumbles, looking at me. “You’d better keep it together Mason. Don’t get us killed over a woman.”

Charlotte. My chest tightens because I know, if it gets too hot…I’m going to have to let her go.

I don’t mean today. I’ll make certain she’s safe. But she will have to go…this isn’t permanent. It’s part of our deal and falling in love isn’t an option for me. Not ever.

She’s messing with my life and my family in ways I promised I would never let happen.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Charlotte

I chew on one corner of my nail wondering if I can actually pull off what I’m about to do.

In the corner of my room, the nicest printer I’ve ever seen sits just outside its box. I don’t know when Mason bought it for me, but I can guarantee it wasn’t today.

I still can’t believe what happened with Professor Burke today or how Mason materialized in the nick of time.

I touch up my makeup, looking down at the lingerie I’m wearing.

Mason had bought me several sets of sleepwear from demure to downright sexy and I’ve opted to use his T-shirts every other night I’ve been here, but not tonight.

Tonight, I’ve chosen a silky black number that hugs my curves, barely covering my rear end. The piece is sheer enough that I can just make out my nipples in my reflection in the vanity. The heart neckline is only held up by thin spaghetti straps. I’ve never worn anything like it in my life.

I’ve washed my hair and redried it, curling it into loose waves that I think look very sexy with the shorter length.

I’ve never played the game of seduction before, nor have I offered myself up for a punishment I actually know I earned, but I’m about to try for both…

I apply a bit of gloss to my lips when I hear the elevator door open. Pushing back from my stool, I try to decide where to stand. I wish I’d thought this part out. Do I greet him in the kitchen or wait here?

Maybe I should arrange myself on the bed. Or better yet…

“Charlotte.”

Mason’s low growl sounds dangerous tonight and I jump. “In here.”

He’s angry. Why wouldn’t he be? Did I ruin everything or just his day?

I start to fidget. My mom left us, and I guess I always wondered why. My dad left too, not that he made the choice. But still.

Mason isn’t staying in my life, I know that. All he ever claimed to want was my virginity, which he’s very close to getting. Once he has it, does this all end? Or have I pushed him away before we can even get that far?

My door opens and I start toward it, trying to add a bit of sway to my hips. He stops when he sees me, his eyes darkening. “What’s this?”

I draw in a breath. “I…I wanted to apologize.”

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