Page 60 of King of Sinners

I touch the corner of her mouth with my thumb. I can’t get enough of her, even these small touches. “Good. I’m glad you made too much because these guys are always hungry.”

She nods and then slowly turns back to the counter and picks up the knife to keep chopping.

I don’t back up though, and when the elevator opens, I’ve still got my hands on her hips, my front pressed to her back.

I’m making a statement and it’s one I know all the guys understand as they stop in the kitchen. Even if Leo is pissed about Charlotte, she belongs here with me, in my arms, and that isn’t changing. I love my brother and I’ll help him however I can, but Charlotte isn’t going anywhere.

“Isn’t this the picture of domesticity,” Jake says, his normally dry sarcasm on full display as he steps to the front of group. “I’m Jake. Nice to meet you, Charlotte.”

Charlotte pauses her chopping, tilting her chin up to smile at Jake. “And you.” She sets down the knife and extends her hand to my uncle’s.

I tighten my grip, knowing that I’m showing my possessive side. I don’t like the way Jake is taking in every fucking detail. Why did I have to get Charlotte dresses that fit her so perfectly? I can see Jake taking in her glossy hair, amazing rack, flat belly, long legs, right down to her bare feet. Even her toes are adorable.

“I’m Luke,” my cousin calls from just behind Jake. “What smells so good?”

“Charlotte’s cooking,” I say, like that isn’t obvious, my hands tracing her hips in a clear act I want everyone to notice. “We’ll leave her to it and head into my study.”

Luke is craning his neck, not to check out Charlotte, but what she’s got cooking on the stove. He sniffs at the boiling pot and then glances at the saucepan. “Will there be leftovers?”

“There’s plenty,” Charlotte says with another smile. It’s good that she’s charming them. It might help. I still hate it, but I recognize the importance.

“How can you think about food?” I rumble as we make our way into my study. It’s a man’s room with leather and dark wood and built in bookshelves. There are a few pictures in the tray from the new high-end printer I bought for Charlotte and I make a note to check them out later.

“I’d like to start by saying that I’m sure Leo is fine,” Jake says. “I know no one has talked to him but that fucker is indestructible. He’s just sleeping it off in some hotel penthouse suite while we’re all getting our knickers in a twist.”

I nod, hoping he’s right. “Let’s assume that’s true. How big of a mess did he make while on his bender?”

“Let’s see. He went to the sole casino the Dukes have and tossed a hundred large onto the casino floor starting a complete frenzy in the crowd that took both hotel security and several cops to sort out. Then he made his way the favorite gambling floor of the Russians and tipped a slot machine, breaking it wide open. And finally, he went to the biggest casino the Italians own and started a brawl in his own special way. Ten were taken to the hospital. Tons of bad press for them. Again, cops and guards alike had to end the fight… You get the picture.”

“Fuck me.” I run a hand through my hair. “That’s a big mess.”

“He’s trying to get someone’s attention, that’s for sure.” Roman gives me a long look and then begins pacing, his hands combing through his hair before he scrubs at his face.

“He pissed off every major family in Las Vegas and now he’s missing in action,” Luke adds. “I’ve called him like five times but he’s not picking up.”

I pull out my phone and try to do the same, but I go straight to his voicemail. “We have people out looking for him?”

“We do. But worse…” This is Jake who answers. “The other families want a meeting to discuss reparations for his actions.”

“Fuck. We haven’t had one of those since dad’s death.” Inwardly, I clench. The last meeting was the one where I got told if I wanted to save my family, I’d stay quiet and I’d stay in my lane. There would be no retribution for me.

Not that I want to be a gangster. That has never been my way. Even now, I plan to make the Italians pay through completely legal means.

But they are still going to pay. And I don’t need them being pissed before they even know I’m cutting them out of the chain of casinos.

“What was Leo thinking?” I’m gripping my phone so tightly, I can’t believe I haven’t broken it.

“He wasn’t. That’s always been his problem.”

I shake my head. “I’m not so sure. He’s cock-blocked my tunnel. If the Italians are already pissed and they find out that I’m shutting down their business, they might go nuclear. He’s made a move against me.”

Luke says as he shakes his head. “You think so? It’s not like him to plan. I think it’s more likely Leo is working his way up to a finish worthy of your father.”

But I grimace with that one. “We’re all suffering from that, aren’t we?”

“You?” Jake asks, pulling out a cigar from his pocket.

“Don’t even think about lighting that thing in my house.” I point my finger. “And I know you’re all thinking that the way I’m acting with Charlotte is just like my father.” I’ve been thinking the same thing.

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