Page 50 of Isabela

“What’s expected of me as an Eagna Society member?” I ask carefully. I don’t want to jump from the skillet into the fire without knowing all of the terms.

“We want to partner with your company after we help you clean it up. You still have connections we would love to have, doors that are closed to us in this industry. I’ll also want your insight on the statistics of things going one way or another, which means more lunches in my garden,” Theodore teases.

“Mmhmm,” I murmur, smiling even as I think. “I don’t know what the other people do, but I won’t be a part of a group that coerces sexual acts for information or favors.”

“Never,” Gael says. “I have a recruit who went to dinner with your uncle, flirted with him, and drugged him. She snooped through his computer files at his home before she left, making sure it appeared as if she had slept with him.”

I gag at the thought, taking a sip of my drink to help. The alcohol hits my system almost immediately, making me feel warm. If this continues, I’m going to be very tipsy.

“She found what you told me about?” I ask, glancing at Gael.

“Yes, there were also emails between several highly ranked mafia members as well,” Gael grunts. “This could damage the reputation of Cohen Security and Communications if we don’t nip this in the bud quickly.”

“Add in the fact that our foundation is a fucking sex ring, and I think we’re already fucked,” I tell them. “Sorry…”

“I hear plenty, and that’s not the worst of it,” Theodore laughs. “As I said, your position is different from other recruits who enter our ranks. We want to help you regain what you’ve lost, with the offer of a partnership.”

“Okay, but how do you get in? It’s not as easy as saying yes, is it?” I ask. “I may be reading too many books…”

Gael snorts as he shakes his head. “Aria writes those books,” he says. “You’ve talked from what I understand. You’re the girl who helped her with her writer’s block?

“I guess? I told her she should stop fighting what her characters want,” I explain.

“Her publisher is an asshole,” Gael grunts. “She hasn’t been able to write in months, until the last few days. I left her at home today and she barely waved goodbye. Aria said she knew you were in good hands.”

I look down at my drink as I press my lips together. I don’t think there are any better hands than Gael’s.

“I’m glad it helped.”

“I don’t know what is in those books,” Theodore teases me, making me blush in embarrassment. “However, there are tasks we ask you to perform before you’re accepted into the Society. They don’t always fit into the confines of the law, but you are protected from any fallout by us.”

“Like killing my uncle?” I ask, glancing at him. He doesn’t even twitch or glare at Gael. God, I will never play poker with this man.

“Yes. Prison is too good for him anyway. So,” Theodore says, taking a sip of his scotch, “what do you think?”

Maybe it’s because I’ve been alone for so long, barely surviving, or it could be the scotch. I’m a grown ass adult, though, so I’ll stand by my decisions. Even if they may be fueled by alcohol.

“Yes, I’m in,” I agree, without much thought, putting my hand out to Theodore.

Amused by my antics, he shakes it. His cane is propped up against a wall, making me wonder if he even needs it. Tugging me toward him, he wraps his arm around me, hugging me.

I sigh, squeezing him back, deciding no matter what, this is the right thing to do.

“Welcome to your new family, dear,” he murmurs against my hair. Gael merely drains his cup, nodding grimly. For better or worse, here we go.

Chapter Twelve

ARIA

Ihaven’t heard from Gael in hours, outside of a text that he was going to see Theodore with Isabela. Those two can talk together forever, especially now that they have the catalyst for their plans in front of them. I don’t mean this in a negative way, but they need Isabela to make this all work and keep her safe.

I’m deep in my writing bubble when I hear the door unlock and a curse as someone bumps into the wall. Finishing my sentence, I glance up to see Gael look sheepish as he lifts Isa into his arms. The old man is known for his scotch, and I’m sure it’s hitting her hard.

“You didn’t warn her about drinking Theodore’s scotch, did you? She’s too thin to be drinking with you right now,” I admonish with a smile. Getting up, I walk over to close the front door, and take a look at Isabela.

She grins adorably with half mast lids, looking sleepy. “Hi, Aria,” Isa says, making me giggle.

“Hi, beautiful. Has Gael given you any water yet?” I ask her.

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