Page 35 of Reckless Vow

It helps that it used to be a nightclub. At least the remodeling won’t be that substantial.

This place is perfect for what we need, but I’m not going to show him my enthusiasm. The man is cocky enough.

“I sold it.”

“A premium waterfront property? You sold it fast.” There is something fishy about that. I don’t like not understanding the business moves of my associates.

I don’t mind some grayness in my dealings, but when things are inexplicable, it raises red flags.

He grinds his molars while wearing his typical smirk, but my question has caused tension.

I’ve known Corm Quinn for a few years now. He invested in some of my clubs as a silent partner.

When we finally decided New York needed one of my clubs, I asked Corm to find us a venue. He has properties all over the world, but this is his home turf.

“It wouldn’t suit your needs. I sold it to your brother-in-law, Finn van den Linden.”

I don’t really know Finn, but Corm spits his name with so much venom, I make a mental note to look into Paris’s husband.

I look around the space, my mind already seeing the VIP section and the bar on this level. “Why are you not using it for yourself? You have a club in the city. Why would you invite competition?”

“I have another endeavor that is taking up all my time and effort. I don’t have time for another club.”

“What endeavor?”

“I can’t talk about it yet, but soon you’ll find out.”

“Entertainment industry?”

“No, financial sector.”

I raise my eyebrow, but I guess while I know Corm through my clubs, he has other interests.

“Okay. This place should work well, but it will require a lot of renos. The rent is too steep. This is our entry to the US and the club needs to be the best, the most luxurious we can offer, but I want to be careful with my investment.”

“What if the price went down by twenty percent?” He crosses his arms over his chest.

Now that would be just plain unbelievable, and raises more red flags. “What’s the catch, Corm? And don’t waste my time here.”

“I thought you were staying around. What’s the rush?”

What does he know about me extending my visit? Or the reasons behind it. The fucker rubs me the wrong way today. Or maybe I’m just impatient after not sleeping last night.

“What’s the catch?” I rein in my irritation.

“I’d go in with twenty percent.”

Now I understand why he offered his help. He’s smart. Since he can’t develop this space himself, he wants to ensure friendly competition.

“A silent partnership, like in Milan and Prague?” I don’t mind sharing the risk. Twenty percent is a good cash infusion for me and little to no influence for him, with a guaranteed income from his investment.

“Maybe I’d like to have some say—”

“No. I don’t need your investment. I’m not going to say no to getting your cash, but I’m running the show and making all the decisions.”

“You’re a control freak, Cassinetti.”

“And it’s made me billions, Quinn. If you’re in with twenty percent, I’m taking this place. Otherwise, I’ll go look elsewhere. I’m not in a hurry.” I shrug.

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