Page 8 of Beast

I nod, sliding into the chair. “We can negotiate.”

Ileana takes her seat at the head of the table, a cocky smirk on her lips. I’ve never been fond of her, but she’s always got the best girls. I don’t need the entanglement of romantic relationships, so purchasing a beautiful woman has always been my go-to. They’re treated well considering and they keep my bed warm at night until I get bored of them and upgrade.

“I want fifteen million and not a penny less,” Ileana says, sipping her wine. “Agreed?”

I chuckle at her audacity. “That’s five million more than your standard fee.”

“I’ve seen the girls. All four of them are worth five million more because none of them are ‘standard’. They’re more beautiful than any girls you’ve bought from me before. Fifteen million, or I’ll just sell them to the highest bidder.” Her eyes narrow. “I’ll get over fifteen I’d expect for the one you want. Blonde, right?”

I lean back. Ileana drives a hard bargain. She’s right though. I’ve never come across such a beautiful girl in any auction before. Blake is supermodel standard. With golden hair that cascades down her shoulders like a silken waterfall. Her features are delicate and perfectly proportioned, with high cheekbones, a straight nose, and full, kissable lips. She stands tall and proud, almost six feet tall, with a body that is both graceful and voluptuous. Her breasts are full and perfectly round and her hips flare out in a tantalizing curve.

I’ve never been hard for a girl from one meeting like that, my dick is still semi-hard now thinking about her.

“Yes, and tall.”

Ileana nods. “She could be a supermodel. Perhaps if you don’t want to pay?—”

“Fifteen it is,” I agree, knowing I’m not going to quibble over five million dollars. She’s worth all the money in the world. “Get your man to write up the contract.” I nod toward Taren, knowing it’ll wind him up. He’s fun to tease.

Taren glares at me. “I’m not a fucking lawyer.”

Ileana clears her throat. “My lawyer will be here shortly to sort it out.”

I nod and lean forward, grabbing some lobster and putting it on my plate.“Perfect.” I take a sip of my wine. “Now that business is out of the way, how have you been, Ileana?”

“Not the best.” Her eyes narrow. “Have you heard anything about the Estrada cartel trying to secure Mexico City?”

Oh shit. I should have known Ileana would have caught wind of the plot to fuck her over. A plot I fully support. While Ileana might supply me with great girls, she’s paranoid and psychotic. Ileana Navarro is a liability to the entirety of Mexico. “No,” I lie.

“Don’t lie to me, Gaston,” Ileana responds.

She’s not stupid. My influence in Mexico City means I know everything that goes on. “I may have heard some rumors, but nothing more.”

“Tell me everything you’ve heard,” Ileana demands.

I sip my drink. “Just that he’s making waves and buying up real estate in the city.”

“So he’s trying to gain control of the city?” Ileana murmurs, pulling out her phone and typing something furiously.

I watch her, wondering who the fuck she’s contacting. No one wants Ileana in power of this territory anymore. It’s a universal fact that she’s a nightmare. “I wouldn’t worry too much, Ileana. No one has controlled Mexico City for centuries.” I shake my head. “I doubt Pablo Estrada is going to change that.”

I don’t believe that as he’s making waves, but I can’t let her paranoia spiral.

Ileana scowls at me, her eyes gleaming with suspicion. “I’ve been in this game a long time. I know when someone’s lying to me.”

I take another sip of my wine, trying to hide my amusement. Ileana is a shrewd leader, but she’s also paranoid and impulsive. She’s been in power for too long, and it’s made her reckless.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “I’ve told you everything I know.”

Ileana leans forward, her eyes narrowed. “You’re hiding something, Gaston. I can see it in your eyes.”

I chuckle. “You’re imagining things, Ileana. I’ve got no reason to lie to you.”

She glares at me, but I can see the doubt in her eyes. She knows I’m lying, but she can’t prove it. And that’s the way I like it.

“Well, if you hear anything else, let me know,” Ileana says, her voice hard. “And don’t think you can play me, Gaston. I’m not as stupid as you think I am.”

I raise an eyebrow. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Ileana.”

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