Page 35 of The Merciless King

“Sorry,” I say, dropping my utensils and wiping my mouth. “I’ve assumed you know more than you possibly do. My apologies.”

A risky comment.

Gianna glances across the room and appears to be choosing her words carefully. “I know enough.”

Interesting.

A non-answer, but I don’t want to offend her any more than I have, so I tilt my head. “Well, aren’t you a surprise?”

She lifts her coffee and halts it before it hits her lips. “No. I think I’ve misled you. I don’t work in the business; I just pay attention.”

I study her as she drinks and lowers the cup.

I doubt the really dark stuff is out in the open for the mafia princess to see, but I could be wrong.

“No offense, but I’m happy to hear that.”

“Why? You don’t think a woman can be a gangster?” she laughs.

I want to snarl.

I want to grip her neck and yank her close to me and tell her that there is no way I would let her get anywhere near the people and danger involved in the crime world.

But she is near it.

And her father keeps her well protected.

“If you were my wife, you wouldn’t,” I say before I can stop myself.

She laughs. “Well, let’s go get that medication before you are forced to marry me.”

I choke, and Gianna reaches to pat me on the back.

“Jesus, Gianna. Don’t joke about that.” I toss a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the table and lead her out of the restaurant.

We find a pharmacy and get the pills, which she abruptly takes, and then we stand on the sidewalk staring at one another.

“Well...” She smiles at me.

“I want to see you again.” I say, cupping her face as I simultaneously push the button on my phone in my pocket.

It lets off a beep as I planned.

“Excuse me.” I pull out the phone. “This is urgent and won’t take a minute.”

James hovers a few feet behind her as I take the fake call.

“Rossi.” I take a step away, then in a dark growl I know she can hear, I say, “I hope this is better news than last night.”

I stay silent as if listening.

Then throw my head back dramatically.

“You have to be fucking kidding me!” I check myself, glancing at Gianna as if in apology. “The entire shipment?!”

I fake listen.

“That’s four hundred million fucking dollars.” I ground out sort of quietly.

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