Page 47 of The Merciless King

From time to time, someone turns rogue or tries to break into the property. Or once someone tried to mug me, not knowing who I was, and James’s bullet hit him in the side of the neck.

Jesus, the blood.

There was a lot.

“Happy to answer any of your questions, sir. I simply want to keep dating your daughter.” Braxton ensures him and my heart does a little flutter.

Because that is why we are here, and despite our little ruse, his words feel true.

I like them way more than I should.

James appears in the doorway and shoots me a dark look before stopping a few feet from my father.

“You wanted to see me, capo.”

“Bring me everything you have on Mr. Rossi and meet us in my office,” he demands, then turns to Braxton. “You and I are going to talk.”

My father pushes his chair back and stands. As always, he’s in a heavy black suit, his gold ring glittering from his forefinger, and a handkerchief in his top pocket.

I go to open my mouth, but Mama holds up her fingers to silence me.

Braxton kisses the top of my head as he stands. “Let your father and me talk. I will be back soon, sweetheart.”

I see Mama smile as she drops her eyes.

I know we’re deceiving them, and I feel a little bad about that. But I do like him, and this isn’t going to hurt anyone. Papa won’t do business with anyone he doesn’t trust or throw money at a boy because I like him.

He’ll work out if Braxton is a good investment.

Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy fucking him.

The more time I spend with Braxton, the more I like him. Watching his confidence in the face of my father’s dominance is so fucking sexy. I can’t wait for him to return so we can be alone.

When the door closes behind the men, I flop back into my seat and blow out a breath.

“Well,” Mama says. “I’ve never seen you like this with a boy.”

“Trust me, he’s 100 percent man.” I smile across the table, and she chuckles.

“Then let’s hope your father doesn’t kill him.”

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