Page 64 of Recaptured by the Crime Lord

Marcus blinked. “Why? So you can beat the crap out of any man who tries to date her?”

Gavin’s stomach clenched. He had been so focused on the image of a little girl that he never considered what would happen when she grew up. Dating? Fuck no.

“Since you want a girl, I’m going Team Boy.” Marcus waved the papers. “I need your signature, big guy.”

Gavin forced himself to sit when he wanted to pummel someone. “What is it?”

“Contract renewals and my research on building another tower.” Marcus set the stack down with a flourish.

Marcus wanted to build another tower that would cater to homeowners. Gavin didn’t want to cater to anyone, but Marcus was convinced that it would be a great investment for high rollers.

“I’ll read your report, but I’m not making any promises,” Gavin said as he signed the contracts after a cursory glance.

Vinny had been more laid-back. Marcus wasn’t born into the role and he was hungry to keep Pyre Casinos at the forefront. He collected business contacts as if they were going out of style and wanted to be involved in everything from housekeeping standards to the safety of pole dancers in the clubs. Gavin didn’t mind since he had no interest in the small details. Marcus excelled at everything he touched and was on top of everything, including his boss. Gavin had no idea how Marcus had time to monitor his activities when his schedule was jam-packed. Nosy, young bastard. On the other hand, Gavin admired Marcus for his fearlessness in business. Marcus had done more to advance Pyre Casinos than Gavin had in the past five years. After he took over the position of crime lord it became Vinny’s job to run Pyre Casinos smoothly.

“When are you going to the boxing ring on Monday?” Marcus asked.

He shouldn’t be surprised that Marcus knew that he boxed everyday. His secretary kept a two-hour window open everyday so he could train. If no one was available to train in the ring, he went to the gym.

“I have a lot of meetings in the afternoon so I’ll work out at ten. Why?”

“I think I’ll join you.”

Gavin hid a wolfish grin. Getting Marcus in the ring might be fun. “I’m looking forward to it. Now, get out of my office.”

“See you at the party tomorrow. What time does it start?”

“Noon. Do you know where I live?”

“Of course.”

Gavin glared as Marcus snatched the signed papers and exited with a spring in his step. Promoting Marcus was one of the best decisions he ever made, but the damn kid was getting on his nerves. Gavin paced as he read Marcus’s proposal and snorted in disgust before he tossed it on his desk. He logged onto his computer and ignored Marcus’s email asking if he read the proposal yet. Gavin would let him sweat. The proposal was reasonable, ambitious and brilliant. He wouldn’t tell Marcus that. No, he would let the young bastard quake in his shoes and make him think it was a no go. There were investors waiting for his go ahead, but he would make them wait.

Gavin made some phone calls and walked through the casino with his head of security. He greeted a high roller who’d occupied the presidential suite for a month and dropped a cool half million daily before he had drinks with an old business acquaintance named Harmon who straddled the line between legal and illegal.

“Still no word on the identity of the new crime lord,” Harmon said as he sipped Scotch.

“How can that be?” Gavin resisted the urge to smash the delicate crystal glass. “Since when are there such loyal fucks in the underworld?”

“You know there’s only one thing that keeps people quiet.”

Fear.

“Whoever he is, he’s hidden himself behind many people and names.”

“I want to know who he is. I don’t care what it costs,” Gavin said. He wouldn’t rest until the man who murdered his father and Vinny was dead. The specter that haunted his every waking moment would die. He couldn’t live in the same world with that monster lurking in the shadows. Gavin made it his goal that this fucker would suffer. He wouldn’t give up until the specter’s blood coated his hands.

Gavin went back to his office, dissatisfaction eating at his gut. Whoever this guy was, he had everyone by the balls. Why? Was he a dirty cop, politician or richer than him? Unease made him short tempered and clipped during the rest of his meetings. When he couldn’t take the confines of his office a second longer, he left the casino. On impulse, he requested the escort of a branch of his security that used to deal with the underworld. When he drove out of the casino, he looked in his rearview mirror and saw five SUVs filled with his most lethal men. He couldn’t twiddle his thumbs any longer. There was one man who had always been hungry for power and Gavin knew where he worked.

Gavin parked in front of Vega & Sons, the most successful attorney’s office in Las Vegas. He armed himself and walked into the building with five men flanking him while the others waited outside. Gavin walked through the office, which quieted immediately when the workers caught sight of him. Every local knew his face since he had been on the news for suspected criminal activity and murder. Gavin didn’t give a fuck. He walked into the executive offices and bypassed the stammering secretary as he slammed into Paul Vega’s office. The old man was on the phone, but he hastily put it down when Gavin entered.

“Gavin,” Paul said, running a hand over what little hair he had left. “To what do I owe this honor?”

“Don’t fuck with me,” Gavin said and didn’t stop until he stood beside Paul. He didn’t trust the fucker behind his desk. Paul had a gun in his desk just like he did. “I want Rafael.”

Paul’s expression didn’t change. “What?”

Gavin’s temper snapped. He grabbed fistfuls of Paul’s shirt and hauled him out of the chair. He put his face in Paul’s and hissed, “You know why.”

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