Page 48 of Hearts Of Darkness

The clacking of their high heels and their excited chatter immediately set my teeth on edge. One glance tells me all I need to know about them. They’re the trappings of our trade: high-class whores with spectacular bodies. The best Colombia has to offer. But they’re young and inexperienced… They’re giddy on the splendor of Emilio’s house and drunk on the prospect of such exclusive clients opening their wallets for them.

Two weeks ago, I would have gladly taken advantage by enticing three upstairs and fucking them until dawn, flouting all limits of debauchery, causing pain, and not caring enough to give pleasure. What I wouldn’t give to feel Eve’s soft body underneath me right now. To feel her arching into my stomach, to have her falling apart in my arms. None of these women hold a candle to my angel, but my colleagues don’t seem to share my lack of enthusiasm. With a roar of approval, Gomez pulls one giggling blonde onto his knee and slides his fat palm under the hem of her skirt. Rick looks like a kid in a sweet shop.

“Only the best for you, gentlemen.” Emilio laughs, ever the gracious host again as he slaps the ass of a passing brunette. “Where’s Grayson?” he calls out to me.

“Busy.”

“Pity,” he says lightly, picking up his whiskey glass and swirling the ice. “I hand-picked a couple of these whores for him. I know how much he likes them doe-eyed and docile. When’s he coming back?”

It’s an innocent enough question, yet something in his voice spikes my interest. I’m suddenly hyper-conscious of the knives attached to my calves, and the loaded weapon beneath my shirt.

“Not tonight.” I catch the eye of the waiter and indicate to my empty glass again. “I’ll be sure to let him know that his work is appreciated.”

“Yes, do that.” Emilio eyes me across the table. “Because, once again, I find myself concerned over the lack of women in your African fortress, baby brother.”

“Then you have too much fucking time on your hands.”

It’s just us at the table now. Gomez and Rick have moved their whoring inside. The waiter hands me another bourbon, and I down it in one. The burn at the back of my throat matches the intensity of my ire.Fucking Emilio… Always pushing me. Always provocative.Usually I ignore it, but I find myself rising to the bait tonight.

“Are you not partaking in this luscious feast yourself, brother?” He waves his glass in the direction of a brunette who is stripping my face off with her scorching-hot glances. “It’s not like you to pass up a pretty face. Too busy pining for your little American?”

My back stiffens.

His grin disappears.

“You lied to me.”

“Fuck you. I don’t answer to anyone.”

Emilio leans across the table and sizes me up before his face splits into a shit-eating grin. “What the hell is up with you at the moment?”

“I’m tiring of the constant intrusion.”

“You forget yourself, Dante. I’m still the head of this organization.”

“For now…”

My words hang heavy over the table.

“Is that some sort of threat?” he hisses. “You’ve got some fucking nerve coming into my house with this shit. What are you going to do about it?”

“Raise your voice to me again, and you’ll soon find out.” I lean forward in my chair to meet him halfway, slamming my forearms down on the table. “Tread carefully, Emilio. It’s the only advice I’m offering.”

He laughs and puts a finger to his lips like I’m some naughty little kid who is disobeying his rules.

I want to take that finger and ram it down his throat until he chokes on it. At the same time, I’m aware that four of his men, including that ugly motherfucker, Rodrigo, have taken up position behind me. I watch Emilio’s gaze flick upward, followed by the briefest shake of his head. Good. He’d be a fool to try anything. He knows how lethal I am. Those men would be dead in the water before his smirk left his face.

Seconds bleed on and on. Tension thickens the air. The gentle hum of the swimming pool filter helps to keep my body sharp and my mind focused.

“You said you were bored with her, Dante,” he murmurs. “Still, I’m not surprised she’s holding your interest. You’ve always had a thing for Americans. There’s the ever-faithful Grayson, and now there’sEve…”

Hearing him speak her name dredges the well of darkness inside of me.

“We don’t get attached, baby brother. We don’t have weak links in our organization. We made the rules, remember? Together. Cut her loose, like I cut my bitch ex-wives loose. She’s becoming a problem.”

I shift position and drop my right arm, my fingers grazing against the outline of the knife strapped to my calf. “Are you asking nicely or dictating?”

Emilio stares at me in surprise. “My, she reallyhasgot to you. Pale skin, dark hair, those big blue eyes… Remind you of someone, does she?”

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