Page 93 of Hearts Of Darkness

Jesus. Could he sound any more apathetic?

“Quit provoking me. I want it on the market by the end of next week. I have no further use for this property.”

The renovations for my new island are nearly complete. I’ve had a team of hundreds working around the clock. It’scosting millions, but it’s billions that I have. The place will be fully operational in the next ten days or so, and then Eve can decorate away to her heart’s content. She doesn’t know my plans for her yet, but she soon will. Once Emilio’s six feet in the ground, nothing will ever part us again.

Change is afoot for all of us. Cartel warfare holds no interest for me anymore. We kill for the thrill, so my team and I are branching out. Eve’s initial assumptions about me were something of a premonition. Why? Because we’re mercenaries now. Skilled guns for hire. These past six weeks have been as much about planning for the future as it has about revenge. I’m here for whoever wants to hire my bullets. I’ll take no sides in wars or conflicts.

I scan my emails again. There’s one from Sanders.

“Rick’s happy with the terms. The deal is as good as done.”

“No surprises there,” says Joseph dryly. “You just gifted him a business worth twenty billion dollars. Any regrets?”

“Easiest decision I ever made.”

That, and abducting an angel from a downtown liquor store.

Sanders came through for me. His stellar connections have resurrected my decimated army and restocked my arsenal. In return for his loyalty, I’ve gifted him all the US Santiago territories. It’s his business now. He can fend off the vultures for himself.

I pour out a coffee and glance at the dishes piling up in the sink. “We need a maid for the island. Contact Sofía. She’s back in Colombia with her family. And stay the fuck away from that girl, Anna.”

“Is that a direct order?”

“I mean it, Joseph. She’s not available.”

“And when the hell has that ever stopped you?” There’s a chilling coolness to his gaze now.

“Manuel,” I state grimly. “He’s a good bodyguard. Eve trusts him. Anna likes him. Don’t fuck it up!”

Coffee-in-hand,I head back upstairs. I love to watch Eve sleep. She’s so peaceful—the kind of peace I can never hope to obtain.

I settle on the edge of the bed and take a sip. She stirs, reaching out for me with one hand and then furrowing her brow when she senses I’m not lying next to her anymore.She wants me, even in her dreams.

A lock of dark hair spills over her cheek, and I fight the urge to brush it away. Since our reunion yesterday, I can’t stop touching her. Last night we fucked and fucked until she begged me to stop. This woman is a drug. Her sweetness is the only life source I need. I know it’s wrong,I don’t deserve her,but when the hell has that ever stopped me?

Could she love this cold-hearted killer? My mind won’t allow me to consider the unthinkable. I’ll force her to if needs be. I took this woman hostage; I can steal her heart as well.

“Dante?” Her soft voice calls to me, and I swear to God I’m smiling inside just from the sound of it.

“I’m right here.”

“Come back to bed.”

I put my coffee down on the nightstand and remove my T-shirt in one fluid movement. My jeans are next. I’m hardalready.

“As you wish,mi alma.”

I slide between the sheets to wrap my warmth around her slender body. I press my erection against the curve of her ass and try to get a handle on my lust. Eve is exhausted. I’ll let her sleep for another hour or two, and then I’ll satisfy us all over again.

One more hurdle, I think to myself, as I snake my arm around her waist.

One more bloody scalp…

One more retribution killing, and then I’m losing myself in Eve Miller forever.

“No way,Dante. No way! These are Bal Harbour stores!”

Eve’s delicate skin is flushed with color and her blue eyes are glinting sapphire oceans again. She looks so damn fuckable I can barely contain myself. Too bad we’re sitting in the confined space of an SUV with two of my men.

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