Page 12 of Ruthless Prince

“You should meet him,” I say, shocking both men. “Vincent’s a really good fighter.”

Nico tenses for a moment before straightening his tie. “I don’t concern myself with street fighters. It’s not my style.”

I try not to flush as I duck my head.

“It was good seeing you again, Moore,” Nico says before walking away.

Father levels a look at me. “Why did you suggest Nico meet Vincent?”

“Vincent wants to meet Nico. To ask him if Nico killed his father.”

“Ellie, don’t say things like that,” he hisses. “Not in public. Now, be quiet and eat your salad.”

All I can think about as I force down a tomato is that Nico strangely reminded me of Vincent. I’m not sure how or why—just that he did.

Later that day, I tell Vincent I spoke to Nico at lunch. “I suggested he meet you.”

“Ellie, why would you do that? For all I know, Nico is a dangerous man. I said I didn’t need your help, and I don’t.”

I flinch. “Sorry.”

He sighs, running a hand down his face. “Look, this situation is awkward between us. I’m living in your home. Your father doesn’t even really want us to talk to each other. I’m dealing with my father’s death. I know you wanted to help, but stay out of this. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“But why would you care if I get hurt? We’re strangers.”

The way he stares at me sends a heat to my core. “I don’t know. I just don’t want you to get hurt. That’s all I know. Nico may or may not have been involved in my father’s death. Because of that, he’s not someone I want you talking to.”

“I can talk to whoever I want.”

“With your father’s permission.”

He has me there.

“I thought you wanted to meet Nico. I know him. I could introduce you two.”

“I’ll find another way to meet him.”

As a woman, I know I have no say in the matters of these kinds of men. Vincent, Nico, my father—their lives are off limits to me. And yet, I’m so close to it that I can’t just ignore everything. I was there when Igor died. I know how dangerous this life can be.

Vincent may not want my help, but I want to help him, and I’ll find any way I can.

VINCENT

When I show up at the ring, ready to take on a new opponent to regain my reputation, I hear a low murmur inside the locker room. The men are discussing something.

“What’s going on?” I ask, dropping my gym bag to the ground.

“Nico Mancini is in the audience tonight,” a guy named Jake says. He dresses up as a Native American during the fights even though he’s white. In a place like this, cultural appropriation doesn’t mean a thing.

Every fiber of my being tenses. “What’s he doing here? He’s never come to the fights before.”

“Who knows? But he’s here. Apparently, he’s making an announcement before the first fight.”

I don’t bother changing before I head into the main room. The crowd is already going wild for blood. I ignore them and focus on the ring. Inside it stands Nico Mancini. He looks so out of place in his white suit.

“Attention, everyone,” he says into a microphone. “I’m here to announce a new competition. It’ll be ten rounds. The person who wins gets the chance to earn a hundred thousand dollars. Anyone can join.”

The crowd starts whispering. That kind of money can change your life.

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