Page 2 of Auctioned to the Kingpin

“Yes, I’m sure it’s ironclad. I hadn’t gotten down to the bones of the document when you so rudely interrupted, so what the hell do you want?”

“I just wanted to ensure that you took the matter seriously.”

“Why don’t you come here, and I’ll show you how seriously I’m taking the matter?” I answer with a devilish tone that makes my meaning clear. I’ll bury him right next to my father.

“Let's not.”

“Exactly. My father was a twisted bastard and the reason I’m not looking for a wife. If I wanted someone to spend my money, I would waste it on shady lawyers like you. If I need a good fuck, a whore or my hand can do the job just fine. What I don’t need is to have a wife. How do I get out of this?”

“You could just not take your father’s deal, and it goes to your rival.”

“It’s like you really do want to join my father in the afterlife.”

“Not yet, little prince.”

“You forget I’m the motherfucking King. Now—I’m not going to have to stay married to her, am I?”

“Oh, yes. You haven’t gotten to the good part of the will yet either.” He’s giddy on the other end, as if I don’t want to snap his neck. My hand grabs the pencil on my desk and snaps it in two.

“What the fuck is it?”

“The whole point of you getting the property and the like is to produce a legitimate heir. The Mendez Family has many heirs. You will need to produce one with your wife.”

“What? I thought I got it if I married by New Year’s Eve.”

“Yes, but you also have to stay married until you produce an heir.”

“How will you know if she’s fertile?”

“Ah, that is where the next little thing is in there. Inside is an envelope with a special treat just in time for the holidays. A healthy bride of your choosing from a selection of candidates that will be worth your while. Good luck.”

I pull out the final envelope. It’s black with gold lettering and it reads: “You’ve been added toThe Naughty List.”

I slid the six-by-eight card out and read the invitation.

Mr. Killian J. King, this is an exclusive invitation to a private event taking place on December twentieth at the private Montenegro Estate. The Naughty List is a special auction for exclusive clientele. We hope you will enjoy your stay.

I check my calendar and realize that it’s this weekend. Of course, I don’t plan on following through with my father’s demands, but do I want to lose his property to my enemy?

I call my lawyer. “Meet me in an hour.”

“I’m in the middle of an important case.”

“I said meet me.”

“Where?”

“My condo, downtown.”

“Okay.”

I arrive at the condo, tugging off my tie, pouring myself two fingers of vodka which I drink down easily, and then throwing back another glass. My security alerts me that my lawyer has arrived. “Send his ass up.”

I pace until I hear his approach. When he enters, he shakes his head. “You know, it would help if you told them I was coming.”

“Don’t give me shit today, or I’ll shoot you,” I grumble.

“Okay, okay. Someone is in a mood today. What is it?” I hand him the letter from my father first.

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