Page 46 of Knights Game

“Luca is a lot of things, he’s predictable in some ways. But you, you’ve been a bit of a surprise to me. He’s been,” he looks for the word, “distant. Then I saw you today, and the way you were staring at each other, and the dancing.” He frowns, quickly hiding it behind his business-like smile.

I gulp. I’m sitting in a club surrounded by people, the walls closing in, all light and life sucked out the room.

There’s a glimmer in his eye. This is what he enjoys. Dominating people, making them uncomfortable.

“So, my offer. My cousin, you should know that I love him dearly and care for him deeply. But recently…” he looks up to the VIP area, where Roman and Luca are standing. We can see them, but at this angle, we are in the shadows.

We can’t be seen.

I’m pleading silently for him to see me.

“…he’s up to something—having meetings without me, with other people, he’s buying property and businesses outside our portfolio. And you see, Layla, my operations need Luca. I need his skills. Which is where you come in. I need you to find out what he’s up to. You have somehow got behind his impenetrable shield. So, you, you can find out and you can tell me.”

“You want me to spy on your cousin?”

“Spy on my cousin. Gosh, you make it sound so sordid. But yes, I guess that’s what I’m asking you to do. You can be my little bird.”

“I-I don’t know how I feel about that.”

His handsome face turns into a snarl, and he lunges grabbing hold of my wrist, his grip biting. I recoil, bashing against the chair and it scrapes the floor.

“You seem to act like you have a fucking choice, Layla.” His spit hits my face as he speaks, and I shrink into the seat.

“Let me make something really clear to you. You don’t have one.” He’s invading my personal space, heat radiating from him.

I want to scream; I want to run.

“The choice you make tonight, it’s like dropping a pebble in a lake. The water ripples out and impacts the ones you love. Well, itwillripple out if you don’t do as I ask.”

“You’re m-mistaken, Levi, h-he doesn’t like me. Not like that. We barely know each other,” I say, trying to find a way out of this shitstorm. “I don’t even know whether I’m going to see him again after tonight.”

He releases his grip, leaning back and sighing.

“I don’t need to know details of how you’re going to do this, that’s not really my problem.” He tilts his head back and laughs. “One of my men will be in touch and give you what you need, and maybe a bit of an incentive.” He laughs again.

I look at him like he’s insane when a warm hand rests on my shoulder causing me to jump.

“Luca.” Levi stands up and continues laughing. “I’ve just been getting to know the lovely Layla.”

I plaster a fake smile on my face, looking up at them both. If I stand, I’m afraid my shaking legs won’t hold me up.

“Ah, you’re too kind.” I smile, placing my hand on his.

How the hell am I pulling this off?

Oh, I know how, because he has just threatened everyone I love and care for.

“Well, it’s been lovely sharing this drink with you.” Levi leans over and takes his, holding it up to me. “To new friends,” he says, winking.

I lift my glass and clink his, drinking the rest of the whiskey in one huge swallow.

“She’s a keeper,” he says, turning back to Luca. “She’s just polished off a double wood. Very impressive.” He clasps my hand and gives it a gentle tug prompting me to stand up. “It’s been a pleasure, thank you for humouring me.” He kisses both my cheeks before walking away.

I sit back down, and Luca takes Levi’s place.

“Are you okay? You look pale.”

I smile and nod. “Just all the alcohol.”

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