Page 32 of Heartless Sinner

“Thought you left last night.” I smirk, leading him over to the sofa area. We sit, and he takes off his jacket.

“I wanted to catch up with you, but you looked busy playing bartender.”

I take it from that comment and the easy grin on his face he saw me with my mystery woman. “She was beautiful. I couldn’t help myself.”

He shakes his head at me and smiles. “Is she still here?”

“Sadly, no.” I genuinely mean that.

Brahm looks surprised. “Wow. She must have been something else if you’re sad.”

“She was. Possibly perfect for my last week of freedom.”

“Jesus. Does that mean your father bitched at you about marriage again?”

“Let’s have a drink.” I get up and grab a bottle of scotch. I’m not usually a fan of drinking so early in the day, but I need something to take the edge off.

I grab two glasses, pour us each a drink, and hand him his glass. Brahm takes a long swig like it’s refreshing water then sets the glass back down.

I take a swig, too, and enjoy the burn in the back of my throat.

“So, what’s going on?” he eyes me curiously.

“I have a week to find a woman I want to marry. If I don’t, my father will practically force me to marry Eloise.”

His eyes snap wide. “Are you serious?”

“As fuck.”

“That’s fucking ridiculous. You can’t let him do that to you.” He sits straighter and levels me a hard stare.

“Let?” I raise my brows and shake my head. “Brahm, really? You know I neverletanybody do shit to me. He’s pulling the power card. He’s threatening to give control to your father, Antonio, and Gio if I fight him. So, I’d take the lead on the mafia, but that’s it.”

“That’s one hell of a bullshit threat.”

“Tell me about it. I guess I can understand where he’s coming from because I’ve had time to find a wife. I just haven’t utilized it.”

“Is that because of Eloise?”

I raise my shoulders in a lazy shrug and bite the inside of my lips. “I’m more careful now. I don’t think I can be blamed for not wanting to be with a woman who fucks around and embarrasses me. It would be bad enough if I did that.” Most of the men in our circle, with the exceptions of my father and our uncle Antonio, cheat as much as they breathe air.

I don’t cheat. I don’t need to. I’d rather not be tied down to a woman I’d disappoint or hurt than cheat on her. Maybe that’s what my problem is and why I’ve taken so long to find a wife.I expect the same standards I live by from whomever I’m with, and I haven’t found anyone I can trust like that.

“What are you going to do? Do you have names?”

“Not yet. I’ve decided to think about it Monday.”

“I’d be fucking pissed if I were you.”

I get the feeling no one would trap Brahm in such trickery because there’s nothing he wants for himself. I, on the other hand, want the empire.

I almost envy him. A man who wants nothing is nearly invincible. Add in the fact that he’s a psycho, and you get a man who practically has no fears.

“Iampissed, cousin. But I’ll find a way to work this to my advantage. Somehow, someway. No offence to your father and our uncles, but I’m not letting them take the lead.”

Brahm flicks his palms over. “No offence taken. You know me better than that.”

“Yeah, I do know you. Which brings me to the question I’m sure you know I’m gonna ask.” I stare back at him meaningfully, remembering our younger years when we used to talk about this very day.

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