Page 62 of Bound to a Monster

Except better.

“I think we should call this a draw,” he says softly.

I laugh. I can’t help myself. I kiss his chest and stare up into his masked face. I reach to move it, but he stops me.

“Why not?” I ask. “It’s not like I know who’s under there.”

“Better this way. You’re looser.”

He’s right, honestly. I feel like I can do whatever I want with a man in a mask. There’s no judgment from him.

“Your fencing sucks,” I say, showing my teeth.

He slaps my ass hard and rolls me off him. I stretch as he gets to his feet and dresses. “I’ll beat you next time.”

“You want a rematch?”

“Another night.” He looks back at me. “You’re beautiful, Carmie. You know that?”

I shiver at the sound of my name. “Thanks,” I say, propping my head up on my hand. “Your form is atrocious.”

I can’t see his expression, but I like to think he’s smiling as he leaves the basement.

Chapter 24

Lev

Idrop the box of Rolex watches down on the desk and gesture for Frank to take a look.

Alex is sitting in the chair behind me. He says nothing as I put the deal in motion. The room smells like cinnamon and coffee, and there are pictures of Frank on the walls with dozens of different famous local Philadelphia people like Patti LaBelle and Jill Scott. They all bought watches from him at one time or another, and he’s considered one of the more reputable high-end jewelry dealers in the region. While he doesn’t have the stock and reach of a man like Emory, he’s got connections with good people.

“This is more than I expected,” Frank says, frowning as he expects one of the Datejusts. “You got boxes and papers?”

“I can get you boxes, but no papers.” I sit down beside Alex and shrug a little. “Just how it goes.”

He frowns but doesn’t comment. Typically, Rolexes come with paperwork to prove that they’re legit. Usually, a guy like Frankwouldn’t bother buying a naked watch without any papers, especially not this many, but he trusts me.

He and my father go back a long way. They have a good relationship, and I’ve always liked Frank. There are lots of Italians in Philly—you can’t spit without hitting one—but he’s the best there is. A real people person and with an honor streak a mile wide.

He’s the kind of guy that would rather go broke than ruin his reputation.

“Where’d you get them? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“That’s a big chunk of our stock. Dad’s got something going and he wants them liquidated yesterday, which is why the price is so good.”

“Oleg must have something serious if he’s willing to part with this much.” Frank sits back in his chair and it creaks under his weight. “I trust you boys. I’ve always done good business with you. But this is a big ask.”

He’s not kidding. This is a six-figure deal, double what my father asked for, and for a guy of Frank’s size, it’s no small thing. He can move the product, but it’ll take him time. If something’s off, that would be a very big problem.

“That’s coming directly from my dad,” I say, gesturing at the box. “He said you were the guy.”

“Did he now? And why’s he not here?”

“He’s in Canada or else he would be.”

Frank grunts and nudges the watches with a fist. “Lot of money in there. Lot of risk too.”

“I totally understand that. You know us, we want everyone to walk away happy.”

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