Page 71 of The Hermit

I feel Dominik tense beside me, and I quickly place my hand on his right one so he doesn’t reach for his gun and shoot the old bastard.

Directing a glare at Ilias, my tone is ice cold as I say, “I don’t care what you think of my father. I’m Grace Varga, and you’ll treat me with respect, or next time, I won’t stop my husband.”

Ilias' eyes flick from me to Dominik, and I watch as he reins in whatever he wants to say to me.

“Let the fun and games begin,” Enzo mutters, his eyes sharp as he glances at everyone.

Dominik gives a signal to Evinka, and she begins to hand out tablets to everyone. Even I get one.

When I turn it on, a drawing of an Asian-inspired building shows on the screen.

“Before we look at the plans provided by an architect, let's talk business,” Dominik tells everyone with a brisk tone. “Are you all prepared to invest a hundred million dollars?”

“What do we get out of it?” Ilias asks with a disgruntled expression on his face that makes him look like the mean bastard he is.

“Shares in the island with around-the-clock access to it. I plan on making this place a fortress where even if we’re attacked, we’ll be safe,” Dominik mutters. “And most importantly, if one of us is under attack the other four will help to eliminate the threat.”

“So next time the bratva attacks me, you’ll drop everything and come help?” Ilias asks Dominik.

“Yes.”

With a smug look on his face, Ilias says, “While the four of us bring manpower, what do you bring?”

Dominik leans a little forward, his features tense with anger. “I bring the fucking weapons. Without it, your army would be pretty useless against the bratva.”

Santiago smirks at Dominik. “If I buy into the alliance, will I continue to get discounts?”

“Don’t push your luck,” Dominik grumbles, his tone laced with an unspoken threat. “The discount was a sign of good faith and a one-time thing.”

Santiago shrugs. “Was worth a try asking.” He lets out a chuckle, then says, “You’re all in Europe, mere hours from each other, while my ass is here in South America. What happens when I’m attacked?”

“The island is right by you,” Dominik mutters. “You’ll just have to hunker down until we get to you.”

“Hmm…lucky me,” Santiago grumbles.

“We can each station men on the island. Will that make you happy?” Enzo asks.

“Much happier,” Santiago replies.

“With that settled, do we all agree to have each other's backs?” Leonardo asks while typing on his phone.

“Let’s put it to a vote,” Dominik orders. “All in favor of an alliance, raise your hand.”

Leonardo and Santiago are the first to raise their hands, then Enzo and Ilias follow.

Dominik looks at Cassia and mutters, “You’re the heir to the Greek mafia. I’d feel more comfortable if you voted as well.”

She glances at her father, and when he nods, she lifts her arm up.

Evinka raises hers, and only then does Dominik put up his hand.

Being present at the birth of the most powerful alliance on the planet, my heart beats a mile a minute.

“Switch on your tablets, and let's discuss the plans,” Dominik instructs.

We sit for more than an hour while everyone makes changes, adding their own unique touch to the facility.

Santiago suggests that a clinic be constructed to which everyone agrees.

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