Page 125 of Dangerous Contract: Part 2

"Fuck the Miconis. Our ties were severed the moment he decided to go against me. Fuck him, his daughter, and their board. She may not want to kill them, but I have no problem doing so."

"What about Mr. Miconi's date?" Leo asked.

"Why would I give a fuck about his date?"

"You don't need to bring someone who's innocent into his BS."

"She's his date. It's his job to look after her. He bought her here while knowing he was scheming. I didn't. Look, I need to make a call."

Raz went to open the door, but Leo pushed past him to enter the room first. As his guard swept the room, Raz pulled out hisphone. He strode to the far wall with his phone pressed firmly against his ear.

He dialed Monique's number, his heart racing with each ring that went unanswered.Come on, Rosa. Answer the phone.The phone went straight to voicemail yet again, increasing his worry. Leo stood in front of the door, his gaze locked on Raz.

"I think something's wrong," Raz muttered, attempting to call Monique again.

"She's fine, Raz. Focus on tonight. And focus on staying calm."

Raz shook his head, frustration etching his features. "I need to check on her, Leo. Something isn’t right."Why isn't she answering my call?

Leo sighed. "Listen, you don’t have time for this. You're about to make a crucial speech. Missing it isn't an option unless you want to rely on Frederico and his daughter's goodwill to recover from such a blunder. Yeah, you're the don, and you can do whatever the fuck you want to do. But there are also some things you HAVE to do. And this gala is one of them."

Everything Leo said went in one ear and out the other. However, the mention of Frederico sparked a new tension in Raz's jaw. He despised the thought of being indebted to them. He wasn't about to put himself in that position.

And if he didn't do what he was supposed to tonight, other investors present wouldn't be comfortable joining him in his plans to expand his family's business.Shit!He hated the business politics he was now forced to deal with. With a deep breath, he nodded reluctantly as he shoved his phone into his pocket.

Fists clenched at his side, he said, "Fine. But send someone to watch her house until I get there."

"I'm sure she's okay..." Leo started again.

"Do it," Raz ordered.

"Yes, boss." Leo pulled out his phone and quickly texted one of the guards. "Done. Now, let’s get you ready for that speech and to greet your guests."

When Raz and Leo exited the room, they found Isla waiting in the hallway, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She stepped closer and latched onto Raz's arm. He tried to shrug her off, but she tightened her grip.

"We should at least pretend to be cordial for the gala crowd," she whispered. "You're the don of the Cattaneo family. You should know that."

If he gritted his teeth anymore, he wouldn't have any. But she was right. In families like theirs, appearances mattered. Reluctantly, Raz allowed her to cling to his arm as they followed Leo down the hallway toward the staircase leading to the grand hall. He flinched when Isla rubbed her breast against the side of his arm.

"If you want them, you'd get them off me," Raz growled. "I have no problem slicing them off."

"Go ahead. I'll just get them redone," she purred.

"You are nothing like I'd expected," Raz told her.

"You're just as dominant and demanding as I was told you'd be."

"By who?" he asked.

"I'll tell you over drinks."

Fuck that!He continued forward while wracking his brain for answers. The darkness around him matched his dark mood. The hallway was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the bright lights and lively atmosphere of the gala just at the end of the hallway and down the winding stairs.

He could already see the light peeking into the hallway from around the corner. He could also hear the voices of his guests as they mingled, awaiting his presence. Would his fucked up mood ruin the night for everyone?

"Remember," Leo whispered, walking to the left of Raz while Isla had a firm grip on Raz's right arm. "We'll be watching closely. If anything feels off, signal us." Leo stepped even closer. "You remember where the weapons are throughout the gala, right?"

Raz nodded. If he needed a gun, he knew where to find one. But he'd much rather use his hands if someone attempted to fuck up his night.

---