Page 41 of The Devil Can Be Kind

Who the hell does that asshole think he is!

I fought the sudden urge to text Marco that he was an ass for trying to control my new life and flipped open my menu instead.

“Well then, fill your boots boys. The bills on Marco.”

The garage wasa car enthusiast’s dream.

Limited editions and top spec vehicles lined the expansive forecourt culminating in only the most iconic supercars on full display in the showroom. The whole place reeked of money.

It was perfect. My plan, just a hint of an idea at the restaurant, now coming into flourishing fruition.

An enthusiastic man greeted us as we entered and quickly directed us to a private desk area, despite having no appointment. Apparently having two gigantic bodyguards in-toe didn’t seem to faze the older man as he quickly got to discussing the reason for my visit and showing me their catalogue on an iPad not half an hour later.

“What did I miss?”

The sudden sound of Jesse’s voice startled me, and I swiveled in my chair to find him strolling into the office.

“What are you doing here?” I questioned as he collapsed into the other chair.

“Helping you car shop.” He offered good naturedly, making no attempt to stop me in my quest.

He took the tablet out of my hands and began flicking through the listings, questioning the salesman on some of the vehicles while making grunts of disgust at others.

We then took a tour of the lot, opening the various cars that piqued my interest. There was a lovely white Porsche 911 GT3 with a custom interior which was kind of cute, but ultimately didn’t scream ‘badass’ enough so I kept looking. There were a couple of Bentleys I had a look around, but decided I didn’t like and a steel grey McLaren that was stunning. I jokingly pouted at Jesse as I walked up to the purple mirrored Lamborghini Aventador, but was met with a resounding ‘no’ so I didn’t linger long.

Ultimately, I decided on one I had seen in the catalogue earlier—a Brabus C63 AMG Coupe. Otherwise known asthe car of dreams.

If it were a man, I’d have married it on the spot and climbed it like a tree.

It wasgorgeouswith an obsidian black exterior, privacy windows and plush rich leather interior. The car pushed over 800 brake-horsepower. My mouth was practically watering. It made my Hellcat look like a kitten.

The salesperson printed off all the paperwork and went through it with me while Jesse observed patiently. Once all the documents had been organized and it was time for payment I suddenly became very nervous. Fully expecting Jesse to laugh at me as my card was declined.

You shouldn’t be doing this…This isn’t even your money!A voice in my head scolded as I pulled out the card.

But the reason I was here wasbecauseof Marco. He was the reason my family had turned their backs on me, and I was alone. He had taken me from my family, my friends, my home and held me ransom. Only now with the ransom left unpaid I was in limbo…and facing the very real possibility of being married off to someone that hated my guts because I was a Mannino.Ifhe could get someone to even agree to marry me in the first place…

Fuck him and fuck his money.I swiped the card.

One second. Two…

“That has all gone through, Miss Mannino. Here is your receipt and delivery is confirmed for one month’s ti—” My phone started ringing, cutting him off.

I pulled it out and smiled when I saw the caller ID.

Right on time.

“Hello?”

“What the fuck are you doing?” Marco’s voice was unmistakably furious.

“You are going to have to be more specific.” I toyed.

I could practically hear his jaw muscle clenching and unclenching, “What thefuckdid you just spend $240,000 on?”Oh yeah, he’s definitely pissed.

“Oh,that!” I said airily. “Well…you were saying about how I should build myself a life here… so I bought myself a car.” I drawled.

He didn’t say anything for a few moments, and I pulled the phone away to check the connection.

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