Page 15 of Devour

Tristan’s jaw ticks. “You evidently want something enough you’re willing to risk your life.I’ve killed for less. I’m sure you’re aware. I don’t take kindly to someone messing with my family.”

I lean forward on my elbows and can’t help but smile. This is working out better than I’d hoped. “I wasn’t aware Maeve was your family when we met. In fact, she had no clue who I was either.” Maeve nods in agreement, because it’s the truth.

“You can see why I have reservations. I know you work for Cleric. You’re interested in expanding. Now, at my brother’swedding, here you are with my little cousin. And engaged, no less.”

Tristan waited until after the reception dinner, so he could do his research. Smart. He came prepared.

I hold my hands up and count. “Two things, Mr. Goodman. One, I no longer workforCleric. I’m my own boss. We’re business associates and remain good friends. Two, your brother booked his wedding atmycasino. You came to my house. I didn’t invite you here. Suggest the wedding to be here. I had nothing to do with you coming here.”

“Cleric is dangerous,” Mark states.

“That’s rich coming from you,” I fire back.

Mark looks like he’s barely restraining himself. His olive skin is turning red in the neck and his knuckles are white. I wonder if he’s aware that news of his arrival has made it to the Greek mafia? Oh well. I won’t be the one to spoil the surprise.

Tristan holds a hand up to Mark. “It’s Vincent’s wedding. We’re not going to have any reason for a scene.”

“Don’t hold back on my account,” Vincent sneers at me.

“The dress makes sense now. The new look,” Tristan says side-eyeing Maeve. She wrinkles her nose at him.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“He gave you all that, did he not?”

“Yes,” she grits out. “But I like it.”

Tristan ignores the rest of what she says since he got the answer he was after. I’m responsible for Maeve’s new look. “What are you trying to gain, Deschamps? Be direct. My brother has an actual fiancée he needs to get back to.”

Tristan Goodman doesn’t disappoint. I respect how he knows who I am yet he doesn’t flinch or bullshit with me.

“I want to strike a deal. It’s true, I do want to open a casino in West Memphis, Arkansas. That’s your territory. If we couldcome to some sort of business arrangement with KO Club, this would benefit you three as well.”

“Why don’t you go to Mississippi where Cleric is?” Mark questions.

“Because he already has a casino there.”

“If you’re in West Memphis, you won’t be that far from where he hasThe Golden Halo. You sure your previous employer will like you opening another casino so close?”

“He’s the one who suggested it.”

Tristan looks to Maeve. I turn my eyes to her as well. She’s sitting there listening with interest, but hasn’t spoken. Finally, Tristan asks, “Where does Maeve fit into all this?”

“I make her ex squirm. I offer her clout. I’ll kill the bastard if she wants. Mutilate if murder is a moral issue. Destroy his career, whatever it may be.”

Tristan’s anger is palpable as he narrows his eyes. “Leo giving you problems?”

“He’s being Leo.” Maeve waves it off. “I can handle him, Tris. He isn’t worth your time.”

“Family is always worth my time. Our time. We’re a family. Mark, Vincent, and I would gladly remind him of that.”

“I’m not going to worry about that idiot. I had a little fun earlier. My ego was bruised, I’ll admit. I embarrassed myself by falling in front of them, and then being here alone. It looks like I can’t move on, but I have moved on. I’m so busy with work. Dating takes time.”

Vincent smiles at her. “Maevy, what do you want? Before we cut a deal, what doyouwant out of this?”

My eyebrows scrunch together.What the hell?I was striking a deal with them. I’ve already negotiated with her.

“Whoa. Time out. I – we – already made our deal. See, I gave her the best room here because she booked for the wrong dates. I arranged for the grandmother – your grandmother - to also havea room. I fawned over her in front of the ass-wipes. Now, her end of it was to get us acquainted. We’ve completed our deal. This is now a deal between us about your territory.”

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