Page 96 of Unlawful Seduction

“Just let me know if you have any issues and I’ll make certain she understands I could ruin her.”

Mike Zephyr had become a very wealthy man over the years just from working with me. I considered him at my beck and call and he knew it. “It’s not winter here, buddy, and take it easy. I don’t want anyone threatened.”

“Oh, yeah. I guess you’re right. What can I do for you?”

“I need you to establish a trust fund and change my will.”

“For what?”

I cleared my throat. “For my son.”

“Your what?”

“You heard me.”

He whistled. “You certainly know how to make life complicated. Don’t you?”

“Not my intention. Just do what I said.”

“O-kay. I hear urgency in your voice. I hope you’re not planning on doing anything stupid.”

“Like what?”

He snorted. “Don’t play me for a fool, buddy. I heard what happened to Sasha Valenti in Paris. You remember, Lucian’s illegitimate child and the last remaining blood to rule over the Valenti Empire? At least until recently. First Lucian’s brother. Then his bastard son. You’re one pissed-off man.”

Gee, when had he figured that out?

“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about.” I grinned.

“Right. Of course you don’t. He was gutted and left for dead in the middle of a restaurant. A bold move for any killer.”

“Yeah, bold.” And necessary.

Maybe the last kill would allow me to move on.

“What about Ava?”

“What about her?” I immediately bristled. She’d found herself someone she could love, at least that’s what I’d heard.

“Just some rumblings.”

“Meaning what?”

Mike sighed. “The Valenti regime isn’t dead. Just keep that in mind.”

I laughed. “Ava and I have history.”

“Hell hath no fury.”

“Whatever you say. Can you establish the fund for me today?”

“Wow. This is urgent. How much are we talking about?”

I rubbed my eyes. They ached from the pain I’d felt behind them since running into Mallory. “Twenty million dollars.”

I didn’t deserve happiness or being allowed to share my life with someone special.

I’d made my bed a long time ago. Now it was time to face the man I’d become.

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