Page 16 of Vicious Heir

I join him at the bar. Luca stays a few feet away, watching. Demir considers me for a moment as I ask for a drink from the bartender. He seems sharp and charming, not at all the gutter thug I assumed he would be.

“I assume you’re not here to discuss acquiring some of my art collection,” I comment once my bourbon arrives.

He laughs lightly. “I didn’t know you were interested.”

“Art’s a good investment these days. I have some Rothkos stashed away.”

“Rothko. Very nice.” He waves a hand. “We do not deal in that modern stuff, no offense. But this is good; you know my trade.”

“I’m vaguely familiar. So what can I do for you, Mr. Yilmaz?”

“Call me Demir, please.” His charming smile slips slightly. “I confess, I’m not here for good reasons. I suppose you will not like what I have to say.”

A bad feeling runs down my spine, but I keep myself carefully composed. “When it comes to bad news, I like to get straight to it.”

“Very good. A man I can respect.” He rolls his glass, and the ice clinks. “Ten years ago, I entered into a business agreement. It was an unusual arrangement, but my new partner desperately needed a loan, and I was willing to provide her the funds at avery reasonable price. However, ten years later, she still hasn’t paid me back what she owes. And now the interest is very substantial. So much so that I do not believe she can ever make good on her promises.”

I keep my face carefully neutral. “Who are we talking about here, Demir?”

“Helena Willing-Morris.” He tilts his head to study me. “I assume you’re familiar with her.”

“We’ve met.”

He laughs and takes a drink. “I am here to warn you. Stay away from Lucille Willing-Morris. Do not marry that girl. Do not get involved with that family. My arrangement with Helena still stands, and I will not have her weasel her way out of it.”

I consider this. Anger swells in me. That old rat Helena never mentioned anything about the Gray Wolf mafia when I agreed to marry her granddaughter.

A rational man would pull out of the engagement right here and now. There are plenty of other high-society girls that can give me what I want.

Their name. Their connections. Access to their family business.

But Lucy is perfect.

The Willing-Morris family is desperate enough to need a man like me. Helena Willing-Morris is shrewd and ruthless to the point that she’d happily sell her granddaughter away for my family’s strength and money.

Their hedge fund is exactly what I need to grow my organization’s business influence.

And most of all, I want that girl.

We’ll never fall in love. I’ll never have a connection with anyone like that. But our one night together told me something just as important.

At least I’ll be able to stomach sleeping in bed with her.

“What exactly is the nature of your deal with the Willing-Morrises?” I ask.

But Demir shakes his head. “That is a private matter. Please, take what I am saying seriously. Do not marry that girl.” He finishes his drink and stands. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“This changes nothing,” I tell him. “You realize that, right?”

He seems grim as he nods. “Yes, I had assumed you would react that way.”

“I’m sorry you wasted your time then.”

“I am as well. I think we’ll be seeing more of each other.” Demir leaves, walking slowly, seemingly unconcerned.

There’s a sour taste in my mouth. No amount of alcohol will wash it out, either.

That bastard had the nerve to come threaten me in my own club.

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