Page 35 of Savage Promises

I nod, stepping back, even though it kills me to do so. “You’re right.”

She opens her car door, her movements hurried. “I’ll make sure Neve calls you.”

Her engine kicks over, and she’s backing out of the courtyard, speeding down the street, not even bothering to stop at her father’s house.

I stand in the courtyard, watching her taillights fade into the distance. I suddenly find it hard to breathe. The weight of this damn engagement that Ido notwant, the expectations made of me, and the impossible pull I feel toward Lennox settle heavily on my chest.

Neve might be my fiancée, but Lennox is the woman I can’t stop thinking about.

And I’m afraid if I can’t get my feelings under control, they will get us both killed.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Lennox - January

Istep through a construction site for a new nightclub that is a chaotic mess of metal studs, exposed wires from the ceiling, and cloth tarps scattered on the floor. But the faint smell of fresh paint sparks my excitement. A financing deal for the previous buyer fell through. Now the architect and developer need another buyer fast. I can get this place for a song.

I have a few cards up my sleeve, but financing this place on my own won’t be easy. I can either ask my father to buy me out of Echelon or convince Rafael to invest.

My fiancé and I are still ships passing in the night. The holidays came and went. He ended up flying home to Spain straight from a business trip in Thailand to be with his dying grandmother for Christmas. Not bothering to ask if I’d like to join him. Then he spent New Year’s Eve in Vegas closing deals with a few hotels for his wine. Again, no invitation. When he’s in New York we communicate by text.

If it weren’t for my furry buddy Hawk, I’d feel completely unloved.

Noisy drills and hydraulic nail guns knock me from my thoughts. All the sounds blending together are brutal reminders that I need to act quickly.

I step over a bundle of wires and make my way toward the worktable where Carl the architect is spreading out his blueprints. He wants to be rid of the expenses for a nightclub he doesn’t intend to keep.

A nightclub that will be mine and mine alone, breaking the chains from my father’s influence for good.

“We’re expanding the bar here.” The dark-haired, stocky architect points to a detailed sketch. “Plenty ofroom for a dance floor on this side, and we added a second story for VIP access.”

Any club worth its salt in Manhattan will cater to VIPs.

I’m also excited about the location. The site is a few blocks from the UN, the Quinlans’ turf. All clubs in Manhattan need protection from the mafia. Paying them off is a must in any owner’s budget. I don’t want a handout to buy the place, but I wouldn’t mind free protection. Handsome Quinlan gangsters drinking my liquor will scare off other crime families who think they can take advantage of the helpless female owner.

Then again, they’re Irish and might drink me blind.

“What about the lighting?” I ask Carl.

“I got a quote from the guy you worked with at Echelon. It’s included in my proposal,” Carl says. “He’s solid, I’ll be using him for other projects. Good find.”

“Perfect.” I enjoy a rare flicker of pride in my chest.

Until an electric shock out of nowhere stops me in my tracks. I glance up and see Shane Quinlan cutting through the chaos of the site likeheowns it.

No. No, no. Mafia families often launder their wealth through nightclubs. Shane must be here to outbid me. In a dark suit that makes him look very dangerous, he strides my way. The beefy construction workers shrink in his six-foot presence.

When his gaze locks on mine, I know instantly he’s not here to sneak a peek at my blueprints. “Lennox,” he says, his voice tight. “A word.”

Carl retreats, muttering something about needing more measurements.

I fold my arms across my chest. “What is it? How did you know I was here?”

“I have eyes all over this city.” Shane gestures for me to follow him toward a counter set up in the northwest corner where it’s relatively clean and free of dust. “Sit.”

A chill runs through me thinking I’m about to get a scolding for something. I should be afraid. Shane is a powerful man. The wedding is coming up fast and Neve has made no attempt to spend time with Shane.

But I’m not afraid. I’m...excited at the idea I’ll be punished by him. For what? Who the fuck cares? How far would he take it? Would he...bend me over his knee?

---