Page 12 of Devious Kingpin
My eyes found the woman with dark brown hair and a killer kick. She was laughing and dancing with her friends. I liked seeing her smiling and happy, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was something she was hiding.
Somewhere deep where nobody could reach. The notion made no logical sense, yet I couldn’t shake it off.
Emory’s lips twisted. “Yeah, I think you might be next,” she remarked. “And you already found your bride.”
“Except, she doesn’t want him,” Priest said, the look in his eyes doubtful. “I’m not sure about how smart that union would be, Dante. She’s a ticking bomb.”
I shrugged. “So are we.”
“Exactly my point,” he noted. “Two bombs in the same city could level it to the ground.”
When I flipped him off, he shook his head and left me to my thoughts. Emory followed shortly afterward, her gaze longingly on the four girls. She’d always had to be content with us, having a hard time relating to girls that grew up outside our world. But with these women, she felt like she could connect. I hoped she was right.
“Hello, Dante.” I raised my eyebrow, surprised to find Liam’s new bride, Davina, next to me. “Having a good time?”
“Not as good as your friends,” I said, a hint of sarcasm in my voice. Juliette and Ivy were doing some ridiculous version of the macarena or something.
She chuckled. “Juliette knows how to party. Ivy’s not far behind.”
I nodded, waiting for her to get to the point. It was no coincidence she came to talk to me.
“Ummm, a little birdy told me you want to marry Jules.” Ah, there it was. I remained quiet, waiting for her to continue. “I just want to say that… well, the more you chase her, the less likely she’ll accept you.”
Now that statement did shock me. “How so?”
Davina shrugged. “I’m just offering you what I’ve noticed over the years. She’s all talk and flirting, but try to corner her and she’ll fight you tooth and nail.”
Despite being surprised that Davina, of all people, would help me, I felt that I should probably take that advice and figure out the best way to lock down my bride.
CHAPTER8
Juliette
Every time I turned around, someone was getting married.
Wynter’s nightmare of a wedding a few months ago. Now Autumn’s marriage to Alessio Russo. Who in the fuck was next? And why were the DiLustros invited, for fuck’s sake?
The venue was beautiful, Japan even more so. Mountains surrounded us. The soft rushing sounds of the river traveled through the air, mixing with the rustle of the leaves and the scent of cherry blossoms blooming. If there was ever a time to visit Japan, it was spring. It was so colorful and vibrant, it would have made a great reception.
If only Dante DiLustro weren’t here.
I downed my Fireball shot and sat on the low retaining wall, a cherry blossom tree rustling behind me. The loveliness of the setting was tainted by my foul mood. I took the reception in, the crowds of people mingling and seemingly having a grand ol’ time, as I let the liquor warm me. I studied my brother from here, his eyes flickering to Emory every so often. Apart from her looking gorgeous tonight in a soft pink dress, I sensed tension between the two, and I had no idea why.
Well, aside from her being a DiLustro, maybe.
Emory walked by me, headed toward her family, when I stopped her.
“What’s happening between you and my brother?” A frown creased between her brows as she looked at me.
Then she shrugged. “He’s sensitive to the fact I aimed my gun at him when he came for Wynter in Vegas.”
Ahhh. There it was. A man could never handle it when a woman was better than him. Including my own brother.
When Basilio kidnapped Wynter from the hotel room on the last night of the Olympic games, he brought her to Emory’s place in Vegas. Of course, Dad and Killian stormed the place, ready to level it to the ground. Obviously, they’d come to an agreement because Wynter ended up marrying Basilio, but it would seem Emory didn’t hesitate to stand by her brother.
“I guess my comment about him playing with the big boys didn’t help,” she added, grinning unapologetically.
The smug grin on her lips reminded me of Dante and instantly my mood soured. It wasn’t her fault that she had that arrogant DiLustro attitude.
