Page 79 of Beautiful Sinner

“Ah, yes. Just business.”

I eased my weapon behind me, shoving it under my belt. “It would seem your father hasn’t been playing nice.”

“Meaning what exactly?” She folded her arms, moving even closer until her body was pressed against the edge of my desk. Her scent held the same reaction as always, the hunger more like the roar of a lion. Standing in khaki shorts and a tight red tee shirt, she was far too mouthwatering.

“Meaning it’s my belief your father tried to undermine the deal he made all those years ago.”

Giada narrowed her eyes. “How the hell could he do that?”

“By partnering with a far more repulsive leader.”

“Who?”

There was no reason not to tell her the truth. “Pedro Rojas.” I was curious just how much she’d learned about the other powerful regimes in the world.

It took a few seconds, but her eyes finally lit up, the fire in them exactly as I’d come to expect. “Cartel.”

“Yes, my sweet angel, and not a man who holds any humanity left in his system.”

“What are you trying to imply?”

I moved from around the desk to within inches of her. Finding the right words wasn’t usually my problem. With her, everything was difficult. “It’s possible another deal was made for your life.”

While she absorbed the information, the single hint of fear turned into rage. “That’s crazy. That’s not something my father would do.”

“Are you so certain of that? After all, he sold you to people he’s always called thugs.” While the last thing I wanted to do was continue to rock the world she’d grown up in, it was better if she learned the truth.

Especially if I gave the go-ahead to end Cesare’s life. “I assure you that I don’t do anything without checking the facts,printsessa. Unfortunately, I need to leave the house for a few hours. Perhaps we’ll take a swim when I return.” When I cupped the side of her face, she flinched, uncertain whether or not I was telling her the truth.

She had little reason to trust me, but at some point it would become vital. As I headed for the door, I could tell she was following me.

“I hate my father for what he did, selling me off as if nothing I wanted mattered in the least. However, he is still my father, my flesh and blood. If you hurt or kill him, I promise you that one day I will drive the very special knife you stole from me through your heart.”

Her words were more chilling than any she’d issued before.

And I knew she would indeed make an attempt at ending my life should she believe it necessary.

The way of our world.

The only true loyalty was blood.

I was barely in the Jeep before my phone rang. At least this time, I was eager to talk. “Kostya.”

“The shipment arrive?”

“Without incident.”

He cursed in Russian. Perhaps we’d both thought the hit would be on the island given the two men who’d likely been sentries and nothing more. “At this point your other concerns have proven to be invalid. It would seem I’ve wasted my time, other than enjoying fine French roast.”

“No activity?”

“None. Although I intend on taking to the streets later today.”

I could tell he believed his time was far too valuable. “Good. Whatever is going on, the shit’s about to hit the fan.”

“You have an uncanny ability. The electricity in the air in New York is palpable. Be prepared. It would seem your world is about to be rocked.”

“I’ll drop a one million dollar bonus in your lap if you can determine the identity of the informant working for the DEA.”

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