Page 62 of The Beast

“I will do nothing. I will leave it up to you to explain why you are declaring war on the Giodano family. Because that’s exactly what it will be if you back out of our deal. A bloodthirsty, desperate war where nobody wins. Ask yourself if she’s worth it when you can have it all, anyway.”

“The answer will always be yes. She’s worth it and if it involves a war, it won’t be the first one I’ve fought for her.”

His exasperated sigh tells me he’s disappointed in my reaction, but I can’t worry about that.

His deep voice hisses back,“Three months and the clock is ticking. I have every faith in you to do the right thing for everyone concerned.”

He cuts the call, giving me no chance to retaliate and I huff with frustration and light a cigarette to calm myself the fuck down.

An amused laugh hits me from behind and as I turn, I see Flynn sitting on the wall watching me.

“Jesus, Flynn, how long have you been stalking me?”

“My whole life, brother.”

He winks as he points to my smoke.

“Got a spare?”

“You begging for leftovers now? Don’t you have more money these days?”

He shrugs. “Louisa hates smoking.”

I raise my eyes. “And the real reason is?”

“That is the real reason.”

It makes me laugh out loud as I hand him a smoke and grin. “The Angel has been pussy whipped. I never thought I’d see the day.”

‘I’m not the only one judging by that conversation.”

As I lean against the fountain, I shake my head. “She knows nothing. It was my decision.”

I growl irritably, “If my grandfather believes I’ll give up the only woman I have ever loved for a cold, emotionless, mafia princess who craves power and doesn’t care who she has to marry to get it, he doesn’t know me at all.”

“So, you’re about to fight another war. I can loan you my army if you like.”

“I figured you might.” We share a grin and I watch as he hops off the wall and saunters across, flicking the lit cigarette into the fountain after only one puff. “Dirty habit.”

He grins. “You should get Malik onto your problem. Stuff like that gives him an orgasm. He’ll thank you for it.”

I consider our mysterious Arab friend and say with interest, “How is he coping with life in the family business?”

Flynn shrugs. “The same as the rest of us, I guess. He doesn’t talk much about it but the tortured pain in his eyes deepens every time we meet.”

“I noticed.”

Tossing my own butt into the fountain, I jerk my thumb toward the house. “Let’s eat. I’m keen to meet the woman who was mad enough to wear your wedding ring.”

I note the softening expression of my chaotic friend and am happy he’s found love. It’s obvious because I’ve never seen him so calm and as we head inside, I am looking forward to introducing my woman to the others.

Flynn must be reading my mind because he says in a low voice, “How is she?”

As I picture her sucking my cock not that long ago, I grin. “She’s perfect.”

Flynn’s eyes narrow and he fixes me with a stern gaze. “I wouldn’t make it so obvious unless you want Angelo to cut you a new pair.”

“He’s good. Even welcomed me to the family.”

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