Page 109 of Corrupted Empire

I think about how I was already able to avoid violence with Ruby and Debbie by using my investigative connections. There’s no saying how much more I’ll be able to accomplish now that I’m editor in chief of my own newspaper.

“Thank you, Gabriel,” I say finally. “I love you so much.”

He gathers my face in his hands. “I love you too.” Pressing a soft kiss to my forehead, he adds, “Now, let’s get this reception done with so I can get you out of this dress.”

I grin. “That sounds like a plan.”

* * *

It’s quiet in the office. My door is open, and beyond it, all I can see are empty desks. An hour ago, almost every single one had someone sitting at it, and a chorus of chatter and laughter filled the room. They’re a lively bunch, my new team, but they work damn hard. Not as hard as their editor, apparently, who was supposed to have gone home around an hour ago like the rest of them.

I’ve just caught my first big fish, though.

I click through the documents on my screen again. Pedro, one of my top street reporters, has forwarded a shipping manifest and a series of transcripts from conversations he has recorded. He’s been keeping an eye on the dregs of the Irish mob for me since the newspaper first launched a week ago.

There is no organization anymore. No finesse. Those who remained split into a dozen or so factions, but without any leadership, they’ve been crashing around the city like a herd of bulls in a very large china ship. And now Pedro reports that one of these factions is expecting a shipment of weapons tomorrow, and they’re planning to use these to hold up a series of storefronts.

Well, I simply can’t let that happen.

Gabriel has been away on business for the past couple of days, so I consider which of his men to give the command to. I settle on Angelo. He was promoted to capo about a week ago, and he hasn’t had a chance to put his leadership skills to the test yet. I doubt these thugs will provide much of a challenge, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hone his skills.

I am just about to call Angelo when I hear the elevator door ding. I consider getting up to check who it is, but moving around has started to become a bit of a pain in the ass due to my belly, and I’m not worried. I’m well protected at all times.

Footsteps approach my office, and a second later, Gabriel appears in the doorway. I shoot out of my seat.

“Baby!” I exclaim. “I didn’t think you’d be back until tomorrow.”

Gabriel comes over and kisses me. His hand rubs over my back, and I relax into his familiar scent.

“I finished up early and changed my flight,” he says. “I couldn’t wait to see you.” He rubs a hand over my belly. “How are we doing?”

I grin up at him. “Fantastic. I was just about to assign the interception of a weapons sale tomorrow to one of the capos.”

Gabriel laughs. “I meant you and the baby.” He runs his fingers down my arms. “But go on, tell me about it.”

I tell him everything Pedro reported to me, and Gabriel nods thoughtfully. “I’ll deal with it,” he says.

“I was thinking that Angelo would be the best capo for the job.”

Gabriel cups my chin, brushing his thumb over my cheek. “I think that’s a good idea.”

I preen under his approval. I get a special thrill when I please Gabriel, and my stomach does a happy flip as he gazes down at me adoringly.

“I noticed you’re here all alone,” Gabriel says a moment later, his smile taking on a devilish tilt. “Working hard, I see.”

“I’m trying to impress the CEO,” I say with a coquettish smile. “He rides me very, very hard.”

Gabriel’s eyes light up, and I watch as arousal floods his irises. My heart rate notches up in my chest, and I’m suddenly very happy I decided to stay late.

“Does he now?” Gabriel purrs. He starts to guide me backward toward the sofa in the corner of the room. “He sounds like a real hardass.”

“He’s not so bad. He always makes sure I’m well rewarded.”

“I can imagine that a woman of your talent gets rewarded often.”

I smirk. “Not often enough.”

Gabriel kisses me hard as my knees back against the sofa, nipping at my bottom lip. His words come out breathless and thick with desire, whispered against my lips. “Cheeky. If I fucked you half as often as I want to, neither of us would ever get any work done.”

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