Page 48 of Corrupted Empire

“Let me tell you about some of the projects I’ve been working on since I took over,” I say, sitting forward. “I’m sure your readers would like to know that Bellucci Inc. is stronger than ever and that we’re investing that strength back into the community.”

“I’m sure they would,” Debbie mutters. But then she sighs, and I know she has given in. Debbie knows she isn’t getting anything out of me. She knows that Gabriel and I are a united front. And she knows that if she wants anything from me, she will need to dance to the beat of my drum.

I wonder if she knows how much I like it.

17

Gabriel

I finish toweling off Harry and get him dressed in his cartoon spaceship onesie. I try not to glance at my watch too often, but Alexis is taking her sweet time getting ready, and I don’t want us to be late. She knows how much punctuality matters to me, yet never fails to make me wait.

“You look grumpy,” Harry comments, then does a very cute imitation of my scowl.

“You know what will make me happy?” I ask, hoisting him into my arms.

“What?”

“If I come home tonight and Clara tells me you’ve been a good boy, and that you went to bed without causing a riot. Do you think you can do that?”

“I dunno.” He grins.

I laugh and walk him down to the living room, where Clara is waiting to take over for the night. On the way, I pass Alexis’ closed bedroom door and hear the hair dryer running. Is she actually that behind?

Clara grins and jumps up from the couch when I enter with the little prince, her blonde curls springing. “There he is!” She grins and takes Harry from me, setting him onto the floor where she has a few of his toys set up on a blanket.

“Only healthy snacks,” I tell her sternly. “I don’t care how much he begs for FunYuns.”

The little hellion is turning into his mother.

“Cross my heart and hope to die,” she says, performing the action as well. “What’s with the mug?”

I cock a brow.

Clara gestures to her face. “You look like you’ve smelled something bad.”

“Alexis is going to make us late again,” I say with a sigh.

Clara shakes her head, tutting. “If she’s taking too long, I guarantee you it will be worth it. Don’t be an asshole.”

“Don’t call me an asshole,” I say in a low voice.

Clara laughs. She thus far has proven immune to my intimidation. That being said, I have been going very easy on her because of how much Alexis and Harry care about her. If she were anyone else, I would not tolerate even a fraction of her disrespect.

“If you don’t want me to call you an asshole, don’t be one.” She levels me with a sugary smile. “You’ve been better, but you’ve still got some work to do if you want the best friend’s green light.”

“Ass-ho,” Harry mumbles from his seat on the blanket.

Clara’s eyes widen, and she swings her head around. “Honey, no. We don’t say that word.”

Now it’s my turn to laugh. I don’t give a rat’s ass if the kid swears, but Clara and I both know that Alexis does, and if Alexis finds out that Clara has just taught him to say “asshole,” Clara will be in big trouble.

“Good luck with that,” I say, saluting on my way out the door.

I wait in the foyer for Alexis to come down, tapping my foot impatiently. I am about to send one of my men to drag her out by force, when she appears at the top of the curved stairs.

Fuck.

Clara was right. The wait was worth it.

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