Page 17 of The Boss's Temptation

Vincent chuckles again. “Michael, I’d get between you and a bullet. You know that. But I’m dead serious that I would rather be shot for you than tell Bellamy about your new twenty-three-year-old Korolyov bride.”

I ignore his laughter and shake my head. “Go have another margarita or something, asshole.”

Vincent pauses in his chuckling. “You sure you don’t need me for this? I mean I’ve had my fill of beach and sun. I can be there in a few hours.”

“And have my daughter looking to put my head on a spike?” I grunt. “Yeah, no thanks.”

Vincent chuckles. “Well, say the word and I’m on the next plane.”

“I’ll be fine, Vincent.”

“I’ll have Dominic keep a closer watch too. Use him, Micheal. He’s good.”

I nod. “I will.”

We both pause. Vincent breaks the silence first.

“Something else?”

“No,” I grunt. “Forget it.”

“I can’t help you if you don’t tell me, Micheal.”

It’s his favorite thing to say to me when I’m in a dark mood like this. And he’s right. Vincent isn’t just my second in command because he’s married to my daughter. He’s earned his place there. I’ve known the man since he was a kid, practically. Like me, he’s not a Scaliami by blood. But he’s damn well bled for the family. And he’s an excellent right-hand man.

I sigh. “I’m not confident she’s not a spy.”

“For Anton?” Vincent grunts. “Seems a little too obvious a move. But it would make sense.” He sighs. “Anything tip you off that she might be?”

“Aside from being a fucking Korolyov herself?” I frown. “She was in my room this morning.”

“Oh?” There’s a hint of humor in Vincent’s voice. “And what was she doing in your room this morning, Micheal?” He chuckles under his breath

“Notlike that,” I snap. “She came in while I was sleeping. She was snooping around.”

“Where?”

“Under my sheets.”

Vincent laughs. Loudly. “Looking for Scaliami business secrets under your balls or something?” He laughs some more. I stay silent and glare into my empty glass.

“Are you done?” I finally snap.

Vincent clears his throat and drops the laughter. “Yes, sir,” he grunts. Vincent and I are close. We’re family. But business is business to him. He knows when it’s time to play it serious.

“Rough day,” I grunt as an explanation for my mood.

He sighs. “Michael, can I offer some advice?”

“Please do.”

“If it’s just a business thing, make that clear. I mean this is an arrangement. And it’s one neither of you asked for. Take out the ambiguity. I mean who the fuck knows what Anton told her? She might be terrified of you and think that she needs to be your fucking sex slave or some shit.”

“For Christs sake, Vincent…” I growl, scowling at the thought.

“I’m just saying out loud what Anton may very well have filled her head with. You want my advice? Make it clear. Put it all on the table.” He snickers. “And maybe lock your bedroom door.”

I smile thinly.

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