Page 26 of Tyrant (The Villetti Chronicles)

“Oh, really now? You’re putting your foot down?”

“Un ragazzo così insolente.”

My father calling me an insolent boy was nothing new.

“What else do you want?”

“For you to take your role seriously.”

I waved at Gil.

“You have him.”

Gennaro’s eyes narrowed.

“Gil is not the eldest.”

Fuck tradition. Being the eldest meant shit. I wasn’t interested in running the fucking mafia. My club and my other business interests kept me busy and satisfied. This place was my baby. Somewhere my father couldn’t stick his bloody oar into.

“That’s the only reason you’re pushing it onto me.”

“It’s the way of things.”

I’d heard that fucking phrase far too many times in my life. Sighing, I glanced up at my brother. He didn’t look perturbed by our discussion. He knew my feelings on the matter already. It wasn’t a secret.

“If I promise to find a suitable woman and answer your phone calls, will you get off my case?”

My father inclined his head.

“Of course.”

“Then consider it done.”

Gennaro smiled and flicked his head at Gil, indicating it was time for them to leave. My brother gave me a nod and retreated towards the door. I’d speak to him in private at some point, but not now. I had Enzo to deal with.

“Don’t disappoint me, Zayn,” my father said before he left with my brother.

I rubbed my chin and scowled. Typical. Comes here to give me orders and leaves without a fucking care in the world once I’d agreed to them. As if I was actually going to look for a woman to marry to satisfy his fucking backwards worldview.

“Fuck,” I growled as Arlo met my eyes. “Go make sure Enzo isn’t trying to flirt his way into Liza’s knickers, will you? I don’t trust the little shit.”

Arlo gave me a dark look, but he nodded and left. I couldn’t blame him. He had his reasons for disliking my youngest brother. Liza was my general manager for the club. She did a damn fine job and wouldn’t take my brother seriously, but I didn’t want her to have to put up with him. Enzo would flirt with anyone for shits and giggles, even a woman twice his age. The fucker was notorious for it.

I stood. Thinking about what my father said could wait. I needed to go see my pet. My feet carried me over to the door to my private rooms. Ripping it open, I stepped inside to find Ari curled up on the sofa, staring into the distance. She jolted when she heard me come in. Her chestnut eyes met mine, widening slightly.

Before I could say a word, she slid off the sofa and came over to me. I watched her drop to her knees at my feet. Her fingers brushed over the collar before she picked up the leash and held it out for me to take.

I had expected her to ask me why I’d taken so long or give me attitude, but this?

This was everything, and so much more.

Ten

Zayn

My hand reached out, taking the black metal chain from her small fingers. I slid my own into the handle, gripping it as I watched her pupils dilate. Did she like the collar? I’d put it on her as a punishment, but something about her demeanour told me she wasn’t averse to wearing it. I could imagine a delicate little chain around her neck, one she’d never take off.

You’re mine now, Tink. I don’t think I can let you go free.

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