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I envy her, sometimes. People do what I want them to, but only after I’ve convinced them into thinkingtheywant it, too. No one isscaredof Breezy Colombo, the ex-showgirl, the gold-digger.

“You’re holding up beautifully,” Juno murmurs as she embraces me. “Don Colombo would be proud.”

Terry always spoke of Juno with respect, never once mentioning her gender as a weakness. For a fleeting moment, I wonder if he ever thought ofmeleading the Colombo Family, like Juno does the Bianchis.

I bet he’d just chuckle at my sheer audacity.

“By the way,” Juno goes on quietly, “Johnny’s background checks came back in. All clear, including Eva’s new pet. Background is well documented. She does not appear to be the assassin that the Styx Syndicate is looking for.”

I can’t help glancing back over my shoulder, my eyes landing on Nik where she stands behind Eva Novak. She stares straightback at me, challenging. She might not be some sneaky trained assassin, but there’s still a dangerous allure to her, a blend of strength and reserve that…

Well, it’s like catnip to me. I’ll have to watch myself.

Lyssa and Scarlett are passing by, and stop to give me a nod. “You told her about the background checks?” Lyssa asks Juno softly. Then she grins. “Did you tell her about Nik Kusek tracking down her father’s killer and killing him right back?”

“She did that?” I ask.

“Hell yeah she did. Badass.” Lyssa glances across at her. “She’d be a good candidate for the Styx Syndicate if she’s ever looking for a new job. And we have way more fun than any arms dealer could possibly have. You tell her that from me.” She winks, takes Scarlett’s hand, and wanders off to the buffet.

Eva chooses that moment to approach. After appropriately-restrained greetings between the two of them, Juno leaves us tactfully alone.

“I hear you had a little difficulty the other night,” Eva says, after the niceties are out of the way. I shoot a look at Nik, standing there next to the big hulking guy who is always Eva’s shadow, but she looks blankly back at me. I suppose I couldn’t expect her to keep something like that from her boss, but—“Frank told us when he called to reschedule the contract signing again,” Eva goes on softly. “Please know that we are very happy to wait a few more days if need be.”

Franktold her?

So Nik actually did keep her mouth shut. Or itseemsthat way…

I find myself remembering the way Nik wrapped herself around me, shielded me, even making sure that I didn’t faceplant into the concrete as she did it. She made me feelsafe, in the same way Terry did. Strange to think that in a city full of so-called friends, a stranger may be the only person I can trust.

And then I think about the fact that she tracked down her father’s killer.

“Thank you for your understanding,” I say, looking back to Eva. “And…if your offer of an extra bodyguard is still open, I’d appreciate it.”

Her face lights up. “But of course! Leon can be at your disposal?—”

“I’d prefer Ms. Kusek, here, if you can spare her.”

“Well, I…” Eva, to her credit, recovers quickly. “Yes. Yes, of course I can spare her. Dominika, you will watch over Mrs. Colombo and you will obey her as you obey me.”

Nik’s lips have parted, but that’s the only sign of surprise. She’s tall and imposing in a close-cut black suit, her frame a stark contrast to the soft curves of Eva Novak. Yes. There’s a quiet strength about Dominika Kusek that I like. Still, I can’t resist poking the bear.

“Well, Nik?” I ask, raising one eyebrow. “Are you willing to obey me?”

CHAPTER 9

Nik

What a cheeky little…

I try to find an objection, stammering out, “Well, I—” before catching myself. I cannot refuse a direct order from Eva. “Yes, of course,” I force out. “I’d be…delighted.”

Brie’s flicker of a smirk makes my irritation burn hotter. I’ve always been very good at hiding my emotions, but this woman seems to read me like an open book.

“Thank you,” Brie says smoothly, her voice carrying a hint of a drawl. “And thank you, Eva, for your support. I feel quite loved today. Did you know even the Chicago Styx Syndicate sent representatives?” She nods toward a blonde and a brunette standing across the other side of the room. Eva looks with interest toward them—another prospective buyer is always a good thing. “But if you’ll excuse me, I must greet the rest of my friends and family.”

“Of course,” Eva murmurs, and moves away.

Brie turns her back on me, glances over her shoulder, and says softly, “Heel.”