Page 130

“You can get whatever you want.”

I grip his necklace, pulling him down to me. “These outfits were picked with care.”

“I know. To drive me insane.”

I giggle, cupping his face and brushing my nose against his. Happiness envelops me—I am drunk on sheer rapture.

“Thank you for giving me a life that’s worth living. Not killing you was the best decision,” I say seriously, but the dick bursts out in laughter, ruining my attempt at being romantic.

“And you barely tried.”

I swat his chest, pouting, but him being an expert at distracting me, he gathers me in his arms, twirling me around. Then he kisses me breathless.

When the kiss ends, I look up into his eyes, which shine with a love so deep, making me feel protected, cherished, and adored. Nothing I even dreamed of having, but everything I can’t live without.

It’s like with him I live more than one love story. I can’t wait to explore everything, live through every adventure along our journey. There won’t be an end to us.

“Go get dressed, you tease, before I forget we have plans.”

Glancing at my watch, I have five more minutes before the online meeting with the Syndicate. While I had planned everything down to the minor details, so that in the end, I could have the woman and the Council under my thumb, I disregarded the consequences.

With the four men who lead the Syndicate, it’s better to have them as friends than foes.

Going back on your word means death. They can try, but they will fail too. Many have tried before, and I am sure many will follow, but I won’t be taken down that easily. What they will realize is that it’s on Kieran for misconstruing my words. When I entered an alliance with them, I told Kieran I want Luciana. My answer to why was simply, “She stole something from me.” With all of us being known for killing the people that betray us, he thought I’d torture and kill her.

I could sooner kill myself than her, but it was a precarioussituation that escalated when she shot Cato and he survived. That motherfucker is a stubborn man.

I don’t know what I hope to get out of the meeting. They will be pissed off either way. Cato will surely fume about letting the woman who almost killed him and threatened his wife live. Kieran will be mad that he didn’t ask for specifics when we made the deal. The other two might balance things out. Cameron is into looking at the bigger picture and Hayden and I have had no beef. The recent addition to the former known trio of hell has been a ghost for years, amassing power of his own. Uniting their forces has made the Syndicate an even more formidable organization.

Thinking of my fiancée hijacks my thoughts. Calla is out with my sister and mother, shopping for a wedding dress. In a few days, we’ll be officially married, and I can finally claim this woman for life.

Coming for her would mean coming for me. If our love demands payment in blood, I will shed it and relish in killing off whoever dares to try taking her from me.

Sitting at the desk in my home office, I log in and when the encrypted video call begins, I realize how they have perfected their seating alignment—a straight line, to show their allies what happens if you betray them. I saw two live hits not long ago.

“Enzo,” Kieran starts, and I swear his deep stare bores into you as if he wants to know your darkest, deepest secrets. He hates surprises, and I am sure this one will shock the guy who is known to be on top of his game.

Next to him is Cato, who already looks bored and waves my way to speak. I refrain from scoffing at him, not even opening his mouth.

Cameron cocks his head. “Something tells me this will be interesting.”

Behind the charming facade hides a veritable monster who loves chaos so he can tidy it up.

And then there’s Hayden. His somber attitude and stony stare show he’s not someone you want to mess with.

Oh, how I will mess it all up. In our world, a bit of power play keeps the excitement alive.

“I am getting married,” I say, barely suppressing my amusement at them frowning, exchanging a silent conversation.

“Are you inviting us to the happy event?” Kieran asks as we tiptoe around about who the lucky bride will be.

Cato’s jaw twitches, the strained muscle revealing he’s on to who that is.

“It’s a family affair.”

Silence follows as we stare each other down. They want me to tell them already so they can make a swift decision about retribution.

“It’s Luciana.” Why drag the inevitable out?