Page 20 of Ruthless King

“I’m not some piece of meat you can ogle,bastardo,” she spits, jerking me from my dark musings. “A person can’t be bought or sold, so whatever the fuck my asshole dad just signed can’t be legal.”

A tiny smirk pulls at my lips. She was always feisty.

My lawyer is the devil in a Prada suit. If he’d laid out the contract, it was legit and airtight. “Let’s call it an arrangement then.” I step out of the shadows, and her mouth curves into a perfect O. Again, my cock throbs at the sight. Only this time, I want to fucking slap myself because this is Stella. This is my dead best friend’s kid sister. And for the next thirty days she belongs to me.

“You?” she squeals.

For a second, I’m relieved she’s finally recognized me. It’ll be easier this way. Maybe she’ll be more amenable to the idea—

“The guy that left me a fifty-dollar tip atNonna Maria’s?”

A scowl flips the corners of my lips.

“And the guy who sav—”

I cut Tony off with a sharp wave. “Yes,” I answer. “I must say I’m surprised to see you here too.”

“Are you the guy in charge?” She puts on a smile and bats her dark lashes. “I know my dad owes the Kings money, but I swear I’ll pay it. I just need a little time, that’s all.”

“Do you have any idea who you’re talking to?” Mario cuts in.

“Zitto!” I hiss at the idiot. I need a second to process this. A minute ago, she was just a mystery girl I could use to get revenge on that idiot Bo, but now … Now, she is Stella, and she is so much more. An image from the past floats to the forefront of my mind. A ten-year-old girl broken, sobbing, on her brother’s shoulder with a wooden casket looming behind her petite form.

Now she’s a full-grown woman, a gorgeous one. I focus on those blazing irises, and my cock throbs with need.Madonna mia, what is it about this girl that has me as horny as a teenager back when we first met? “I’m sorry,” I force out. “A deal’s been made, and if anything, I’m a man of my word. You’ll remain as my guest for a month and if the money is paid as promised, you’ll be free to go.”

Those luscious lips curl into a snarl as a slew of curses erupt from that pretty little mouth. “So I’m your prisoner, basically?” she growls.

“My penthouse has been called many things but never a prison.”

Tony’s jaw drops. I catch the overly dramatic gesture from the corner of my eye.

“I’m going to be staying withyou?” she screeches.

“Mmm, yes. For the next month, you’re mine, princess.” This little unfortunate predicament could be the answer to my dating dilemma. If Stella decides to cooperate. “Come with me.”

Defiant, brilliant blue irises glare up at me. “Vaffanculo.”

“Please,” I amend.

Mario pales, a fine sheen of sweat coating his upper lip.

“I’m not going anywhere with you.” She plants her ass in the chair and crosses her arms over her chest.

“Stella…,” I growl.

Her dark brows lift, and for a second, a hint of recognition streaks across her pinched expression. And then it’s gone. “You think you scare me,capo? You think a little growl is going to make me come running? I’ve dealt with assholes like you my whole life. If you want me to come like a good little hostage, you took the wrong girl.”

“Fine,” I grit out.

“I got this,capo.” Tony steps toward her, but I slap my arm across his chest before he moves an inch.

“I said no one touches her. She’s mine to deal with,only mine.”

“I’m not fucking yours, you male chauvinistic pig,” she spits. “I’m a person, and I don’t belong to anyone, least of all you.”

This woman will be the death of me.

I march over to the chair and glare down at her. It’s a terrifying look I’ve mastered over the years. One that would have even Tony pissing his pants. Stella doesn’t even flinch.