Broken Reign: Enemies-To-Lovers Romance

The hit he thinks we are talking about is that of my uncle, the man who raised me. Or at least, that’s the story I told him. There’s more to it. I have more skeletons in my closet than a morgue, but he doesn’t need to know all the details yet.

All in good time.

“No. But that’s where the next part of my plan comes into focus. I hired his lawyer.”

“The fuck? I’m missing something. You think his lawyer will tell you his secrets?”

“If anyone will know, it will be her.”

“Her? The plot thickens.” I’m taken aback by his comment. Cyrus isn’t one to press or joke, but here he is, doing both.

“Shut the fuck up. It’s not like that.” Sure, it is. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to myself that I wanted to fuck that smile she gave Felix right off her mouth. That ever since I saw her in court leaning over the table in that short-ass skirt, I didn’t want to tip it up and take her from behind. But I’m not about to say that.

“There is something there between her and Felix. I think she is exactly who I need to get inside his organization.”

“So, you want her to be your inside man.”

“Pretty much.” It’s not necessarily a well-thought-out plan, but it fell into my lap, so I’m going with it.

“And how do you think you’ll convince her?”

“I have my ways.”

“I’m sure you do.” He chuckles. Again, not something he usually does. I can’t remember the last time I heard that sound come from his lips. “Just be careful. You’re so close to being out. Do you really want to do something to derail that?”

“Let me ask you a question . . . what would you do in my situation?”

“Honestly?” he asks.

“Do I ever want less than that from you?”

“I’d gut the little shit. I would grab him, torture him, and just ask him point-blank.”

I nod to myself. “Your plan certainly has merit. But unlike you, I want corroborating evidence before I kill someone.”

“Him being a dick isn’t enough?”

“As of right now, we have an agreement. An understanding. He doesn’t dip into my territory, and I don’t dip into his. I’m not going to start a war that Gideon will have to clean up without knowing the truth.”

“Very well.” He lets out a sigh. “What do you need from me?”

“Not a damn thing. But I can’t promise that won’t change.”

“You know I’m here for you if it does.”

“Thanks.” I hang up, knowing he is on my side. That’s the thing about the men I do business with, the men who have become my friends over the years. We have bled for each other. We have all gone to war for each other. No matter what, no questions asked, we would all do it again.

My shoulders uncoil. Now that I know Cyrus has my back, I can move to stage two, luring in the new bait. And while I do that, I’ll enjoy every second of it.

10

Skye

What’s that line from the classic movie? Of all the gin joints . . . I am officially in the last place I want to be. Mr. Williams gave me no out when we talked after Tobias left, so here I am.

I check the address on my phone for the millionth time since I received the text. No hello. No name. Just a “Be at this address at 9 a.m.” I only came because Mr. Williams would fire me on the spot if I didn’t go. That can’t happen for so many reasons.

I’m shocked by the address or, better yet, the building at the address. I’m not exactly sure where I thought I would be going today.

Yes, you do. Stop lying to yourself.

I thought I was going to a warehouse on the docks where most of the underworld seems to congregate. It never crossed my mind that I was going to an office building off Wall Street with a beautiful view of the water. This is not what the office of a drug lord is supposed to look like.

I take another step and look around. This part of the city is only busy during the workweek, and right now, it’s just that. Jam-packed with traders getting ready for the day. I’m early. The market hasn’t opened.

It’s a quarter to nine, and though it’s fun to people watch, I decide to grab a coffee before I head in to find Tobias. Across the street, I see a little shop. I have plenty of time, so I’ll pop in real fast, then I’ll head up. The stars align as the crosswalk signal turns in my favor, and I head to the store.

Not five minutes later, I’m holding a steaming hot cup of coffee. It warms my hands, which I don’t need right now. It’s hot out, much hotter than it usually is in mid-May, but I still inhale deeply as I lift the paper coffee cup. The robust and delicious smell infiltrates my nose. Pulling it away, I place it to my lips and take a sip.