Ruthless Games

“A couple of months ago. Good behavior.” Vance looks more relaxed now.

I chuckle. “Glad to hear it. I’m sure you’ll be a great addition to the team. Chase? Take care of our new friend. I’ve got some business to attend to.”

I shoot him a warning look, and he takes the hint.

“Let me hook you up,” he says, steering Vance out. “You need anything else? Cash? Pussy? Just say the word.”

The minute they’re out the door, my smile drops.

Fuck.

There’s no way I can stand for this. I’ve kept my real estate plans under wraps from my father, knowing exactly what he’ll think about my aims to take the Barretti empire legit. Over his dead body. He wouldn’t care we stand to make millions—if not billions—by moving away from criminal enterprise to the legal side of shit.

He built this empire on blood, and that’s all that matters to him.

I’ve been waiting until things are too far gone to take back, so there’s enough money floating around to buy me some loyalty from the rank-and-file. But if Vance is here, keeping tabs on me…

I need to be careful. Play it smart. I’m on the edge of something big here, and nothing can fuck up my plans.

Freddie knocks, then enters, back with my food. “Thanks, kid,” I tell him, taking the bag. I pause, getting an idea. “Listen, I’ve got a job for you. You see the guy with Chase in the bar?”

“Vance Fortinelli?” Freddie asks, wide-eyed. “I’ve heard about him. My brother says he’s old-school.”

“I need you to stay close,” I tell him. “Keep an eye out, watch where he goes, and who he’s getting friendly with. You can do that?”

He nods. “Sure.”

“Good. Keep me updated. And keep this between us,” I add.

I need to know everything that’s happening under my roof. With so much on the line, I don’t need any surprises—from the Kovaks, or Roman.

This is my empire now, and I intend on keeping it that way.

I spentthe rest of the day making sure every other part of this business is running like clockwork. I can’t afford any mistakes, so I check in with all my deputies, review the books, and meet with Miles to discuss the minor charges a couple of our guys are facing. By the time I’m done, I’m worn out, but as I head back to the townhouse, I find myself getting a second wind. Impatient to see her again.

My wife.

The words still feel foreign, even in my own mind. I let myself in, glad I had them fit state-of-the-art security in every inch of this place. Sergei strolled right in, but it sure as hell won’t happen again.

I pause in the foyer. “Lily?” I call.

There’s no reply, but I hear music drifting from upstairs.

I head straight for the art studio on the third floor. That’s exactly where she is, perched on a stool in front of her easel. I study her profile from the doorway, watching as she nibbles on her lower lip, all of her concentration on the canvas as she layers paint, lost in the music.

She’s so goddamn beautiful, it takes my breath away. Strong. Brave. Perfect.

And when I see the gold band on her finger glinting in the sunset light… I feel a new kind of possession, stronger than anything I’ve felt in my life before. Whatever Chase or my old man thinks about this marriage, it doesn’t matter. Nothing else matters now.

Lily will always be mine.

I don’t care what it takes. I’m going to keep her safe and protected, right here with me. I want to come home at night to this very sight, wake up with her every morning. Fuck, I want to see her belly swell with my baby, create a new life for the both of us and make up for lost time.

But can I trust her? I don’t even fucking care anymore. I’ll protect her, no matter what.

Because I know, I’m the one putting her in danger now.

I feel a chill. Sergei, my father, the Feds… Just having her under this roof has put a target on her back, and now that she’s my wife, I know, it won’t stop.

Not until I make them stop.

I force myself to turn and walk away, leaving her to paint in peace. As much as I want her, I can’t think straight when I’m touching her, and I need my wits about me more than ever. I’m not just fighting for the future of the Barretti organization anymore. I’m fighting for our future.

And it’s not a fight I’ll ever lose.