Ruthless Prince (Dark Syndicate 1)

“Yes.” The cave is at the furthest end of the beach. From here it’s almost a blur, but I can see it. The waves crash against the rocks, and the area looks like it cuts off after that point.

“The cameras don’t work past the area with the palm trees. There’s one camera on a lamp post. That’s it. The path leads right into the cave. There’s a rowboat inside,” she explains.

I can’t believe my ears. She’s just given me the answer.

"Oh my God, Candace,” I gasp.

“You’ll see a speedboat too, but don’t even try to take that. Massimo keeps the keys on him at all times, and even if you could get it to work, he has a security system on it that he can control from inside the house. It will alert him the second the boat engine switches on. So, your only choice is the rowboat.”

With trembling lips, I nod. “Okay. I’ll go for the rowboat. Candace—”

“Emelia, it’s dangerous,” she interrupts. “That’s the most important warning I’ll give you. Dangerous waters. You’re right in the heart of it on that side.”

God… I can’t swim well in safe waters, let alone dangerous waters. But it’s a route to escape. I will make sure I’m safe if I get a chance to use it.

“I’ll be okay. I have to be.”

“Then, please… make sure you flee and never look back if you do it, because if he finds you, he’ll know it could only be me or Priscilla who told you how to escape. So… please think properly before you try it. He’s given permission for us to show you around. It’s up to you to gain his trust for you to walk around without supervision and the guards on constant lookout.” She reaches out and takes my hands. “Please think about it before you do anything. That’s my one request.”

“I will,” I promise.

The plan now is to get him to trust me. I look at the cave and see freedom.

How do I get Massimo to trust me?

Obedience.

Doing what he says.

Being his.

Chapter Fourteen

Massimo

I stand, look each member of the Syndicate in the eyes, and raise the ceremonial blade.

All eyes are on me.

Apart from Pa, Riccardo, and his brother, these are men I’ve never seen before. All men of power with incredible wealth totaling twelve, including me.

They all sit around the long rectangular table in the boardroom and watch me. Me, the youngest, newest member getting ready to initiate myself and sign the blood oath to the creed.

They will not speak to me until I take the oath. And we have much to speak about.

As I slice the tip of my forefinger, I rivet my gaze to Riccardo’s. I glare at him long and hard, making sure the other members of the Syndicate can watch me and take note that I have a problem with him.

They’ll know the story. They’ll know the past. It doesn’t sit well with me that these are men who could have killed me and my family on Riccardo’s word, but this is the next phase of power.

Drops of blood drip onto the contract. One similar to the document we gave Riccardo.

This one stipula

tes that I share my resources, power, and life with the members. One body, one power, all to pursue wealth.

My blood on the contract is my signature. It’s a serious thing because to sign the creed means you sign your life away. The only way out is death, or like I’ve witnessed with my own father, disavowal.

That will not happen to me.