Chapter Thirteen
Dominic
Holy fuck.
As the elevator reaches the top floor and I step out I feel like breathing fire.
I should have gone after Candace.
The reason I didn’t isn’t because I’m supposed to be having my first meeting with the glorious Jacques Belmont.It’s not fucking that at all.The reason I allowed her to get away from me was because of what she said.
That, and the conflict in my head that’s screwing with me.
That kiss refuted everything and told me she still has feelings for me.If the fucking elevator hadn’t started working again, I would have taken her right there up against the wall.
Fuck. What the hell am I doing?
My sketchy plan was to stay away from her, but clearly, I don't want to.
I never stopped wanting her. That never changed.I just don’t know what to do about it now.
Gritting my teeth, I proceed down the corridor.I already wasn't looking forward to meeting Jacques.Now I really don't want to. He’s dating my girl and I want to kill his ass.
It also hasn’t escaped me that Massimo has been particularly non-conversational when it comes to him.Granted we’ve had a lot to deal with and discussing clients is at the lower end of the priority list.
I’m not really sure what this meeting is about, but it was important to Massimo.He wanted the three of us to meet with Jacques and he wanted us to meet before the next Syndicate meeting.
Massimo and Tristan are already in the room when I get there.Thankfully, I’m not late. I’m on time and the prick arrives two minutes after me.
I’m trying really hard not to have any ill-fated feelings toward him, but one look at him has me conjuring up images of him with Candace.I’m sure he slept with her. Why wouldn’t he?She’s beautiful. And I think she likes him.She must do. She wouldn't go anywhere with him if she didn't.
He’s well dressed, like most French men I’ve met.A closer look in those eyes, though, as he smiles at us reveals the criminal he’s trying to tamp down.A little like all of us in this room with money and power.
“Good morning,” he beams, shaking each of our hands as we stand to greet him.
“Good morning, Jacques,” Massimo replies.“I’m glad we could meet today together like this.”
“As am I mon ami,” Jacques replies.
Smooth talker. I can just bet he uses that accent to charm women out of their panties.
I could laugh at myself. I’m the fucking pot looking at the kettle.Didn’t I do the same thing years ago?
“It was important to me that all my brothers meet you before we do further business," Massimo states."My youngest brother, Dominic, has returned home and is very much a part of the Syndicate as I am as the leader.”
My interest piques at the mention of the Syndicate, and I cut Massimo a sideways glance.
“I can understand that perfectly.” Jacques looks to me.
“Good, well Dominic, I wanted you to meet Jacques today because he approached me last month about joining the Syndicate.We've been contemplating accepting him.He'd be the first to join us in two years.”
Fuck me. My gaze snaps to Massimo once more.When he said he had something in mind for this guy I never thought he meant this.The Syndicate? I assumed this to be a business meeting.Clearly, I must have lost my touch if I never even guessed this could be his intention.
“That’s interesting,” I state.Instantly I think of Pa and all that happened in the previous Syndicate.The aim of reforming was to first of all make sure we all trusted each other, and here I am trying to tamp down the rage that makes me want to kill this guy.
“I feel I’ll be an asset to you,” Jacques says to me with a confident smile that reaches his eyes.“I bring with me the vineyards of France and the racetracks and casinos of Monte Carlo and LA.All have run in my family for generations.In addition to that, I have my private airline company sporting a fleet of two hundred planes.I practically own the sky.”
“It sounds like you have a lot to offer.” I can’t lie.It’s wealth. But there’s more.There’s always more when it comes to these people.“What else do you do Jacques Belmont?”