Epilogue
Amos
The beginning of December always brings the worst of the cold, indicated by the spider frost spreading across the grand windows of the dining room. Glass chandeliers hang overhead, glittering with fine crystal that reflects the midday light spilling into the room. A spread of fruit and cheese rests at my right while a ledger sits in front of me, a pen perched on the paper.
Flowing through the room is the scent of warm vanilla, courtesy of the candle I lit just twenty minutes ago. When Alex changed her signature scent, I made sure to purchase something that I could keep nearby to encourage me to stay on top of my plans. While I couldn’t keep her personally close, I could always retain a piece of her, something I could carry with me at all times.
When Ophelia told me she wanted a lock on her door, I nearly laughed. It’s not like a little lock is going to keep me away from Alex. There are plenty of ways to access her private space without her opposing me. It just made the desire I had for her much stronger—and I’m more than committed to getting what I want with her.
All in due time. I’m a patient man.
Accompanying the candle comes the sound of violins. It’s Christmastime, after all, and a lively atmosphere is sure to keep up my spirits while I busy myself with tasks. Controlling a small portion of the crime world is no easy feat. It takes a skilled businessman to tie up loose ends, pay people off, and cover up tracks. Why else did Felipe keep me as his right hand? I was—and still am—the only one capable of being able to stomach the business.
The other families are talented in their own ways, but I’m the one with my hands in the Moretti cookie jar. I’m closer to the treasure than anyone and intimately involved with the girl who could undo every single one of us if she doesn’t fall in line soon. She’s a witty girl with a smart mouth and even smarter game tactics.
But it won’t take much to break her. Girls like Alex don’t fold easily, no, but when they do fold, it’s phenomenally entertaining to watch. She can resist me all she wants. She can pretend that she has the reins in this situation, but she has no idea the grip I have on her life.
Being the right hand of a criminal kingpin means knowing when to strike. While the others fumble for their positions, I’ve had my eye on mine for longer than they ever noticed. Ophelia is one of those who flail when she’s backed into a corner. Me? I become far more sinister and dangerous. I’m not a man to be trifled with.
And Alex has trifled with me one too many times.
Clouds drift over the sun and draw me back to my task. I stare at the paper before me and nod thoughtfully before jotting down a few notes. My part-time residence at the Moretti mansion grants me plenty of space to carry on my usual dealings, so I feel free to conduct my business wherever I please. Since the new year is approaching quickly, it’s important to sort out some loose ends before I finally take what’s owed to me under this roof.
From both Ophelia and her stuffy daughter.
That silly girl flaunts herself every chance she gets. She’s every bit Ophelia’s split image, petite and intelligently sharp. But while Ophelia is loose with age, Alex is supple in all the right places, a delicate body just waiting to be properly trained. She’s still within my reach, even if she is engaged to that entitled Somerville punk.
Not for long, I think wickedly as I scribble a few more notes on the page. After I’m through with this family, she’ll wish she had gone to me all along.
“Darling,” Ophelia calls from the entrance of the dining room.
Her voice carries across the table, bouncing like a ping-pong ball. Without looking up at her, I shove the papers into my briefcase, drop the pen on top of them, and stand up from my seat, mindlessly popping a grape into my mouth. Her heels click along the hardwood floor as she approaches me to plant a kiss on my cheek.
“I’m working,” I tell her. “What is it?”
“It’s about the Somervilles,” she says while running her hand along my upper back. I shiver under her touch, trying to imagine a willing Alex doing it to me instead. “They lied to us about what happened.”
My heart skips a beat. “What are you talking about?”
“Alex is still a virgin. The whole thing is a ruse to push the marriage contract with Parker. I just found out about it this morning.”
“You can’t be serious.” I discreetly adjust my pants, trying not to appear too excited. “That’s interesting. That might be just the thing we need to turn this season around.”
“A Christmas miracle.”
“If you want to call it that. But yes, it might be a gift in disguise.”
She hums. “That means the deal between us is still on.”
“Indeed, darling.” A dark smile crosses my lips as I nod to the space in front of me. “Are you still willing to be good for me, Ophelia?”
Her eyelids flutter with desire. “Of course, Amos. Anything.”
“Bend over the table.”
Her eyes widen slightly as she checks the door leading to the kitchen. “Right here?”
“Is that not what I just told you?”