Ruthless Prince (Dark Syndicate 1)

“Massimo needs you,” a voice says behind me. I turn to see Andreas.

“Oh, thank you,” I answer, feeling nervous to talk to him. The women quiet their talk in his presence. I’ve noticed the respect everyone has displayed around the brothers.

“This way,” he says, motioning his head for me to follow.

I do, and he leads me out into the hallway. Massimo isn’t there though.

“Where is Massimo?” I ask.

“Relax, you look like you needed saving when they started talking about babies, unless I was mistaken?” He raises a brow, and my nerves spike.

“No. And, oh… thank you. You’re right,” I agree.

“Oh good, I wouldn’t have liked to be wrong.”

I smile, but my nerves are still on edge. I don’t know what it is about him, but I feel more awkward in his presence. Maybe it’s because he’s older and would have probably remembered my father’s cruel hand more than Massimo.

Or maybe it’s because I know that I’d be with him if he were boss. What would have happened to me then? I truly doubt I would have faced the same fate as I do with Massimo. That’s saying something since I don’t exactly know where I stand with him, except that I’m to obey and behave.

He studies me. I’m not sure what he’s thinking, so I don’t encourage the conversation in case I say the wrong thing.

“I hope my brother is treating you well,” he states.

“Yes,” I reply. The only answer to that question is yes.

“Well, you two look good together,” he mutters. Those eyes of his pierce into me. “I hope he continues to treat you well.”

Someone clears their throat. It’s Massimo. I look at him and am surprised to see he has that same possessive air about him like the other day when I was talking to Manni on the beach. I didn’t think he would be that way with his brother.

“Just saving your girl from the talk of babies,” Andreas explains. He called me Massimo’s girl.

All day, I’ve been thinking about when Massimo said it this morning. Although I’ve been upset about him refusing to allow me to speech to Jacob, I did savor being called that.

“I hope that’s all you’re doing,” Massimo states. Andreas narrows his eyes.

Andreas walks over to him and lays a heavy hand on his shoulder. “Relax, kid,” he says and takes Massimo’s hand with the ring. “The ring looks good on you. Proud of you as always.”

I don’t have many friends. Sure, my father kept me on a leash, but I didn’t have many friends because a lot of the schools I went to housed snobs who were jealous of what I had. If it’s one thing I’m able to spot, it’s a fake compliment.

What Andreas said about the ring was off. I don’t really think he was okay with not being chosen to be boss, and I don’t really think he’s as proud of Massimo as he says. Did Massimo notice that too? To me it was obvious.

“Thank you, brother,” Massimo answers, giving him a one-shouldered hug.

“I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Be safe.”

“Always. You too.” Andreas gives him another tap and saunters away.

Massimo returns his attention to me and moves closer. “Ready to go?”

“I am,” I reply. “Are you always going to be like that when men talk to me?”

“Yes.”

“But that’s your brother, and he was being nice,” I counter. I don’t know what the story is. I’m left in the dark, but I’ll give Andreas the benefit of the doubt. It must be tough being the oldest and not being chosen to lead the family.

“My brothers are like sharks, Emelia. In their eyes, unti