Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 76222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
“What I don’t understand is why,” I said to myself. “Carmine is at the top of the Italian Mafia.” I was speaking louder now, my thoughts broadcasted to the other two men. “He has power, resources. Why would he lower himself by reaching out to work with the Greek Mafia?”
Dmitry’s jaw tightened, and a hard pause of complete silence followed my words. I could see the brothers were rolling this around in their heads, knowing something I didn’t, or maybe reaching for a reason.
“Because the Greek Mafia has something he doesn’t—and that something is what we need to find out.” Nikolai started pacing now.
“No doubt Carmine’s been using the Greek Mafia to get their hands dirty because he doesn't want to.”
“Well, it’s our mission now to fucking find out why Carmine wants to use and work with The Stygian and what his end goal is.”
Dmitry nodded. “He’s a fucking snake,” he seethed, and the sound of him grinding his teeth echoed in the room.
“Carmine’s promised them something—”
“Something fucking big,” Nikolai cut me off, his voice low, menacing.
Behind my rage was the cold, bitter taste of betrayal. I felt an icy wave of realization wash over me. Carmine had done all of this behind my back, behind the Cosa Nostra’s back.
Jesus Christ… the betrayal cut deep. It was sharper than any blade.
“When we find out what the fuck is going on, we hit back. Hard.” I stared Nikolai and Dmitry in the eyes. “We show Carmine and everyone involved with him we don’t fuck around. And anyone who comes knocking on our door will get our wrath.” My lips curled into a bitter smile. “I can guarantee one fucking thing. Carmine will regret ever thinking he could betray us.”
Nikolai cracked his knuckles, his smile cold and fierce. “Let’s remind everyone who fucking runs Desolation.”
Nah… I’ll fucking remind Carmine who should be running the Cosa Nostra.
Me.
EPILOGUE
GIO
Three months later
Iwas sweaty and sore as I stepped through the front door of my penthouse.
The scent of garlic and basil filled the apartment, and I heard the sounds of pans banging and dishes clanking together coming from the kitchen. Yet, it wasn’t the promise of a home-cooked meal that enticed me but the very thought that my girl was here, and I knew she’d be just as anxious to see me as I was to see her.
I’d never felt as if any place was a real home, but I quickly learned that wherever Tatiana was, that's where home was for me.
It had been three months since I declared Tatiana was mine to her family and the revelation that she was pregnant with my baby came to light. And since then, I’d been inseparable from her. I couldn’t help myself. Wherever Tatiana was, that's where I wanted to be.
After setting my gym bag on the floor by the front door, I took off my sneakers, tore my damp, white shirt off, and wiped the sweat from my face with the material. I’d made sure Tatiana had no choice but to move in with me the moment she told me about the baby. There had been no room for debate. No room for her to consider anything else.
It might have been an overbearing, dominating demand from me, but fuck, the very thought of not having Tatiana by my side was not an option I would live with.
I needed her close, and there was no shame in how I felt. I didn't try to hide or deny my feelings or emotions. Not where she was concerned. My PDA game with Tatiana was off the charts, and I fucking dared any motherfucker to make a snide remark about it or to even think I was weak.
In fact, I wanted everyone to know she was mine. I wanted everyone to know I would protect her above all else, that I’d keep her safe from the dark world that threatened us daily.
The kitchen was to the left of the front door, but I couldn’t see my girl clearly. I walked over shirtless, my cock already thickening with the very idea I’d be able to touch her soon enough.
I leaned against the entryway to the kitchen and crossed my arms as I just watched her. Tatiana stood at the stove, her back to me, and my gaze traveled up and down her form. Fuck, she looked good in those little black cotton shorts and formfitting white shirt. She was a tiny thing, but her curves were even more generous since she was growing my baby.
She started humming to the soft music coming from her phone that sat on the counter to the side. But her humming was broken up by her occasional curse when she didn’t like how something was going while she cooked.
I smiled, feeling this hard warmth settle deep in my chest. I realized I was rubbing the spot above my heart, that ache something I always welcomed.