“Then do it.”

  “Don’t tempt me.” Max became a wild man, refusing to stop, drilling into me as if he wasn’t able to stop, the drug we shared stealing the last barrier between us.

  Now every inch of my body belonged to him.

  And a small portion of my heart. How far would it go?

  How long would the euphoria last?

  When he smacked his hand on my bottom I yelped, finally fighting his strong hold.

  “You’re not getting away from me,” he growled, snapping his palm against my bottom a second time. Then he pounded into me even harder, the force shoving me forward. I was shocked at his level of stamina, my legs shaking from the savage fucking, but there was nothing sweeter than having him inside of me.

  His breathing sounds changed, and I knew he was close, so close. When he wrapped his body around mine, a smile crossed my face just seconds before he erupted deep inside.

  And the only thought racing through my mind was how much I loved him.

  Maxwell

  I remembered very little about New York mostly because of how much I’d hated the city when I was here before. However, I did have fond memories of a particular steakhouse that Tony had taken me to. I’d learned through Gio that it was still in business, the location the very place where his former boss had handled certain aspects of his business.

  It would seem it was still fashionable to wine and dine members of law enforcement and various corporate moguls when laying down the law. Keens Steakhouse was highly respected, their food topnotch, and I’d taken the liberty of renting the Bullmoose Room in its entirety for my meeting with O’Rourke.

  While acquiring reservations normally required thirty guests at minimum, flashing wads of cash always did the trick.

  Besides, few people had ever said no to me.

  “You spent a pretty penny for this, boss,” Gio said after he’d opened the door of the SUV, ushering me out. While I couldn’t stand the bullshit protocol used by powerful leaders of the mafia, including being catered to like they were kings, I understood the precedent behind the behavior.

  The man with the bigger toys and more savage soldiers always won.

  Today I wanted to look the part.

  Ruthless.

  Brutal.

  And unforgiving.

  I buttoned my jacket, the tailored charcoal Armani a perfect fit. Then I adjusted my sunglasses, taking note of Killian’s men standing outside the restaurant, who were pretending they weren’t members of his entourage. Sneering, I waited as Thomas flanked my side, his hand easily able to reach his weapon if necessary. Gio had ordered four more soldiers to arrive thirty minutes early, sweeping the restaurant to ascertain whether Killian had any other plans than the business lunch he’d requested.

  There were no boobytraps, no soldiers placed on the rooftops of adjacent buildings.

  “Worth every cent. As long as I get what I came for.” Both men flanked my sides as I walked in, the host obviously made aware of who I was. As he led us toward the requested private room, the scent of charred meat wasn’t something I considered pleasant.

  Especially after what I’d endured in the Marines, a faction of the enemies we hunted resorting to cannibalism. However, today that wouldn’t matter. I’d come here with a sole intent in mind and I wasn’t leaving until I got the necessary answers.

  I’d purposely arrived fifteen minutes late, allowing Killian to stew. I’d held back photographs of the last two men I’d eliminated. That would be used as a conversation piece at some point during lunch.

  Gio grinned as soon as we reached the closed door, giving me a sardonic smile. “You look the part, boss.”

  “What part is that?” I asked as I removed the shades, sliding them into my jacket pocket. I did notice there wasn’t a person in the restaurant who hadn’t watched us walk through. The meeting would be noted, which meant if Killian wasn’t the man responsible, the fear that we were working together would likely force the rats from their hiding place.

  “A powerful man.”

  When I tipped my head, for the first time since my arrival Gio seemed nervous. “I am a powerful man.”

  “Yes, sir. I’m learning that more and more every day.” He opened the door, moving inside first. I’d learned everything about Killian possible, most coming from Liam’s point of view. I’d also studied every photograph taken, realizing he had several weaknesses. Exploiting them could prove useful.

  As soon as Killian’s two men saw me, they bristled, motioning to their boss who seemed absorbed in his phone. I resisted grinning.

  Killian finally stood, tossing his napkin and walking around the table with his hand out. “I’m glad you were able to take the time for lunch. I’m certain you’re a busy man.”

  There was no reason not to accept the gesture, the limited time allowing me to size him up. I was an excellent judge of character, my observation skills top notch. At six foot four, I overshadowed most men inside a room, Killian no exception. He was five foot nine if that, forced to look up at me when we shook hands. “Yes, very much so. What a shame it isn’t under… better circumstances.”

  He laughed as if I’d made a joke, breaking the connection then immediately returning to his perch on behind the table.

  I took my time easing into the chair, studying the location, ensuring everything was to my liking.

  All for show.

  I couldn’t care less, preferring hot dogs and a cold Bud while watching the Dodgers. As soon as I sat down, a waiter appeared with my scotch, making no sound in doing so. I twirled the glass, eying him carefully.

  “I understand Tony thought very highly of you.”

  “And I’m curious, Killian. Where did you get that information?”

  He laughed, lifting his Jack Black neat, hovering over the rim of the glass before taking a swig. “Come now, Maxwell. While New York is a massive city, word still travels fast.”

  “So I’ve heard. Why don’t we cut to the chase so we can enjoy a rare steak?”

  “A man after my own heart.”

  As if he had one. I sat back, drumming my fingers on the table. “There are a few things you should know about me. First. I’m not a patient man. Second. I don’t like liars or games. And third. I have no issues with acts of violence.”

  He seemed amused at my statements for a few seconds, but when I didn’t smile, he looked away, rubbing his jaw. “I’m not certain if I should take that as a threat.”

  “Take it however you will. The simple fact is that you’ve been playing a game with me, sending your goons to do a man’s work.”

  Men like Killian had trained themselves over the years never to show reaction to any comments made. While he was good at pretending, very few people could ignore the nervous tics that appeared involuntarily, including the slight twitch on the corner of his mouth. It was brief, a thousandth of a second, but enough to know he was hiding something from me.

  I finally pulled the printed copies of the photographs I’d taken of Viktor and the driver, adding the one Gio had taken from the Icer, sliding all three across the table.

  His eyes opened wide and he took a deep breath.

  Still, he didn’t allow himself any other anxious tic, smiling instead. “You’ve been a busy man, Maxwell.”

  “Let’s just say I don’t take kindly to anyone threatening members of my family.”

  “Oh, it’s your family now, is it?”

  I chose to lean across the table. “Now it is by virtue of Tony’s murder.”

  “That you believe I had something to do with,” he said casually, more relaxed than before.

  “It would appear that all points lead in your direction.”

  He took a sip, taking his time lowering his glass. “Then you’re being deceived.”

  “I’m not convinced. This is your boy here, an assassin you’ve used on numerous occasions. Clever moniker, the Icer. What a shame I couldn’t use an icepick on him just as he’d enjoyed doing. This imposter took the place of a famous ballet dancer, hired to keep tabs on Raleigh then told to take her from everything she loved. The other’s a driver who attempted to run me down. What did you have in mind, Killian, forcing her to marry your son?”

  Snorting, he looked away, fiddling with his glass. “I would never hurt Raleigh. That’s not my style.”

  “I don’t believe you. You had Tony killed. You weren’t expecting I’d come into the picture.”

  “Why would I kill the man I was going into business with?” He’d regained his confidence, acting as if the scrap of information was something I already knew. “Why would I attempt to hurt a creature as beautiful as Raleigh?” He lifted his glass, giving me a sly smile. “Especially if there was a consideration of her marrying into the family.”

  At least he’d admitted the arrangement had been on the table.

  “That is a very good question.”

  It was all I could do to keep from wrapping my hands around his neck.

  I found it impossible not to laugh, twisting my head toward Gio, encouraging both my soldiers to do the same. I noticed just how nervous Killian’s men seemed to be. They had no clue what I was capable of, which was a significant advantage. When I turned back, I sensed I’d annoyed him.

  He shifted his neck back and forth, his expression hardening. “Mr. Powers, Tony and I weren’t friends, but we did have a strange sense of mutual respect. Don’t believe everything you read in the news. He had his territory and I had mine. That much you already know. In fact, we could have easily continued being occasional enemies, wiping the streets with bloody bodies for years to come, but we believed it in our best interest to form an alliance.”

  “What advantage would that be?”

  “Why don’t we order. Then I’ll explain further.”

  He was buying himself some time, still trying to figure me out. However, I lifted my arm, snapping my fingers for the waiter. It was all a show, but I had to admit I was enjoying myself. There was a vast different in holding court inside a famous restaurant versus standing on the outskirts as a glorified bodyguard.

  Given his actions, he was holding back on me, but I’d become more firm in my belief that he wasn’t responsible for Tony’s murder. In fact, I had a feeling he was being played as well.

  I didn’t bother glancing at the menu, taking the allotted time studying my opponent. He was older than I’d originally thought but was doing what he could to hide it. If I had to guess, I’d say he was doing what he could to prepare his son to take over in the event of his demise or death from tragic causes, which could be the single reason he was pushing for the alliance. I made mental note to find out about his medical history.

  We both ordered blood-red steaks, which would suit my mood.

  “Now, where were we?” he asked. “Ah, yes. I was explaining the reason for the alliance. As I’m certain you’re aware, there are dozens of smaller plagues of individuals who believe they can challenge the leadership in this city. Tony and I decided we were no longer in the mood for ridiculous squabbles that took time and resources. Let alone starting a war is costly in other areas. We had no issues keeping them in line in recent years, but times change. People change.”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning some of us aren’t getting any younger. Contrary to popular belief, the joy of slaughter isn’t what it used to be.” He wore a grin, chuckling afterwards.

  “I wouldn’t know.”

  “Bullshit, Lieutenant Powers. Be honest with me. Did you not enjoy killing while serving your country? Did your blood boil, the hunger to take another life something you weren’t proud of but a need you couldn’t ignore? Isn’t that partially why you started your business? Your firm is listed as security, but you can’t fool a man like me. You’re a hired assassin.”

  I lifted a single eyebrow. “Our businesses are nothing alike.”

  “Aren’t they really? Once a killer, always a killer, Maxwell. How many people have you killed who dared piss you off while handling your profitable security business? I learned all about your reputation, your legacy speaking for itself. And don’t tell me you never crossed the lines.”

  So he’d pegged me correctly. The thrill of the hunt was powerful, the catch a certain release. However, facing that the fine line between our businesses was thinner than I’d thought was difficult.

  Another chuckle slipped from my throat. “I’ve done what’s necessary in my business. The difference is that our two businesses just happen to be on opposite sides of the law, Killian. Your point in the comparison?”

  “My point is that after a while, the peace becomes more appealing than the bloodshed. I think I can speak for Tony as well in saying that.”

  As much as I wanted to deny it, he was being genuine, which piqued my curiosity more than before.

  “Perhaps that makes sense, but Tony was in the prime of his life,” I told him.

  “Tony never recovered after the death of his wife. You know that better than anyone. Loving a woman is a weakness, which is why arranged marriages serve a purpose. The alliance would have taken a burden off his back and could yours should you choose to stay on as an advisor. We could become quite powerful, Max, so much so that you’d find no need to return to guarding prima donna actresses.”

  Now I’d been reduced to an advisor. He really had no clue about my background or my worth. But he had taken enough time to determine how much of an adversary I’d be.

  “Then the deal went south. Didn’t it?”

  He shifted in his seat. “I won’t lie to you that when Tony turned me down cold, I was pissed and yeah, I considered putting a bullet in his head. Then I calmed down and we renegotiated. He hadn’t given me an answer right up until he died. So, yes, we were still at odds.”

  “Now, you think I’m going to be a pushover?”

  “I’m a businessman, just like you. I’ll allow you to consider the former offer but given that I’m aware that your likely intentions are to sell off certain portions of the business now that Tony is gone, I’ll extend the second offer again. I assume you’ll keep certain token businesses for the children’s legacy. That’s also perfectly understandable. If you agree, I’ll be happy to provide you with a very favorable profit, especially from the resorts and nightclubs. In fact,” he said as he pulled out a folded piece of paper from his jacket, “I believe you’ll find this more than reasonable.” He slid it across the table, certain I would jump at the chance given what I’d recently been through.

  Once again, he’d underestimated me.

  I took a sip of my drink before I picked up the note, giving it a casual glance with no reaction. Four hundred million for a two-billion-dollar operation. Interesting.

  “And of course, I can find room for your men, with one exception. I won’t tolerate traitors.”

  “You do have me curious as to what egregious act Liam could have performed to find himself on the list of betrayers. Or did you purposely send him to Tony’s camp so he could glean information for you, keeping watch until this alliance was finalized?” I could tell I was getting under his skin.

  He leaned forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “I realize you’re a powerful man in your own right, Maxwell, but I’ll give you a piece of advice. Slit Liam’s throat. He is trading information to the person responsible for Tony’s murder.”

  For some reason, his certainty about Liam as well as his blatant denial made me laugh for a second time.

  “What did he do?”

  He glanced at his men, holding his breath. “He attempted to kill my son, shooting him in cold blood.”

  “Then why is he breathing?”

  “That’s the single bone of contention Tony and I had at the end. I have no clue why he allowed Liam to work for him.”

  I had an idea, although I didn’t like it. It was time to make my determination whether Killian was responsible for the murder and for the attempted kidnapping.

  “Where was Francesco in all of this?”

  “He’s young, but Tony wanted him to be a part of the organization when he turned twenty-one.”

  “And Shaun?”

  He took a deep breath, holding it for several seconds. “Yet to be determined. Neither Tony nor I had any intentions of giving up control any time soon.”

  Another clue, but how did it fit into everything?

  I pushed my drink aside, crossing my arms on the table as I leaned across the table myself. When I pulled out my weapon, the four men standing guard over us moved closer.

  My men had their weapons pointed at Killian, his at my head.

  “You must think me a fool, Killian. You had everything to gain from Tony’s death, especially since you knew he was undermining your deal with the Saudis. In addition, you said so yourself, arranged marriages work. You had two attempts made to kidnap Raleigh, not expecting they would fail.”

  His eyes opened wide. “Do you honestly think that Tony was undercutting me with the assholes from the Middle East?”

  “I do. There was a large deposit make into one of his offshore accounts.”

  He furrowed his brow. “Yeah, well, it was something we were going to talk about.”

  “But you killed him instead.”

  “No, I did not. The Saudis are animals and in truth, I wasn’t certain I could trust them.” He studied me intently for a few seconds, rapping his fingers on the table.

  “But it pissed you off.” I had no doubt Tony had nothing to do with making any deal. That wasn’t like him.

  “Yeah, I wanted to shove a knife into his gut!” he exclaimed then took a gulp of his drink, cursing under his breath. “Look, he and I were planning a final meeting the day before his death. He never showed. Instead, he had a courier send me some information and I found that unusual. That kept me from doing a goddamn thing but wait for a chance to talk to him. There was far too much at stake for me to fly off the handle.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I’m serious. Tony handled his business without interference, which was something I respected about him. He also brought more to the table alive than dead.”

  That much was true.

  “But I planned on using what I’d learned regarding the Saudis as a bargaining chip, forcing him to handle the sale to keep the Feds off my back. Then we’d split the profits.”