When he folded his arms around mine, pressing his already hardened cock against my backside, I shifted back and forth, creating a wave of friction.

  “Yes. Keeping it. Whatever he wants. Almost. Without a doubt.”

  I had to think about his answers, laughing softly. “A man of so many words.”

  “I told you I had flaws.”

  “That’s okay. I still love you.” The words flowed easily, and I waited to see his reaction. There was nothing but blankness and a cold chill sputtered through my heart.

  That’s when he spun me around, using his thumb and forefinger to grip my chin. “My life isn’t easy, but neither has yours been. It’ll be tricky running the organization the way I have planned. Your brother will not be happy, but he’ll learn that power is a double-edged sword. As far as love, there is no room in my world for the emotion. That makes it impossible to concentrate.”

  I could feel myself tearing up, which was ridiculous. He’d never made me any promises. We weren’t destined to be together and never had been. Then why did the truth hurt so badly?

  “It’s okay, Max. You don’t need to continue. I get it.”

  “Did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much, interrupt often, and never allow anyone to finish?”

  The look in his eyes was unreadable. “I don’t—”

  He pushed his long fingers across my lips. “You’re not listening to me, sweetheart. So, let me be very clear. I’m making some changes to your father’s organization as well as to mine. That allows me time to enjoy what I covet the most. The woman who belonged to me the second I laid eyes on her. I don’t give a shit if this is taboo or if I’ll go to hell because of our carnal sins. The ride will be worth every second of frying in the fire for all eternity. You’re mine, baby. Not just for now, but forever. I’ve fallen in love with you.”

  When he dropped his head, I pressed my palms against him, but he refused to let me go, tasting my lips all over again.

  And this time, it was that much sweeter.

  Maxwell

  I’d heard the same crap every once in a while, that revenge was best served cold. Not in this case. I liked my methods of retaliation like I liked my women.

  Hot as sin.

  Or maybe I should say hell’s fire.

  My cock still ached from taking my beautiful possession for a second time, only forcing myself to leave in order to finish business. I was finished with playing games, the last piece to place before checkmate perhaps the most fun I’d had in a long time.

  I hadn’t gone after Shaun after the warehouse attack. I’d had a feeling his father would deal with him. If that didn’t happen, then Killian and I would have a discussion the man wouldn’t like. If he was an honorable Irishman, he’d do the right thing.

  I sat leaning back in the thick leather chair, my feet on the desk. While it was a little early for a tall glass of scotch, I was in a celebratory mood. Some would say, including Tony, that I had a sick sense of humor. Come to think of it, I think he had more than once.

  Chuckling, I swirled the glass, enjoying the few moments of peace. When I heard a deep voice just outside the door, I didn’t bother moving.

  I was far too comfortable.

  The door opened and I planted a grin on my face.

  “Maxwell. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  After taking another sip of my drink, I held the glass into the sunlight. “You should really consider changing your brand of scotch. This is beneath you, Carmine.” I slowly glanced over my shoulder, allowing my gaze to fall to his polished shoes. It was funny that he remained near the door, perhaps thinking he could make a quick getaway or duck before a bullet went between his eyes.

  Neither one was going to happen.

  “Sure,” he said, swallowing visibly. Why was it that the majority of people who were guilty of something couldn’t hide it very well? Only the pathological liars were good at pretending, which is why I was surprised that anxiety was written all over his face. Carmine Sciascia was a pathological liar.

  Then again, I was certain he feared the Russian Pakhan would be storming into his office at any time, putting a bullet between his eyes. I’d considered letting that happen, not bothering to interfere.

  However, then I would have missed out on all the fun I was having.

  Was that revenge enough?

  Oh, hell, no. But the fucking son of a bitch had his round of fate coming.

  “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you about Francesco’s record. I’ve been swamped.” He acted as if the oversight was no big deal.

  “I’m sure you have. It must be difficult juggling the Saudis and the Bratva at the same time.” I waited until he realized what I’d said before jerking to a standing position. I thought the guy was going to piss all over his five-thousand-dollar trousers.

  He jerked backward then caught himself, raking his hand through his hair. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  I headed toward his humidor, selecting a Cuban. I hadn’t enjoyed a cigar in a long time. While it was a nasty habit, since I’d come closer to dying at the hands of a Russian soldier, saved by the bullet Viper had put into the assassin’s head, I figured I deserved to treat myself every once in a while.

  “Don’t insult me, Carmine. You almost got away with it. That’s what pisses me off the most. I mean, you contacted me, something you didn’t need to do. You provided the very first question that festered in the back of my mind. Why would Tony have suspected his death was imminent?”

  I threw him a single look before snipping the tip, bringing the jeweled lighter I’d found to the end, flicking the Bic until the flame was bright orange. Now I sensed he was growing angry.

  Too bad.

  He had a lot to answer for.

  I took three puffs, turning and blowing the smoke in his direction.

  He remained nervous, but his mouth was pinched. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I was loyal to Tony.”

  “Bullshit. You used Tony. How long did you think you’d have before I’d realized that you were stealing from the account set up to fund the two trusts?” That one seemed to get him, surprise reflected in his eyes. “I will say it was clever how you forged Tony’s signature on a bogus contract he hadn’t agreed to with Mr. O’Rourke. Killian bought it. That’s all that mattered. He believed Tony was handling a situation with the Saudis when you were intervening, taking the down payment and handing it over to Egor Petrov. Does that name ring a bell?”

  Even in the bright light, I could tell his skin was paling. “You’re crazy, Max. I wouldn’t have a thing to do with the Pakhan.”

  “I beg to differ and have a good deal of information corroborating what I’m saying. While Killian was surprised he was being used against Tony then me after I got involved, he was fascinated with what I mentioned. I’m certain you’ll be hearing from him.”

  “Max. Be reasonable.”

  “I’m always reasonable, to a point.” I stubbed out the cigar, the tobacco leaving a disgusting taste in my mouth. “You made some mistakes, Carmine, but I’m certain it was because you knew my men were searching internet files. You were careless about transfers, trying to make it seem like Tony had also double-crossed Killian with some pretty hefty arms deals. At the same time, you thought you were clever by contacting the prosecuting attorney. You know, Jefferson Carter, the man who was at Tony’s funeral harassing me? You figured playing it from all sides would get what you wanted, the full destruction of two major crime syndicates, thereby making you a powerful man.”

  The beads of sweat rolling down his face were increasing. “That’s a lie.”

  “Is it? I am curious how much you were paid to betray a man you knew for over twenty years. How much?” I allowed my rage to flow into my voice. He was lucky I didn’t have my hand wrapped around his throat.

  He was shaking from anger, which almost sickened me. I took my time, growing weary of the game already.

  “Oh, and by the way. I’m not entirely certainly why you believed Shaun O’Rourke would play fair with you. That has me curious.”

  Carmine opened his mouth to retort then thought better of it.

  “Either way, I’ve let the cat out of the bag so to speak that you were playing various sides. Oh, and Francesco? For some reason you wanted me to believe he could have had a hand in his own father’s death given his history of violence. I had it checked out, making a few trades with the prosecuting attorney. Francesco had a few stupid incidents but nothing harmful, just kid stuff. Nice try though. That young man will be the head of the Cosa Nostra one day. So, I’d watch out if I were you. Maybe it’s not your concern given the possibility you’ll be arrested for extortion and fraud given what you did with the trust funds. It will be a fascinating couple of days watching the sparks fly.”

  It was good to see the man sweat. There was nothing more I wanted than to put a bullet in his head, but that would cause me more problems than it was worth.

  Besides, I had bets on who would be the one to tear him apart limb by limb given the twisting truths I’d discovered. My mother had always told me that brains beat brawn. This was the single time I’d listened to her.

  Maybe it wouldn’t be the last.

  “You don’t know what you’ve done. You have no clue how Tony’s business needs to be handled. And he was far too lovesick to pay much attention. I was trying to do Tony a favor. He was leaving almost everything to his kids. He was ruining everything. I was his best friend.”

  I polished off the drink, placing it on his bar with a heavy thud.

  “Here’s the thing, Carmine. It wasn’t your call to make. It was his company, his family. And you were no friend of his.” As I walked toward the door, I thought I’d give him one last friendly piece of advice. “If I were you, I’d get out of town as quickly as possible.”

  Then I left without saying another word.

  Maybe gambling was an activity I would enjoy after all.

  As soon as I exited the Maserati, I noticed Martin. He looked a lot different than the last time I’d seen him. Then again, as Killian said, we were all aging. I swaggered closer, grinning from the way he was shaking his head.

  He stuck out his hand, his shake as forceful as I’d remembered. “You did okay for yourself, buddy,” he said as he threw a nod toward the car.

  “A rental. For now.”

  “Yeah, well, I’ve heard all about your methods of operation from buddies of mine. You’re a rich, powerful man. You’re really giving up Powers Security?”

  “Who said I was giving up anything?”

  Marty shrugged, an amused look on his face. “I heard you were the new Godfather. That tells me many things.”

  Smirking, I liked the title better than boss. Maybe I’d start using it. “Who said I can’t juggle two things?”

  “You’re the single man I know who could.”

  “So what are you doing here?”

  “I just came to thank you for your gift.” He chose his words carefully. “We did some cleanup on the items you prepared for us and managed to make some interesting acquisitions.”

  I couldn’t help but chuckle. We were standing outside Tony’s estate, a location that would become my second home, and he was uncomfortable as hell, fearful the conversation could be overheard. “I’m glad I could help.” I pulled a jump drive from my pocket, handing it to him.

  “What’s this?”

  “Call it an early Christmas present.” While I still had no idea what would happen to Carmine, it was the right thing to do, especially for Tony’s memory. Leave no stone unturned. Maybe the pompous attorney would be arrested. I knew without a doubt if that occurred, he’d be eaten alive in prison. Either way, I would get what I wanted.

  “You’re just full of surprises.”

  “You know how I am. So, why are you here? And don’t tell me it’s to request I come to Sunday dinner.”

  He laughed. “I thought you’d be interested to learn that Shaun O’Rourke’s body was found in Central Park. A hell of a thing. It looks like he was robbed.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Yeah. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about it. Would you?”

  Squinting from the bright sun, I shook my head. “No, but I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s dog eat dog in the world of crime.”

  He pointed a finger in my face. “Remember what I told you. No charges are going to be filed in that warehouse fire against you or your men, but I can’t promise for the future.”

  “I’m not asking you to.” This time, I held out my hand. “Take care of yourself, Marty. You’ve been a good friend.”

  As the front door opened, Raleigh walking outside, her arrival drew both our attention. She was a vision of beauty, the dress she’d chosen flowing in the light breeze, the smile on her face tempting.

  “I hope she’s worth it, buddy,” he said quietly. “You have a hell of a lot at stake.”

  “You have no idea, my friend. She’s everything.”

  He patted me on the shoulder then headed to his car.

  As I turned to face her, the light of the afternoon sun shimmering across her face, I thought about everything that had transpired. I hadn’t asked for this nor had I wanted to become the leader of a criminal empire when it was dropped into my lap, but at this point in my life, I’d come to realize that often things happened that were out of your control.

  They could be the best experiences in a person’s life if they were smart enough to grab onto them.

  I was no idiot. This kind of opportunity came along once in a lifetime.

  And I had no intention of fucking it up.

  As I walked closer, she placed a hand on her hip, giving me a hard onceover. “Welcome home, Mr. Powers.”

  “It’s good to be… home.” I pulled her into my arms, surprising the hell out of my soldiers.

  “You’re in a frisky mood.”

  “Always. Let’s go inside.”

  She pressed her hand against my chest, lifting her lovely eyebrows. “Francesco is inside. He’s not a happy young man.”

  “I suspect not.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  I thought about the options. “I’m going to make him Underboss.”

  I’d made my decision. I liked the term Godfather. I’d continue using it as I ran the Powers Empire out of New York City.

  CHAPTER 21

  Los Angeles, CA

  Two weeks later

  Raleigh

  “Where are you taking me?” I asked coyly, although I had a feeling Maxwell had no intentions of telling me. The sun was shining. There were palm trees everywhere. I hadn’t realized how much I’d enjoy living parttime in California. Then again, I’d had an incredible and very personal tour guide for the past few days.

  Max casually looked over, but it was impossible to read his entire expression given his dark shades. “It’s a surprise.”

  “I don’t get a hint.”

  “Not one. Then it wouldn’t be a surprise, now, would it?”

  “You’re such a mean man. Just arrogant and haughty.”

  “So you’ve told me several times.”

  “And I meant every word.” I settled further into the seat, studying the passing scenery. “It’s beautiful here.”

  “I’m glad you like it. We’ll spend a good portion of our time here.”

  “What about New York?”

  He laughed and made a turn. “I have faith in Francesco.”

  “You’re stretching his abilities.”

  “He’s on a short leash. Gio calls me at least three times a day.”

  “Thank God he’s recovering.” The bullets missed major arteries, but he was still in a lot of pain. That hadn’t stopped him from cracking the whip with my brother.

  Chuckling, I twisted my head, admiring the man sitting next to me. He’d changed so much since I’d met him. I hadn’t been lying about his arrogance. He was exactly what was needed in order to keep my father’s organization intact and thriving. I’d seen more respect out of the soldiers than I thought would happen. Of course, it hadn’t hurt that Max had taken out so many of the Bratva singlehandedly.

  He was strong and dominating.

  And he was all mine.

  I wasn’t paying attention to where he was driving. Just being with him on such a beautiful day was priceless. He’d brought a bag, tossing it in the trunk, and I was curious what he’d placed inside. I could only imagine knowing him.

  “So, I have something to tell you,” he said a few minutes later.

  “Oh, you do, huh?”

  “A confession and I don’t make many.”

  “Okay. I’m all ears.” He was still quiet as he made another turn.

  Then I knew why.

  Every muscle tensed, my throat tightening as I noticed the sign.

  “The Los Angeles Ballet?”

  He pulled into a parking lot, finding a spot then throwing the gear into park. “The director is a former client.”

  A cold chill coursed through me.

  “No. No. This will not happen.” How could he do this after knowing what my father had done? I was furious, although a tiny part of me was touched.

  “Look,” he said as he unfastened his seatbelt, shifting in my direction. “This is your choice. All I did was make a single phone call about an audition.”

  “You expect me to believe that?”

  “Have I ever lied to you?”

  I chewed on my lower lip, uncertain what to think at this point. “I don’t want handouts. I wasn’t good enough.”

  “Answer me this question. Do you love to dance?”

  “Sure.”

  He gripped my jaw, forcing me to look at him. “That’s not good enough. Do. You. Love. To. Dance?”

  I took a deep breath and the look in his eyes was captivating. “More than anything. You know that, but I won’t ever have a favor used so I can succeed.”

  “You won’t have that chance if you aren’t given the opportunity to show what you can do. I’ve seen it. I believe in you. Maybe it’s time you believed in yourself.”

  After closing my eyes briefly, I thought of all the reasons it wasn’t going to work. “I haven’t trained in over a week.”