It’s Roger’s surprised shout and not the splash of hot coffee that startles me out of the tunnel vision of rage. I look down to realize I’ve squeezed the plastic travel cup hard enough to crack it, and now my latte is dripping off the counter and onto the floor.
“I’m fine,” I mutter, grabbing a handful of napkins to mop up the mess I caused. One more mess to add to the pile.
“Are you sure you’re okay? You’re a little…” My eyes cut his way in time to find him grimacing like he wishes he hadn’t said anything. “Distracted.”
“Like I said, I’m fine. I do, however, need a shower.” My drink now ruined, I abandon the idea in favor of heading for the showers.
Menlike me don’t believe in love, but possession?Fuck yes. And Caterina is mine. There’s no doubt in my fucking mind as I strip down and turn on the shower. I will never allow another man to touch her now that I’ve marked her.
I’m caught between lust and the need to keep her at my side. I can’t hurt her like the others. I won’t. Tying her to me needs to be the next step if I hope to avoid a very bloody, very murderous future.
She is going to be mine in every way that matters.
“Mr. Rossetti, this is an extraordinarily generous donation,” Commissioner Ramsey says, staring at the sizable check I’ve just given him. “We’re truly at a loss for words.”
“I didn’t expect a speech, Commissioner,” I reply with a neutral smile, extending my hand for a handshake. “Just your acknowledgment.” The real message is clear: Keep your distance from me and my associates.
While I have no objection to charitable work, investing in the city is one of the most worthwhile causes I can think of. If I can achieve more than one goal with this gesture, so much the better.
“You certainly have our gratitude,” he says, shaking my hand firmly while eyeing the check with evident disbelief.
“The city will certainly benefit from this.”
“There’s no question. This amount will address many of the city's issues.”
“It’s nothing. I’m always ready to contribute.” I rise, adjust my jacket, and walk around the desk as Roger opens the office door. “If there’s anything else I can do, please let me know. I’m always here to assist the police.”
He turns away, but not before I catch his knowing smirk. We’re both aware of the real purpose behind this donation. Money talks, and in this city, its influence is undeniable. Corruption is prevalent; it’s just a matter of looking closely.
I sit back down as Roger escorts the commissioner out, guided by one of my guards. It’s a relief to move past the pleasantries and focus on what’s important.
“Your next meeting is arriving a bit early,” Roger says, lowering his voice as he peeks through the open door. “Marco mentioned that someone named Joe Smith is here to see you.”
Although the name is clearly a pseudonym, it’s too obvious to be genuine. “Let him in.”
“Do you want to brief me on who he really is, or should I wait and find out?”
“Just know he’s been tracking Amalia.”
Roger nods in understanding and heads to the door to let the man in.
Despite only having met him once years ago, he left a lasting impression. Dressed casually in jeans, a polo, a ball cap, and sneakers, he blends in like any average middle-aged man. His ability to avoid standing out is a testament to his skills.
Roger’s confusion is evident as he pats the man down, but Joe remains composed and takes his seat across from me.
“Do you want anything to drink?” I ask.
“No, I’m fine. I assume you’re busy, so I’ll get right to it,” he replies, clearing his throat. “I’ve been tracking Amalia’s activities. She’s been maintaining her usual schedule—gym, nail salon, spa visits, brunches with friends, and dinners out. There’s been no notable developments.”
“Fuck. I was afraid of that,” I muse, sitting back and tenting my fingers under my chin.
“In a situation like this, I normally recommend one of two courses of action.” I nod for him to continue. “One, we place temptation in front of her. There are a handful of willing young men I use for jobs like this. You want to get her in a compromising position; you can’t go wrong with that.”
“And the other?”
“You give me the go-ahead, and I’ll eliminate the problem. Easy. Simple.”
Roger’s grunt reveals his surprise.
“I don’t want to take it that far,” I decide, ignoring his reaction. I’m surprised Joe would leap to that conclusion so early in the process of attempting to blackmail my ex, but I can’t fault him for it. I asked him for options. “My daughter would never forgive me if she found out. All I need is material strong enough to get her to sign those damn papers.”
“Fair enough.” I know I must be imagining what seems like disappointment in Joe’s voice. He wants to kill her. Well, I can’t pretend I’ve never entertained the thought.
It’s a quick meeting, and his efficiency is one more thing to appreciate.
Once we’re alone, Roger turns to me, and for once, he doesn’t bother keeping it professional. “What the fuck?”
“I told him not to kill her.”
“This is how far it’s gone?”
“Of course, because it’s what she wants.” I snarl. “If she would let me pay her off to keep silent about the things she knows, this would all be a lot easier. But she’s holding out on me, and you know it. I can’t leave this loose end hanging.”
Roger shakes his head. “So you hired a hitman?”
“You’re acting like you’re innocent. Let’s not pretend we haven’t both had blood on our hands.” He has no comeback for that. “I’m not in the mood to discuss morality. I have to do what I have to do.”
And that’s a good thing, since my phone buzzes with a text from Caterina. Morality has nothing to do with our interactions.
Caterina: Thank you for the shirt.
Immediately, my thumbs poise over the keyboard, and I’m prepared to demand a photo of her without the shirt on, but I pause. The last thing I need is physical evidence of what we’re doing.
Her purity stands in complete opposition to the discussion she interrupted. There’s no need to pay her off for her silence. She wants nothing from me but my dick. It’s the simplest relationship I’ve ever known. And therefore, because I’m fucked in the head, the most complex.