Page 31 of The Hunter's Empire

"Probably." The way he says it makes it sound less like certainty and more like a challenge.

For a moment neither of us moves. Then Domenico finally reaches for a bottle of water nearby, twisting the cap open without taking his eyes off me.

"Fine." He says. "Let us discuss the Keegans."

His tone shifts subtly. Still smooth, still calm, but sharper underneath now.

He takes a slow drink before continuing. "Tell me something first." His gaze narrows slightly. "Why do you really want information on them?"

I sit across from him on the leather bench, crossing one leg over the other carefully. "Stefano Rinaldi wants leverage for acquisition negotiations. I am helping facilitate the process."

"The official version." Domenico recaps the bottle slowly. "I am asking for the truth."

"And what makes you think you deserve it?"

"Because people do not come to me unless they are desperate, ambitious…" His eyes hold mine. "Or planning something ugly."

I hold his stare without blinking. "You assume a lot."

"I observe a lot." The confidence in his voice is quieter now. More intimate. Which somehow makes it worse.

Domenico leans forward slightly, forearms resting against his knees.

"You inherited an empire built on fear." He says quietly. "And instead of hiding behind the men already running it for you, you are trying to carve out authority of your own."

His head tilts slightly, dark eyes studying me with unnerving precision.

"The Keegans are not your problem." He continues. "They are simply the hardest target in the room." A faint pause. "Which is exactly why you chose them."

I keep my expression neutral, though irritation flickers beneath my skin. "Your job is not weaving conspiracy theories."

His voice remains calm. Certain. "Myjobis observing patterns." He leans back slightly, gaze never leaving mine. "Your uncle undermines you publicly, does he not?" He asks. "Questions your judgement. Treats you like a temporary figurehead instead of someone capable of leading."

My jaw tightens almost imperceptibly.

Domenico notices anyway.

"There it is." He murmurs. "I was wondering what truly motivated you."

"This assignment is business."

"It is personal." He corrects softly. "You took this job because if you succeed where others fail, nobody in your organization can question your authority again."

The words land too close to the truth. I hate that he sees it.

"You think wanting respect is some kind of weakness?"

"No." His gaze sharpens slightly. "I think wanting to prove yourself can make intelligent people reckless."

A small silence settles between us.

Then I say evenly, "Mikkel believes I am incapable of handling operations beyond negotiations and public relations. He thinks difficult work should be left to men with experience." My eyes hold his. "So yes. I accepted the Keegan assignment because I intend to prove him wrong."

Domenico studies me carefully for a moment before a slow smile appears. "That," he says quietly, "is a far more dangerous motivation than money."

Before I can answer, his eyes lower briefly. To my thigh. The subtle outline beneath my dress is barely noticeable, but of course he catches it immediately.

"You brought a gun into my home." There is no anger in his tone.