Page 52 of The Arrangement

Fixing the strap of the white lace brassier underneath the heavy, black fabric, Viviana finally felt like she might not be so under dressed standing next to Anton in his suit. Of course, she was pretty sure that was exactly his motive, too.

“Okay, look.”

Jen turned with a smug grin, arms spreading wide as she appraised Viviana from all angles. A low whistle cut through her lips. “Damn, girl. Look at those legs of yours.”

“Too much leg.”

“Not enough, if anything. Oh, he’s going to love this.”

Viviana sighed. “Good.”

Jen perked up a brow. “You don’t sound happy.”

“Just nervous, I suppose.”

“Honey, for the last few weeks you’re all that man seems to think about. His head is not in the game here like it usually is, but thank God I’m the only one noticing at the moment. With that being said, he’s a damn good boss … in every aspect, you know?”

Viviana swallowed thickly, glancing away from the woman and wondering just how much of the behind the scenes business she actually witnessed day to day. “Yeah, I know.”

“So, it’s your turn. Smile and let him love you. He’s got you now, Vine, all that’s really left is to show everyone else just how much.”

• • •

At Jen’s insistence, the woman all but pushed Viviana out of the office to go find Anton. There was no question she wanted his approval on the dress. With the remote for the toy hidden safely in her palm, Viviana left the small upstairs of the club to find him.

Rounding the staircase, loud laughter brought her attention over the railing. Down below with dimmed lights shadowing the two men who greeted each other, she watched as a manila envelope nearly three inches thick was passed between hands. Anton slipped it under his coat resting on a table where paperwork was spread out.

“If I had to guess by the size, I’d say that’s a better turnout than last month,” Anton said, reaching out to cuff the other man on the shoulder.

“Last month I was a week late.”

“And you’re two weeks early this time around. You’re not forgiven, but I am impressed.”

Anton leaned against the wall so he could survey the large expanse of the club’s floor. It wasn’t hard for Viviana to recognize her lover’s posture or choice in seat. It gave him ready access to move if he needed to quickly, and his line of vision had nearly everything in its path.

“Sit,” he ordered, before his head dropped down to survey the paperwork in front of him.

When the man did, Viviana finally got a look at his shadowed profile. She didn’t recognize him, but his age surprised her. In his early twenties at the least, she figured he was a bit young to be having direct contact with a Bratva boss, especially where what she assumed was money was being exchanged. Usually those men’s ages reflected their time served in the business, but given Anton’s status, maybe there was newer, younger blood taking over, too.

“I took a big risk on you,” Anton said, not even looking up.

Viviana felt her fingers wrap around the edge of the banister, knowing she should probably turn around and leave. More than once she’d overheard conversations that weren’t meant for her ears, and it left her heartbroken because of it. There were things no daughter wanted to know—to hear.

“I know, Boss.”

“No, I don’t think you do. I don’t think you truly realize the weight of my choice. I despised your uncle, but everyone else said you were much too young to take over his spot when I wanted him gone. Sure, I covered for you last month, but I will not be doing it again, Bo. It doesn’t look well for me to do so, and shorts won’t be overlooked. Do that to me again and I’ll break every one of your fucking fingers.”

“I—”

“Shut up. We had this discussion once. I don’t want to have it one more time.”

Silence passed between the two men as Anton scrawled ink on a piece of paper.

“Steph is giving me shit again.”

“No wonder. She’s eight months pregnant and likely questioning why you’re coming home late every night. Marry that girl and explain it to her. Unless you have someone else on the side that’s keeping you away. If that’s the case, you’re just being an asshole and I’ll break your fingers for a whole other reason altogether.”

“No. Steph is enough.”