Page 184 of Heartless Sinner

“If the topic is women, let’s discuss things they should never have to do.” He snatched a marker from the mug, which served as a makeshift pen holder, turned, and tapped it against the whiteboard. “Fellas, this is mainly for you dumbasses, so listen the fuck up.”

Shockingly, the guys in the room opened their laptops or notebooks and started taking notes, as if he were about to deliver the Ten Commandments, while Cedric started writing a list on the board.

You never make a woman pay for shit.

Whatever she wants for dinner, you make sure that’s what she gets. Even if you have to take a jet to get there.

Always make her come before you do. That’s mandatory.

The way he was trying to act like he was all pro-women was laughable, but I knew his mom—a Mafia princess—was strict about how they viewed the roles of women.

The Marchetti men worshipped the women in their family and never showed disrespect toward them.

Gemma always talked about what good brothers Cedric and Nico were. Once, after Cedric had tried to ban her from social media, she burned every one of his sweaters. In response, he replaced his wardrobe and bought her a Chanel bag as an apology. Gemma insisted their mother had forced her to apologize, but at least she had gotten a new bag out of it.

Giving everyone time to take their notes, Cedric turned on his heel and took a drink of bourbon.

“Now, let’s discuss the female G-spot. Any ladies want to come down here and help me out?”

I covered my mouth as hands went up in the air.

No way would he … no freaking way.

“Mr. Marchetti.”

Everyone turned toward the doorway as Arisono rushed inside.

“Yes?” Cedric asked, taking a gulp while winking at a girl in the front row.

“We do not need a substitute for this class.” She was careful with her words. Even as Headmaster, she knew that the Sons ruled above her.

“Who’s going to teach it then?” he asked. “It appears your professor failed to show up and teach this wonderful subject to my fellow students.” He flicked a marker toward the board. “Don’t worry. I know this material well. I’ll do a good job. Don’t believe me? Have a seat and see.”

Arisono clasped her hands in front of her, her focus fully on us. “Class is canceled for the day. You’re all free to go.” When no one moved, her voice rose into a scream. “Out now! Unless you all want to be suspended!”

Her threat sent everyone to their feet. Students scrambled to pack their belongings, a few dropping books and notebooks on the floor.

I waited until everyone, including Arisono, cleared out of the room before slowly making my way toward Cedric, who was now parked in Sinclair’s chair and texting.

“Hey,” I said nervously.

I’d been around this man more times than I could count, but it was never in a situation as dire as Brooks possibly being labeled as a traitor.

“Yeah?” he asked, not looking up from his phone.

“Cedric,” I stressed, needing his full attention.

He ran a hand through his thick hair while sparing me a single glance. “What?”

I shuffled closer to his side, sitting on the edge of the desk. “Where’s Brooks?”

“Don’t know. I’m not his handler.”

“Is he in trouble with the Sons?”

He pushed the chair back, stood, and slid his phone into his slacks pocket. “Why would I tell you that?”

“I was at the club with him,” I said as he finished off the last of the bourbon and shoved the empty bottle back into the briefcase. “He didn’t say one word about the Sons. Whoever wrote that article is lying … or their source lied to them.”