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An idea pings forward in my mind, and I surge across the desk and snag the paperwork to shuffle through. “Any of these dickheads from the families?”
“A couple lower-level members, no one high up on your list,” he says. His gaze tracks over every single twitch as I leaf through the printed stack.
“Any chance of someone in Gardello’s family showing up? Better yet, can you make it happen?”
“Can I make it happen…” Soo mocks. “It will only take a little enticement. Probably a little something from Lucas to draw in a few individuals wanting what he is offering, but maybe not what you are.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Once the papers are stacked neatly again, I look over my desk at him. “We just need them to see her, to realize that no one is safe, and even a princess of the five families can fall into hell.”
“And after that?”
I shrug. “After the auction, we’ll be in the open, and it won’t matter as we’ll be breathing down all their necks.”
He tips his head and lays it back over the curve of the chair to look up at the ceiling.
As if waiting for a lull in the conversation to enter, Lucas shuffles into my office and slinks into the other chair in front of my desk. “Are we having a family meeting?”
Soo tilts his head to glare at him, but it’s half-hearted. “We were just discussing the auction. You’ve got good timing; we need to get some info on what you plan to provide for refreshment.”
Lucas shoves his hands into the front of the black hoodie he’s wearing. “You make it sound like I’m the bitch here, slinging drinks.”
I lean over the desk, ready to ply his ego with what I know he wants most: power. “Actually, we need to ensure a few people are there and no one knows your customer base like you do. Do you have anything special laid away?”
“Like what?” he stares at me, not blinking.
“Like something to lure out more prominent members of the five families. It’s time to invite them to come out and play.”
He licks his lips and takes a long, gusty inhale. “Yes, I have a few things that might interest them. Mostly a special blend of cocaine from Belize, which I know several of them have been begging me for over the past few months. What do you want me to say?”
I shrug. “Say what you usually say, but make sure they know they can’t get the goods unless they are in attendance that night. We need one prominent member of each family to be present.”
“Even Ricci?” Lucas asks, studying me as intently as Soo did a moment ago. “What do you think will happen when he realizes his precious princess is on the auction block?” More venom than usual laces his tone as he speaks.
“He’ll be a little more difficult to lure out of his compound, but I think we can manage it between the three of us. Maybe tap that little 18-year-old he’s been fucking for the past few months on the regular. I’m sure she’d love to earn a few bucks and get him off her regular list. He might pay her well, but no woman should have to suffer his ugly mug indefinitely.”
“And his daughter? What are your plans for her?” Lucas asks, still gazing at me.
His interest in her annoys me. Why does he care what happens to her? She’s none of his concern. I scowl and lock eyes with Soo as I speak, as he basically asked me the same thing. “Sell her to the highest bidder, of course. If someone from the five families buys her, that will be even better. Maybe they will tear each other apart while we make our move.”
“I don’t believe you,” Lucas sneers.
“Lucas…” Soo warns.
I hold up my hand, stopping Soo from speaking for me. “What are you trying to say, little brother?”
“I’m saying I can tell you’re getting attached to the girl. Are you going to be able to keep her a virgin so you can get your money’s worth, or will you jeopardize our cut to get your dick wet?”
I don’t even think about my reaction or if it will make me appear weak. Instead, I surge out of my chair and lean over the desk, intending to keep my tone even, but it drops toward menace as I speak. “I’ll do whatever I damn well please, and you’ll say thank you for it whether or not you get a cent in exchange.”
Lucas waves a hand in the space between us. “Look at you. Even now, she threatens your control, and she’s not even in the fucking room. What are you going to do when a room full of men want to touch her? Want to play with her? Want to fuck her?”
