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He’d already ordered a glass of wine for me.
“What happened?” he asked, instantly inquiring about my relationship with Cato.
“Hi. Nice to see you too. What’s new?”
He lifted his gaze and gave me a vicious glare. “I’m crashing with one of the women I used to sleep with. I pay for rent and food with sex and monogamy. All I have is the money I swiped from the vault and the accounts. That’s what’s new with me, Siena. Now, what’s happening with Cato?”
That was more information than I needed to know, but since we weren’t that close, it wasn’t totally awkward. “We’re exclusive.”
Landon’s furrowed brows softened into a look of surprise. “Did he ask for that?”
“Yes.”
“Really?” he said. “You’re monogamous?”
“Until I’m finished decorating his house. That’s the plan, at least.”
He rubbed his fingers across his jaw, feeling the thick beard he’d allowed to grow in since the last time I saw him. “Your plan is working. A guy like Cato doesn’t quit a lifestyle like his without reason.”
“I’m just as surprised as you are.” I thought it would be a lot more difficult to lure Cato into a connection. This guy could have any woman he wanted—and as many women as he wanted. To put that aside just to enjoy me seemed illogical. “But I think he’s grown tired of the repetitiveness of life. I think he’s bored and unfulfilled. I’m the only woman in the world who’s ever told him no. I’ve played hard to get. I’ve dated other men in the meantime. That’s not something he’s used to, and I think he’s intrigued by it.”
“Whatever you’re doing, it’s working.”
“Yeah…”
“You think you can get him somewhere alone? Your house would be the perfect spot. It’s quiet, and there are no neighbors. Damien and Micah could show up in the middle of the night while he’s asleep and ambush him then.”
“Even when he’s at my place, his men establish a perimeter around the property.”
“Tell him it makes you uncomfortable.”
Even if I did, I would be too paranoid to see the plan through. “Landon, I don’t know if I can do it. He threatened me. Not directly, but he did. Maybe he was stupid enough to fall for my ploy this far, but I don’t think he’s dumb enough to fall for this. Bates is on to me too. Said he doesn’t like me or trust me.”
Landon held my gaze as he listened, his hand returning to his glass.
“I’m on the edge of a knife. Cato clearly feels a connection toward me. He tells me things, and when I see through his bullshit, he appreciates it. There’s clearly something between us, the beginning of something anyway. If I betray him and it doesn’t work…I know he’ll torture me and kill me. He said it straight to my face.”
“That was exactly what I warned you about.”
“So…I think I have a different idea.”
“What?” Landon asked. “Kill him in his sleep and take his body to Damien? You’d never succeed. And I’m sure they want him alive.”
“No.” My new idea was just as dangerous as my original plan, but it might have a better chance of success. “What if I tell Cato about my dilemma? What if I tell him my father has been kidnapped and the only way I can save him is by handing Cato over?”
My brother gave me the same look he’d been giving me our whole lives—like I was the biggest idiot on the planet. “And you think Cato will happily hand himself over to make your life easier? Maybe you’re good in bed, but no woman is that good.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what did you mean? Tell me how this idea could possibly work.”
“Cato Marino is the most powerful man in this country. You’ve told me that more than once, and I’ve seen it with my own eyes. He owns everything and everyone. What if I told him the truth and asked for his help? Who would be better to make that happen? Cato could snap his fingers and our father would be saved and Damien and Micah would be six feet under. They wouldn’t stand a chance against him.”
When Landon didn’t argue right away, it meant he was considering my words. With narrowed eyes and focused thoughts, he mulled it over. “That sounds like a dream come true. But why would he want to help you after you admit this was all a ruse? You tricked him, and he fell for it. He’s gonna be so pissed, he’ll probably rip your head off.”
“True…”
“Like, actually snap your neck. I’ve heard that’s his favorite way to kill people.”
At least it would be painless and wouldn’t make a mess. I’d look pretty in my casket.
“Cato will never forgive you for tricking him. The guy could be madly in love with you, but the second he realizes everything was a lie, he’ll rip you apart. This guy rules with fear and torture. You’re not special. He treats all his enemies exactly the same way. He’s not gonna allow you to make a fool out of him.”
