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“Into what?”
“Drugs and high-end hookers. That’s run of the mill.”
Though Marco had nothing but contempt for both, he’d understood Liam’s argument. He could suggest the quid pro quo to the brothers. He’d help them set up operations in New York, and in return they’d provide him with narcotics and women brought in from overseas.
“These men are the worst of the worst,” Liam had growled. “I want to nail their asses, and joining forces with someone who has credentials like yours is the only way I can.” Then taking a breath, he’d added, “I’ll owe you, Marco, I’ll owe you big time.”
After several days of deep thought, Marco had finally agreed.
Liam and his partner, Jack McNaught, a man Liam often spoke of but Marco had never met, devised a scheme and named it Operation GTB. An acronym for Get The Bastards.
Using the underworld grapevine, the Zeppelins would learn Marco Moretti, head of one of the most successful criminal enterprises in the country, wanted to break into the upmarket escort service, and provide happy snow for the wealthy and bored.
The brothers took the bait.
Enjoying a late lunch at one of his restaurants, Marco was approached by a long-legged, dark-haired, green-eyed beauty calling herself Svetlana. Two weeks later he met the Zeppelin brothers in a luxury suite at an expensive Manhattan hotel. Over vodka and caviar, they came to an understanding.
Operation GTB was underway, but after weeks of careful planning, just as the end was in sight, Marco had sensed he was being followed. He’d quickly discovered his shadow was a pesky photographer named Steph Grady.
Chapter 20
Steph felt the SUV slow down, then turn into what she assumed was a driveway. During the long, silent trip from the club, she had come to terms with the predicament in which she now found herself, and had decided it was time to confess the last of her sins. There would be punishment, but she deserved it, and she was prepared for whatever it might be—except his rejection.
His touch sparked her skin.
His kiss left her breathless.
His dark, piercing stare made her knees weak.
And when he wrapped his muscled arms around her, she melted like an ice cream cone on a hot summer day.
The car door opened, and though it wasn’t unexpected, it still made her jump.
“Kick off those shoes and climb out. I’ll help you.”
His voice wasn’t as stern as she’d feared it might be.
Pushing off the stilettos, she shifted in the seat to exit the SUV. With his arm around her waist and his hand pressed on the top of her head, she felt safe as he guided her from the SUV, but as her feet hit icy concrete and a cold breeze swirled around her, a chill rippled through her body.
“Two steps,” Marco declared, guiding her forward.
Putting one foot in front of the other, she was hit by warm air and heard a door close behind her. Suddenly picking her up, he carried her a short distance and placed her in a chair.
A door closed.
She had no idea if he was still in the room.
It didn’t matter.
She wouldn’t dare touch her blindfold or gag.
Silent seconds, possibly minutes, ticked by.
“Are you ready to tell me everything?”
Though his voice startled her, he didn’t sound angry, just stern.
She nodded.
