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Ben was the irresponsible one.
Yves was the charismatic one who could charm his way through any business dealing.
And I was the stoic asshole with no time for those who didn’t know how to work under my regime of fast-paced, never ending grind. I had high standards and if you weren’t able to meet them, you were simply not worthy of working for the De la Croixes.
“I’ve proved myself toeveryone. They know what I’m capable of, otherwise I would not be here,” I said, razor-sharp. “I know what you’re getting to and the answer is no, Yves.”
I’d shown my abilities when I used my skills to help grow De la Croix Inc exponentially, padding our product lines, creating new contracts, and acquiring new businesses for our portfolio. Today, our guns and knives were sold to various criminal organizations and authorities from coast to coast. Moreover, our strong network and distributions channels helped traffic illicit substances into the country. I’d put my blood and sweat into helping Yves run a strict operation both from a legal and illegal perspective.
The fact that I could lose everything I worked towards because I wasn’t married?
Bullshit.
“Zeno, your work ethic, while impeccable, isn’t enough,” Yves said with an edge. “As the new boss, your every move will be watched. In Montardor and in France. You have expectations to meet and an image to portrait.”
“An image of a married man who’s a vicious leader and a loving husband?” I scoffed.
“Bingo,” Yves sing-songed, drumming his meaty fingers on his thigh. “In our world, every king has a queen, Zeno. You should have known this was coming sooner or later. Initiated men do not stay unmarried for very long.”
I felt fucking led on. Just a few nights ago we were celebrating ‘passing the torch to me’. Now Yves and his goddamn brothers were stepping in to reinforce a rule that was antiquated?
I was livid but trying my best to remain rational and courteous in his presence.
“And who do you propose,papa?”
“The girl you were ‘talking’ to at Chaleur.”
My fingers fisted and my jaw tightened.
Darla Hill was under my skin and I hated that she had even an ounce of power over me. She was a mystery and I wouldn’t rest until I knew how her virgin cunt felt shaped around my cock.
The fact that Yves suggested she be my wife was alarming. Even though a possessive part of me roared at the thought of owning Mayor Hill’s sexy daughter.
“I will not get married.” I cracked my neck on either side. “And that’s final. I can run our businesses without being shackled to a marriage of convenience.”
“You no longer have a say in this,” Yves growled. “You want to run this empire? You want to beleSeigneurdesDe la Croixes? You will do as I say and get married. Otherwise, you can kiss your throne good-fucking-bye.”
I glared at him. “You wouldn’t do that to me.”
“Watch me,” he snapped, one of the very rare times he injected barb into his tone. “I love you, Zeno, but enough. You need a wife. If not for your image and the rules of our world, then for the simple sake of softening you. Your life has been plagued with enough hardships. It’s time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labour.”
“You’re seriously suggesting Mayor Hill’s daughter.” It was a rhetorical question.
“She’s perfect, no? Poised, elegant, educated. Not to mention, absolutely easy on the eyes. Think about it. You’ll be killing two birds with one stone.”
I pondered over this, letting my brain decipher Yves’s words.
If I asked for Darla’s hand in marriage, I would also have an alibi.
And with this union, Mayor Hill and the MPD would have to back down and close Armel Lancaster’s case.
Diane Hill couldn’t have a murderer for a son-in-law. Especially not one who killed a pedophile she saw as her real son, even thought she had no idea about Armel’s true nature.
I was running out of time if today’s meeting was anything to go by. Jacques, Michel, and all the other De la Croixes wanted me married. I could try to convince Yves otherwise, but I knew my stubborn father wouldn’t budge from his demand.
“You need a wife, Zeno,” Yves amended, his expression cooling. “Please understand where I’m coming from.”
With every passing second, it became increasingly obvious what I needed to do.
