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Ryan can tell something is bothering me from the questions in his eyes and the worry on his face. He has never seen me this stressed before and it’s not even because of my father’s will reading tomorrow. It’s Chastity. She is occupying every thought in my head because she doesn’t want me.
After we go over the plan once again, I sigh heavily and stand. “That’s enough. It’s time to get ready. Make sure the cars are armored and there’s enough hardware to stage a coup in Russia.”
Ryan nods, his expression set to business as mine should be. However, mine is set to business of a more personal kind and it won’t wait any longer.
As I leave the den, I have the misfortune of running into Diana, who is dressed in red silk with the most exquisite ruby choker wrapped around her slender neck. Her hair is styled sophistically, and she is wearing long red gloves and appears a picture of elegance.
“Leo.” She purrs my name and says huskily, “I hoped I’d run into you. Can we talk?”
I make to push past her, and she reaches out and pulls me back, saying fearfully, “Please. It’s important.”
“You have one minute.” I say with exasperation, and she nods. “Of course.”
She shifts closer and whispers, “I understand Carlos will be there tonight. I overheard some of the guards talking. They heard he was mourning his son and was looking for the man responsible. I don’t think you should go there tonight. It’s too dangerous.”
“Thanks for your concern.” I say sarcastically and add, “I’m not afraid of him and neither are my brothers. If he wants to take us on at a fucking charity event, then I don’t rate his chances of survival, because if we don’t get him, the cops will.”
Diana appears distressed and shakes her head. “It may not be you he targets. An eye for an eye, perhaps. And there will be three more targets accompanying you all.”
“The women?” I stare at her with my darkest expression. “Perhaps you should worry about your own connections and leave me to worry about mine.”
I pull away as she calls after me, “Don’t be a fool, Leo. This isn’t funny anymore. Lives could be lost because you are stubborn, just like your father was.”
In a rage I turn and cover the ground between us and push her up against the wall, holding my hand to her throat and snarl, “I amnothinglike my father and I never have been. Don’t you ever compare me to that monster again.”
Her eyes glisten with tears, but I know she gets off on this sort of thing, so I drop her with distaste and leave without another word. Tomorrow can’t come soon enough for me because tomorrow Diana will no longer exist, even if I must stake my own life on that.
I reach my room with a strange feeling inside. Is it nerves? If so, I don’t like it. There is so much I want to say to Chastity, but now is not the time. She needs me to be strong, not chasing after her like a lovesick puppy.
I head into the room, and she is standing by the window, fully dressed and looking like the queen she is.
My queen. My woman and the one who doesn’t want the job.
“Chastity.” My voice sounds weak, so I harden my heart and growl, “Look at me.”
She turns and the sparkle of her ring catches the light as she tucks a stray hair behind her ear.
“You’re not ready.” She states the obvious, and I nod.
“I’ve been going over the plan with Ryan.”
“Are you going to let me in on it, or must I figure it out for myself?”
Her voice is guarded and I’m not sure if it’s for my benefit or hers, so I move across and sit on the bed and pat the space beside me.
“We need to talk.”
She nods with resignation and sits by my side, and I physically ache to take her in my arms and reassure her that everything will be alright but as always, it’s business first.
“Carlos Matasso may remember you. I’m not certain, but you must prepare for that.”
“I’m sure he will have more important things on his mind than the daughter of two people he murdered all those years ago.” She shrugs and only the way she looks to the ground reveals how emotional she is right now.
“Possibly. Hopefully.” I smile, to try to erase the tension and then say in a low voice. “Or he may know I have recruited you to rid the world of his disgusting personality.”
“We can only hope.” She smiles softly, and it’s like a dart to my heart and so I say carefully, “I want you to stay by my side the entire night. Don’t leave me for a second because together we stand a chance, individually we’re probably fucked.”
“If you insist.” She sighs and I wonder why she doesn’t look happier about that.
