Page 40 of Pride


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“Bella,” Gio growls, eyes narrowing. “You don’t speak to your fiancé like that.”

I chuckle. “Don’t worry, I quite like how fiery she is.”

He arches a brow. “You don’t think she’ll be too much of a burden?”

“You do realize I’m standing right here?” Bella asks, looking offended that we’re talking about her as if she isn’t.

Gio shakes his head. “Isiah, will you join me in my study before dinner?”

I smirk at Bella, who won’t stop staring daggers at me. “Of course, I’d love to.” I notice the way she clenches her fists by her sides. “Lead the way.”

Gio does that as we walk away from my fiancée without another word directed at her.

“Motherfuckers,” I hear her mutter to herself, making me laugh. Luckily, Gio doesn’t hear, as I don’t think he’d be so forgiving as me.

When we enter Gio’s study, I take a deep breath and take stock of my surroundings to see if there’s anything that could help me with my plans. Anything I missed the first time I was in here with Cathal, James, and Cain.

There are shelves lined with books and artifacts that are no doubt old family heirlooms. The desk is large and made of sturdy hardwood, and no doubt passed down from generation after generation. A rich history that I intend to bring to an end. On the walls hang paintings of people I can only assume are ancestors of Gio Benedetto.

I take a seat opposite Gio, and he gives me an expectant look. “We must discuss the logistics of you marrying my daughter.”

In other words, he wants to know just how rich he will get from an alliance with me and my organization. “I believe that we’ll both benefit greatly from an alliance.”

He nods in agreement. “Of course. But what is it you can give me?”

At least he cut right to the chase.

“Money and influence to name just two.”

He smirks. “And how about a chance for the two of us to sell into each other’s territories?”

“You want to see your heroin in London?” I confirm.

He nods eagerly. “Yes, and you can sell your cocaine here in Washington. Together we can take the two cities by storm.”

It’s ambitious and if it weren’t for the fact I intend to kill this man, I’d say it’s a good plan. “Okay, we can figure out the details with my man. I’ll have to fly him here to do the deal, as well as my solicitor.”

“Smart man,” he says, standing and walk over to a dresser with decanters full of liquor. “A drink?”

“Whiskey, if you have it.”

“Of course.”

He pours us both a drink and then returns, passing me a crystal tumbler with a large helping of whiskey. “How soon would you like to wed my daughter?” And then, to my disgust, he sits down next to me.

Despite my skin crawling at having to be so civil to the man responsible for Aiden’s death, I force myself to consider the question. I don’t want to appear overly eager. “Well, my man and solicitor should be able to visit within a week. And then say another week to sort out all the paperwork.” I run a hand across the back of my neck. “Then there are the marriage licenses. How long do they take here?”

He chuckles. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll have one within twenty-four hours if we want.” Clapping my shoulder, he announces, “One month should be plenty of time, don’t you think?”

“I would think so, yes.” One month is too long in my eyes, but I can’t seem desperate. It means another thirty-one days of playing this false role as a man who actually likes the Benedetto family.

“Perfect. Shall we have some dinner now?” Gio polishes off his whiskey and I copy him.

“Sounds good.”

He leads the way out of his study and into the dining room, where the others have already started eating. I’m surprised when I see Cathal Bingley is here, especially considering how our conversation went yesterday evening. It sets me on edge that now my secret is not so secure. Although, Cathal claims he knew the first time we met. The way he was talking, he intended to call things off with Nina Benedetto. Unless he’s letting her down gently.

Cathal notices me and smiles. “I hear you’ve struck a deal for the beautiful Bella?”

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