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He shakes his head. “No.”
“Five percent then.”
“You are in debt to me, little devil. You’re not getting any money.”
“I won’t be in debt forever, right? Eventually, I’ll break even. But here’s the thing, I won’t know that until you tell me. I’m at your mercy.”
He leans forward, his eyes glinting. Handsome and dangerous.
“You’re right, youareat my mercy.”
A sharp clench stabs into my core.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Some part of me actuallylikesthat idea.
“Fine, okay, forget the percentage. I want five million. I’ll do ten paintings for you in total, and when I’m done, you let me go with five million in my bank account.”
“Ten paintings might not cover your debt.”
“We both know they will, assuming you can sell them for what they’re worth.”
“And are you sure they’ll pass inspection? How positive are you that you’re good enough?”
It’s a question I’ve been asking myself ever since I started work earlier today.
Can I really pull this off?
I keep coming back to the same answer, no matter how I look at it.
I have no other choice, so I will.
“I’m sure.”
“Then let’s say this. Ten paintings. If your debt is covered before all ten are sold, I’ll give you five million, regardless of what’s left.”
“Five million and you let me go.”
He nods once. “And I let you go.”
“And you guarantee the other guys won’t try to hurt me.”
“That’ll be harder, but I think once everyone’s got their money and then some, we’ll be in a good position to make that happen.”
I lean back in my chair, studying him. Can I really trust this guy? Erick Costa, mafia boss, casino owner, fucking psycho monster? He’s handsome, and he likes my world, and he’s weirdly complimentary, but I still can’t get over the whole parking lot drugging thing.
Still, if what he’s saying is true, this is my only shot at staying alive.
I hate myself for this. I hate him for it too. All my life, I worked hard to never become my father, and now I’m diving in. I’m not just trying to save my life—I’m profiting too.
I guess being a shitty con-man asshole runs in my blood.
“You have a deal then.” I shove my hand out.
He takes it. His palm is huge, and he rubs my knuckles gently, sending my head spinning into space. My god, even the slightest touch from this beast sends my heart rate skyrocketing. He licks his lips, looking at me, and that stare is utterly erotic. He drips with masculine intensity, and I could scream with desire, if I also didn’t want to stab him with my fork.
I release him first, pulling away.
