Page 56 of Carnal Wagers

“But not enough to leave the business and move here?”

The French Côte d’Azur mafia was different from the Italians and even the Irish. It didn’t trap its members indefinitely in the organization. That was because it grouped dozens of street gangs over a range of cities, overseen by a caïd, my brother. That meant each gang handled the comings and goings of its members, as long as no one damaged the bottom line. It wasn’t uncommon for people to buy their way out, in one form or another, if they wanted it enough. If Erel wanted to leave, my brother would hate it, but he’d never force him to stay.

Erel ground his teeth and took the exit for the Fall River Expressway that would take us down to Stoughton.

“Same can be said for her. She refuses to leave her company and Boston. Doesn’t want to live in Europe. Says she shouldn’t have to be the one to give up her life.”

I let that hang. It did sound like Maeve. Maybe that was why their long-distance relationship hadn’t evolved over the last two years. They were both too stubborn not to see it through, but too dedicated to their separate lives to really commit to each other. It was such a contradiction to their earlier affection that I couldn’t help but pity them, all my jealousy up and gone in a puff of smoke.

“One of you is going to have to give in, or this won’t go anywhere,” I finally said.

He sighed. His speed slowed as we entered town and veered down a road on the right. “I know, but I don’t think either of us can.”

“Can’t or won’t?”

“Both.” He tapped his window at a blur of lit-up cars in the parking lot of a one-story business cluster. “We’re here.”

As planned, we pulled into a small, dark parking lot belonging to a single building on the opposite side of the road a little farther down. From here, we could walk to the gathering and still have a full view of what was happening, while keeping the vehicle hidden.

“If you’re serious about her, I’ll help convince Adrien to let you out.”

“Let it go.”

“You could frame it as a business expansion to the US.”

“I said drop it.” The door handle clapped and released from his forceful tug. “My love life is none of your business. Stay out of it.”

He exited the car.

“Don’t forget the gear handle,” I said.

“As if I could forget.” He tapped the bulges in both of his back pockets, then pulled his skull balaclava over his face. “One of the most renowned hitmen in the world and security advisor to one of the biggest European banks, and I’m relegated to bodyguard and prank duty.”

“Don’t lie. You’ve actually been enjoying this change of pace. And honestly, it’s been nice getting to know your broody self outside my brother’s shadow.”

He cleared his throat. “You’re going to have to explain how any of this is going to get O’Leary to divorce you.”

“Watch and learn.” I got out of the car and adjusted my breasts in the bustier to show just enough cleavage to tempt. Then I slipped on a cropped faux-fur jacket and flipped my hair out. “I’m playing the long game. Right now, it’s about snaring and fucking with my prey.”

“Whatever you say, princess.”

Loose gravel crackled and rolled under my wedges. I punched him in the shoulder, hard enough to make him grunt.

“Don’t call me that.” I waved over my head. “I’ll distract him as long as I can. Good luck.”

The moment I no longer felt his eyes between my shoulder blades, I shrugged away lingering tension and walked across the street, with a seductive smile, intrigue in my eyes, and a sexy strut. It was showtime.

Chapter 17

It made sense why they chose this area for a street race. It didn’t seem unusual here for people to exceed the speed limit at two in the morning. Businesses along the road were spaced out, with no neighborhoods in sight. Good thing because, with the flashing lights, the number of people, and the volume of their music, the partygoers weren’t exactly subtle.

Someone whistled. “Hey, sexy, you lookin’ for me?”

“Nope.” I walked past the group of four in oversized clothing, each drinking from a can of beer and spray-painting grotesque graffiti on concrete wheel stoppers.

“Come on. We’ll show you a good time.”

“Not interested.”