Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66980 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
“You think she’s a hidden threat?” This comes from Kai as he joins us.
He’s always been the peacekeeper between Valen and me. Even though he’s the one who enjoys hand to hand combat, he’s more of a lover than anything else.
“I don’t think we should trust her, that’s all. There’s nothing more to talk about now. I’m done with this back and forth. She’s here to stay, so we need to weed out any information we can,” I say as I step back from the guys. “We have to remember, a threat can lurk anywhere, even inside our own organisations.”
I turn away, focusing my attention on the gardens. I’ve inherited a world that keeps us away from our adversaries, away from the life my brothers and I grew up in. But even so, there’s no escape from those who want to kill us. We may be feared by many, but still there are those who want to take us down.
And that’s why Brielle’s father is on my radar. He offered up his daughter as if she was a sacrifice. It doesn’t make sense to me. However, there’s nothing we can’t uncover. She may intend to keep her secrets, but they won’t stay hidden for very long.
“Maybe it’s because he finally wants to return,” Val suggests. “I mean, he must realise his daughter could be in danger. Or maybe, while he was in London, he got himself into some trouble with the mafia there, and agreeing to give Brielle to you means he knows she’ll be safe.”
“True,” Kai says as he turns to the window. “He could have come to the conclusion it’s his only option.” We stand at the window, looking out over the island. I ponder their words as I focus on what I own.
The view from my office overlooks the rest of the island. The Venier estate stands on one side of the isle, on a cliff top above the crashing waves. And the university is on the other side. From here, I can see the campus in the far distance, and nestled in the middle of the island are the dorms, houses, and shops that occupy the rest of Black Hollow.
There’s an unparalleled beauty on the island.
But there’s also danger—dark and foreboding.
We all finally look at each other again as the questions continue to form. There could be many answers, but one thing is for sure, Saviatti is intelligent enough to realise the only way to keep his daughter safe is to give her to me.
However, even though we try to ensure everyone who attends is loyal to the families that govern the university, people can be bought. Minds can be controlled, even when it comes to those who belong to the Cosa Nostra.
I don’t think we’re ever safe. Not even for a moment.
Everyone has a price.
“We will figure it out,” I finally say. “In other news,” I continue, hoping to change the subject from the girl who has been the only thought in my mind since I first laid my eyes on her. “We need to get the new professors brought in for interviews. They’ve all come highly recommended from Rome.”
I make my way to the desk, and settling in my chair, I pull out the three folders I received a few days ago. Before Brielle and the contract, I had work to focus on. Since her, I’ve become distracted.
“Do you want us in on the meetings?” Valen asks.
“No, I’ll talk to them. I want you both watching her. I know you’re teaching classes this afternoon, but I’d like you to each take a shift. No matter the reason for her father wanting her here, we know there will be a threat to her safety.”
“You seem very concerned about protecting her.” Kai’s tone changes, it’s now filled with intrigue as he crosses his arms and regards me with a stare that looks right through me.
I pin him with a glare. Not because he’s angered me, but because I don’t want to respond to him. There’s no reason, at least not one I’m willing to admit to, for me to want to protect her. Other than the fact she’s a possession, and I always take care of my property.
But Kai thinks there’s more to it—I can read it in the glint of his eye.
“Hey, don’t blast the messenger,” Kai responds. “It’s just an observation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to keep her safe. Fuck it, I’m more than willing to keep her right by my side all day, every day.”
“That’s because you want to fuck her,” Val throws out, and they both laugh.
I’m not amused at all. I fist my hands on the desk before taking a deep breath.
“I can’t deny she’s beautiful,” I finally reply after I’ve calmed myself. “But, I don’t trust anyone until they’ve proven themselves. As you both know.”