“The plane will begin its descent.” The pilot’s voice pulls me from my thoughts as I stare at the clear sky and beautiful landscape. I make sure Prince is settled in the seat before texting my new assistant and advisor, Giselle.
I came to a decision when my mother showed me the property she gave me. I need a large steady financial flow, however I don’t want the consequences of a mafia or something illegal.
So, Giselle has been teaching and advising me to go after new ventures. The woman is a business savant and in this short time she’s been so helpful to me. It’s a slower process than I’d like but my income and business is quietly rising.
“It seems like you’ve been planning things lately.” I smile, tucking my phone away as Noé leans on her hand, leaning towards me. She watches my hands before looking up at me under her lashes. Damn, she’s gorgeous, it’s just not fair.
“Does it?”
“Mhm. Let me ask you something.”
“Anything.”
“Do you really plan on joining the Malone’s? I’m all for you and Milo if he makes you happy but is that what you want? I’ll support you either way.” I sigh, resting my head against the seat as I stare at the beautiful woman next to me.
“I like Milo, when he’s not driving me crazy. We get along well, talk easily, and have an understanding like we’ve been friends for years. But, I don’t know if I could ever fully be with Milo.” I sigh, looking at Prince lying in the seat across from me.
“I have no interest in being in the Malone mafia, that’s partially why I don’t want whatever we have to change. Because if we label it, if we define it or develop it, then it changes.” I sigh, looking out the window. It’s a beautiful day.
Lucia wants us to come early so the women can get lunch and have a girls day before dinner. I have no doubt that she’s planning something but I also have my own agenda. I sigh, as the plane comes to a slow stop, texting Harley that we’ve landed.
“As the girlfriend of a mafia prince, there are limitations. Expectations from his family that I know I’ll never achieve.” Ryland and Rusty don’t hesitate to rush off the plane, only pausing to flirt with our personal stewardess. I don’t know how or when they asked Milo to tag along but they did and Milo agreed. They’ve been talking about all the French women they’re going to hook up with.
“Besides, I want a life of my own before I get tied to anyone. I went from being a homeless abandon to being bought by my father’s mafia. Reuben is likely dead and Reggie gave us all a chance to start over. I want my own empire.” I slip on my glasses as we grab our bags, making our way off the plane. There are 2 custom Bentley Flying Spur by Mansory cars running and ready.
Giselle is waiting with Dante, ex special ops veteran and former special agent, my head of security and 3 other members of my new security team. Along with my driver, ex pro Nascar champion, Sonny.
Giselle walks past the guys coming over to me with a smile. She’s gorgeous even in her late 30s. Her blonde hair shines under the Parisian sunshine, her black pantsuit with a plunging neckline shows off her figure, her red lips a contrast to all of the black. Noé crosses her arms next to me, glaring at Giselle, waves of jealousy pouring off of her.
Dante and the security take our bags, while Giselle comes to stand next to me.
“Good morning, Snow. I hope you had a pleasant flight.”
“Thank you Dante. Good morning, Sonny, Giselle. This is Sparrow.” She nods understanding shining in her eyes. I don’t have to say more since I’ve already explained who Noé is to me for all of them to understand.
“Good morning, Ms. Sparrow. I have been instructed to escort your luggage to the hotel, however there is someone else arriving to drive you.” Noé looks at Giselle full of distrust but Giselle pays it no mind.
“What the hell is she talking about, Winter? Why aren’t we driving together? You’ve been keeping a lot of secrets from me lately. You’ve been becoming a different person, don’t get me wrong she’s sexy, but I hate how secretive she is.” She almost looks hurt and bothered as she glances at Giselle pointedly.
The thunderous sound of a motorcycle bounding towards us grabs all of our attention and I smirk as recognition fills Noé’s eyes. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to keep secrets from you. Harley made me promise that she’d be the first to give you a tour of Paris.” She immediately starts to relax and soften which I’m grateful for. Because there is some business I need to take care of beforehand.
“What about you? Are you going to see Milo?” Noé addresses me but her eyes never leave Harley. I can tell she’s trying not to swoon as she comes over, taking off her helmet with a shake of her hair. She gives me a smirk and nod as I kiss Noé’s cheeks and gently nudge her towards Harley.
“Giselle, did you get what I asked?” She hands me a file and I quickly skim the first page before nodding and closing the file.
“Yes, though with some reluctance” I smirk as one of my security opens the door to the white car. Harley snickers as Milo steps out of the car with that rocker sex appeal, briefly glaring at my security. My security doesn’t even spare him a glance which has him lifting a brow, before nodding to me, almost impressed.
Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.
This was actually all my mother’s doing. She introduced me to Dante and then me and him recruited together. I’m only able to pursue this new goal because of my mother, and she didn’t ask for anything in return. But I could see it in her eyes, whenever Reuben’s name fell from her lips like poison on her tongue.
She wants him dead.
“It’s the first time a woman has sent for a man in the family. Not even the wives do that. Not to mention he was in the middle of some important business.” Harley gives me a brief look. I assume it has to do with whatever business Milo wants to discuss with me. Coincidentally, it seems like we both need something from each other.
“Yes, it’s something I’ll probably hear from my father later but I don’t care. Besides, I’m still working.”
“I’ll see you at lunch in a few hours okay?” I tell Noé who nods, kissing my cheek before grabbing the helmet from Harley.
“Stay safe.”
“You too.” Harley revs her engine before pulling off with her signature nod. I turn to Milo and gesture to the car.
“Shall we?” We get in the car and leave. Ryland and Rusty will be dropped off at the hotel and do what they want until we go out tonight. I read over the file Giselle gave me making sure everything is accurate before handing it to Milo as he does the same.
“I’ve recently become the president of a small real estate firm and a few other businesses around the city.” Thanks to Lue and his debts, he sold me the club and brothel, which I’ve shut down and have renovated into a lounge. I bought the diner that would let me take scraps, and a little corner store I would steal from. I’ve also been buying land in various other states, for future projects. Invested in different construction companies, contractors, and hardware suppliers becoming a key shareholder with deciding power.
“In a week? I’m impressed.” It was my mother’s connections, my past, and money that persuaded everyone to willingly give up their shares and businesses. Even with the ones who were hesitant, I simply pointed out they could have the money to pursue what they really want. Or start a business that’s all their own.
Money talks after all. Noé taught me that. She said when you’re used to nothing and you get an opportunity, you take it. Natasha gave me an opportunity and a new perspective.
“It’s been a very busy week, I think I’ve only slept for 30 minutes. Regardless, I’m not here to talk about my new job since I’ve been forcibly retired by Noé.”
Giselle and I have been looking for architects and more workers so we can expand. I’ve bought up a lot of land in different parts of the U.S and have various projects in the works. But securing this land owned by Milo would be the thing that puts us on notice to the big guns. Other businesses can take me seriously and I can continue to invest and increase my funds.
I got a big ass estate to take care of now and those light bills aren’t cheap.
“This land isn’t for sale for a reason you know? It’s one of my best and largest in terms of acreage. I had my own plans for this place.”
“I know. Which is why I propose you give me your plans and allow my companies to develop it for you.” Milo quirks his brow, a slow smirk showing on his face.
“I have my own company and contractors. Why should I use yours?”
“Hm if that’s the case why isn’t it done?” Milo doesn’t say anything as we have a stare-off, smirks on both of our faces.
Fire and challenge in his eyes and cool calm composure in mine. Perfect opposites that draw us to each other.
“I heard that the contractor’s company that you pay is recently getting investigated. Not only by you but by the FBI for insurance fraud and tax evasion. Your builders are under Omerta meaning they only handle Malone affairs. This project of yours, it’s personal, something you’ve kept close to your chest, that I don’t think your family even knows about.”
“So you want me to sell you the land and give you the plans for this project, let you develop it, and be part owner? That’s bold. What do I get out of this?” Milo has a wide smile as he lights blunt for us each.
“Of course not, we’re closer than that, Milo. I want you to sell me your land, allow my company to take care of the project and in case of future projects, you call my company first.” He laughs with a nod, looking at me with respect as we both smoke. Milo looks over the proposal and contract in the folder with a slow nod.
“Alright, I’ll meet your terms if you do something for me.” Milo tucks the folder into his briefcase as I read over what he gave me. There’s a picture of 2 women, and Reuben walking with one of them. Still looking well-taken care of, totally disregarding his wife still depressed and waiting for him at home. Such a bastard.
“Brigette and Julienne Leroux, model and fashion designer. Julienne’s husband was a big name in security and technology. He had an affair 2 years ago, a nasty divorce, leaving nothing to Julienne except $10,000.00, a villa, car, and vacation home. He and Reuben were old buddies, bringing Reuben and Brigette together.”.
I turn the page to see the picture of a house that looks more like a compound.
“He’s been having an affair with Brigette for years and ran to her to hide from us. Brigette has been hiding Reuben away in their vacation home here in Paris. Normally, we’d rush in without a care, however, the Leroux sisters draw attention.”
“So you need me to get inside?”
“All I need is Reuben out of the house. I’m not risking civilians’ lives, especially ones as prolific as those sisters, just because of Reuben. To do that, it’d be easiest to get close to Julienne. I would myself but she’s sworn off men for the time being.” Milo smirks as he hands me his phone.
I watch the video of the club, the strobe lights and crowd make it hard to see but eventually I see a drunk Julienne and a woman making out in VIP. Handing him his phone I look at her boutique hours.
“So you want me to seduce her.”
“I want you to do whatever you feel is necessary. She’s very independent and has a lot of pride. She’s smart in terms of business. Don’t underestimate her because of the sewing machines.”
“Giselle, get me a thorough background check on the Leroux sisters. I want to know her like she’s my sister before we speak. Sonny, can you head to Trésors please.” Sonny nods, and starts driving in that direction as I look at the vacation home. Giselle begins making calls as I turn my attention to Milo who’s watching me with veiled intrigue.
“If I do this, you’ll sign the contract.” Milo smirks, blowing out smoke and stretching out his hand.
“Do we have a deal, Snow?” I look over the file and smirk. There’s no way I’ll let this opportunity slip from my grasp.
“We do, Mr. Malone.”
“Great, now that business is done.” Milo holds my hand and reaches over, undoing my seatbelt and lifting me off the seat into his lap. His low eyes hold desire that I know is reflected in my own.
Whatever he gave me to smoke has my mind and body feeling light, relaxed, happy, and horny as fuck. And the way he’s staring at me I know he’s feeling the same.