Page 30 of The Councilor

“Yeah, I wouldn’t do anything stupid, Mario,” Vadim offered. I did love the amusement in his voice. “Aleksander can be a little unhinged.”

I cocked my head, hearing a crack of several bones given the tension I was feeling. I almost wanted the Don to do something stupid. The charade could end right now if he did. “Now, from this moment on, you will have as little to do with your daughter as possible. She’s my property. Bought and paid for. And if I ever hear of you disparaging her again or touching her, I will finish this.”

“Leave him alone,” she said from behind me.

“I can’t do that, my lovely fiancée. This man deserves to learn about respecting women as much as he does how to act when more powerful men are around him.”

It was fascinating what a rush of adrenaline could do. That I was able to keep Luciano on his toes was a testament to the heavy boxing I’d been doing. I squeezed for emphasis, more than enjoying the way the man’s face turned blood red.

Mario was also stupid enough to keep his hand on his weapon. I shook my head, giving him an admonishing look and he finally threw up his hands in surrender.

“Are we clear, Luciano?” I growled.

He was finally slapping at my hands, unable to speak. He gurgled his answer and at this point it would need to be good enough for me. I let him go, waiting as the asshole wheezed and coughed, rubbing his throat as if I’d almost killed him.

Oh, the thoughts I’d had of doing so. Delicious.

“Now, a slight change in the rules. Raphaella is coming with me.” I was clear in my statement, but he seemed befuddled, even angry. I stepped away, locking eyes with her. She was incensed, longing to say something to me. She would have that chance soon enough.

He moved closer, sticking a finger in my face; it was all I could do to keep from breaking it. “That wasn’t in the agreement.”

“Changes need to be made and I can’t trust that you won’t hurt the merchandise. Raphaella, gather whatever things you have here. You’re coming with me.”

I sensed it took everything she had not to refuse, her eyes finally shifting to her father. Now I could clearly see the hate.

“You will honor your promise to me, Dad,” she huffed. “You will leave my brother and sister fucking alone.” Her voice was shaking.

“Don’t talk to your father like that!” Luciano snapped. All I needed to do was give him a hateful look and he calmed down.

“I assure you that he will, Raphaella, as he will with everything else he agreed to under contract.” The fact her brother and sister had been threatened answered so many questions.

She had made a deal of her own, which meant her backbone remained. Perhaps this would be an excellent union after all.

I might not know exactly what to do with her, at least in the beginning, but two things were clear. I would need to keep her safe from this man as well as others. But more important, the bad man inside of me was hungry.

Very hungry.

She could push me away for a period of time, but I doubted I could wait until the wedding.

My throbbing cock and tight balls were a clear indication she was everything I’d craved.

And perhaps nothing I needed.

It was funny how life seemed to throw you a curve ball when you least expected it.

The way her eyes pierced mine was heavy and telling. Even as she walked from the room, she confirmed in a harsh whisper what I already knew.

She would forever hate me.

CHAPTER 10

Raphaella

Are you fucking kidding me?

The question repeated in my mind several times as I backed out of the room. My last glare was directed toward my asshole of a father. I knew him better than most.

He was petrified of the Bratva.