Page 81 of Dark Seduction
Lev turns to me with a smirk that's all too familiar. "There you go," he says. “The cards are all on the table. I’ve dealt more harshly with rats for much less than this.”
Chad’s already pale face goes ghostly, looking like he might keel over any second.
Lev continues, his gaze flicking to me, "But it’s Dalia’s call. So, what do you want to do?"
I flash a grin, the gears turning wickedly in my mind. "Well, I’m really not in a murdering mood today. I think I want him alive and suffering. And I want his suffering to be of the financial variety—hit him where it truly hurts."
Lev chuckles, nodding in approval. "Good call. So, Chad, here’s the deal," he leans forward, locking eyes with Chad, who seems to shrink under his stare. "You’re going to pay back every last cent you stole from Dalia. And let’s tack on some steep, steep interest while we’re at it. You pay up, you get to keep your life and all your limbs. How’s that sound?"
Chad, his voice quivering, nearly stumbles over his words, "Please, please, I’ll do anything, just... just don’t kill me."
I cross my arms, my smile unwavering. "Start writing those checks, Chad. Consider it your penance for messing with the wrong woman."
Lev gives me a satisfied grin, looking like he's wrapping up a routine business meeting instead of extorting an ex. "I think we have an understanding," he says.
He fixes Chad with a look that could freeze lava. "I'm planning an expansion in LA, which means I have eyes and ears in town. My people will swing by every two weeks for your contributions. I'd strongly recommend not being late."
Chad's nodding so fast I'm worried he might sprain a neck muscle. "I won’t.”
With that sorted, Lev stands and we head for the door. Stepping out into the sunshine, he throws a playful glance my way. "Apologies for not bringing a gun this time.”
I chuckle, shaking my head as we slide into our car. "This time, your words packed all the bang we needed."
As we pull away, the LA skyline rolling past, I poke at the last bit of intrigue he dropped. "So, an expansion to LA?" I ask, eyebrow cocked.
He flashes me that secretive grin of his and stays mum. Trust Lev to keep things spicy, always holding one last ace up his sleeve.
His gaze drifts, lost in thought as he navigates through traffic. I watch him for a moment, curious about the sudden shift in his mood. "What's up?" I prod.
He flicks a glance my way, something intent sparking in those dark eyes. "I want to marry you," he blurts out, straightforward as ever.
A smile spreads across my face, warmed by the thought but amused by the timing. "I'd love that, especially considering how our last wedding was interrupted before we could be declared husband and wife.”
He shakes his head, his expression serious. "No, you don't understand. I want to marry younow."
"Now?" My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. This man really doesn't do things halfway.
"Now. Not here in LA, though.”
"Then where?"
"Where else? Vegas, baby.”
I can't help but grin, caught up in the wild, impulsive plan.
"Let's do it.”
Without another word, Lev swings the car onto the freeway, the lights of LA fading behind us as we speed toward Vegas, ready to gamble on a lifetime together in true high-roller style.
Chapter 36
Dalia
We burst into our Vegas penthouse suite, and it's every bit the over-the-top, swanky pad you'd expect at the top of the Bellagio.
The view is a glittering panorama of lights and energy, perfectly reflecting the electric excitement zipping through me.
Decked out in the snazzy clothes we snagged last minute, we just had the most fabulously cliché wedding, complete with an Elvis impersonator who had more dazzle to him than the Strip.