“That’s your fault!” she shouted, trying to kick me. “You inserted yourself into something that had nothing to do with you and I’m not going to marry you because this random idea is buzzing around your empty head!”
“As I said, you have a disgruntled professional to deal with,” I interrupt, “plus the madness at home that should be breaking wide open any time now.”
As if to prove my point, her phone dings, then dings again, and again.
“It sounds like word about dead Uncle Bastard is out,” I observe, watching her seize her phone and scroll through the texts. “We’re going to take a moment before you answer those. Your family is in turmoil, and even if your brother is ready to take over, this is going to send a bad message to your clients that perhaps the King Syndicate is not as stable as they thought. They might be concerned that their sensitive business involving your docks and transportation sites might not be secure after all.”
“Don’t you dare try to scare me!” Aria snarls, “We are known worldwide for our discretion and ability to get anything moved through our resources without even a hint of trouble. That’s my family’s true power. The death of Uncle Bast- Uncle William is not going to change that.”
“It is entirely possible that your spurned contract killer might attempt to blackmail you. The information that you hired this hit could be worth far more than a ten-million-dollar statue.”
I watch the blood drain from her face, leaving her sheet white. I almost feel bad for terrifying her.
Almost.
“We have-” I subdue her struggling by wrapping my arms around her. “We have a two-pronged challenge, baby. Pay off or kill the assassin, and show that the King Syndicate is still very much open for business, aye?”
Her long legs are still trying to kick free from my hold and the feeling of her breasts pressed against me is a wee bit distracting.
“Take your hands off me, you overgrown slab of meat!” She’s writhing now and it’s just making me harder.
“If you don’t want me to take you right here in this chair,” I groan, “stop wigglin’ around like that. No more fussing, we’ve got work to do. You will marry me. Legitimately. I will help you with your problems-”
“That you caused!”
“-and we’ll make sure your family’s syndicate is stable and every mafia, bratva, and cartel are clear that the Kings are very much open for business, aye?”
She stops fighting me for the moment, panting from exertion. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“Because… I want you,” I answer honestly, yet she does not seem to appreciate my forthright nature.
“I can make your problems go away, baby. Isn’t it worth marrying me to be certain your brother and sister are safe? That your family’s business survives?” Leaning closer, I put my lips against her ear, groaning at the touch of her soft skin. “You’re the good girl. The one who looks after her people. Are ya’ going to desert them now?”
Angling away, she grits, “Don’t you dare lecture me about doing the right thing. You’ve already proved that you’re not to be trusted, Lachlan MacTavish. So much for your family’s reputation.”
“If this were any other occasion, I’d have you over my lap and spanking that pretty arse raw for that insult. You’re allowed this once. I know I’m turnin’ your life upside down. But I’m your only way out of this mess now. And ya’ know it.”
“Why are you doing this to me?” she whispers, “And don’t say because you want me. The real reason.”
Frowning thoughtfully, I shrug. “It’s the only reason that matters.”
There’s a knock on the door and Gregor's regretful voice. “Sorry to bother you, boss. We have a bit of a problem.”
Growling, I stalk over to the door, throwing it open. Gregor’s got his arm around the throat of a terrified, pretty-looking man.
“He was sneaking around the club, trying to find his way up here. He claims-”
“Marcus?” Aria pushes away from me, racing to the door. “Don’t hurt him!”
Stonner - Scottish slang for an erection
Chapter Seven
In which we should all inhale some peace and breathe out our violent impulses. Not that Lachlan will.
Aria…
Lachlan thinks he’s going to keep me like a stuffed animal he’d won at a carnival.
