“No.” Paulie struggles harder. “You can’t. I have confidentiality —”
“I wasn’t asking.” Valor reaches up and taps the backstop, where the first bullet I sent downrange hit just an inch from Paulie’s ear. “You’ve been bragging about working with Clark Enterprises for a long time, and now I’m just making it official. By the time Royal is done...” Valor kicks Paulie’s leg over, revealing the second shot that I’d placed between Paulie’s legs. It nicked his pants but missed anything important. “You’re going to be a Clark Enterprises subsidiary, and well, I think the metaphor about where this shot landed speaks for itself.”
We own his family jewels.My wolf laughs.Nice.
I’m smiling at my wolf’s need to explain the nuance, which draws Paulie’s attention. “What can I say, I love a good dick joke?”
The normalcy of working again will be nice though.
“I mean, a hostile takeover isn’t really complete without one, is it?” Valor huffs a laugh.
“Takeover, I mean, silent partners?” Paulie starts trying to make a deal. “Surely we can come to an agreement.”
“The agreement is that I’ve already talked to your chief architects and all the high-level staff. I picked up the plans for my newbuild already.” Valor pulls out his phone and holds up what must be a picture to Paulie. “See, here’s me and the chairman of the board.” Valor turns it back to himself before showing him another one. “Me and your chief architect.”
“So, what you’re saying is that Paulie here is really just a figurehead CEO at this point.” I deduce aloud to further the conversation for Valor.
“Exactly. Truthfully, not necessary and redundant. The chief architect could do his job.” Valor stops talking to Paulie and turns to me. “Is it worth keeping him alive?”
I look at Paulie, debating Valor’s words. I don’t particularly enjoy killing people, and Paulie doesn’t seem dangerous. “I mean, I guess. Just in case there’s something I can’t figure out in the system, it might be beneficial to have him alive.”
“When was the last time you couldn’t figure something out?” Valor casually leans against the backstop.
“I mean, never say never... but I can’t foresee him being really all that useful.”
I hate when Valor makes me determine whether someone lives or dies, but usually, if we get this far, he’s already decided. He just wants someone to approve his choice.
“What, no. I’ve a wife and kids. You can’t leave them without a father. I’ll do whatever you ask. I’ll step down.” Paulie tries to negotiate.
“Now that you mention it.” Valor pushes off the backstop and stands next to me, looking at Paulie. “There is a job Paulie here could do.”
“Oh?” I look at my older brother, who is full of surprises today.
“We need a messenger. That acquisition we had out in Indianapolis needs a new figurehead CEO.” Valor crosses his arms in front of his chest. “Of course, there’s a salary reduction, and it wouldn’t come with any of the benefits he’s got now. But if he’s truly begging for his life, then he won’t mind.”
“I’ll do it. Please. I’ll gladly do it. Help you get the company making more money. It’ll be good.” Paulie nods the little he can with how his head is fastened to the backstop.
“Good, excellent, two birds, one stone.” Valor nudges my arm, and we turn to leave. Valor calls back over his shoulder, “I’ll sendsomeone for you. They’ll have more information about your role. Remember, Paulie, I own you. Not the other way around.”
We’re well out of human earshot when Valor changes the subject. “I think the best bet is to wait for Steffano to come Stateside. It’ll be easier to make it look like an accident and untraceable. If we send a hit in Italy, too many things could go wrong. Like someone claiming the D’Medicis were the ones who ordered a hit. I don’t want anyone caught in the crossfire.”
“Your plan makes sense.” I nod and rub my chin.
I should really tell him what I’ve done.I bite my lips together.
The alpha will figure it out sooner or later. Let him think he’s in charge.My wolf yawns and settles in.He knows she’s ours. He’ll know the lengths we’ll go to keep her.It’s just a matter of time.
ONE MONTH LATER
48
LETICIA
THE PAPERWORK
I longingly stareat the message on my phone again, taking a break from studying. Steffano demanded I finish school, which felt odd since he wants nothing to do with me, but I don’t argue with a chance to get out of the house for a little bit each day.
Royal:
