Now, that’s a man who definitely wouldnotcelebrate Christmas, a day of magic and joy.
Elias Kent, known to the public as the king of the underworld, is feared by everyone—from the rich to the unsavory. I can see why. The man moves like a ghost. He’s always dressed to the nines, like some gentleman gangster from another era.
But I’d never mistake him for a gentleman.
He works with my family yet makes it his purpose to ignore me or worse, speak to me only in clipped sentences dripping with cold detachment.
“Hi Elias, I love the suit.”
A twitch of his lips.
“Why are you so grumpy?”
He arches a brow. “I’m not. I have no time for small talk.”
The cycle repeats.
The man intrigues and offends me in equal measure. And yet, butterflies stir low in my gut whenever he’s near.
There’s a viciousness in his green eyes, a lethal calmness when he stands still. But there’s also something familiar about him I can’t place.
Either way, he’s bad news. I should stay away.
But that’s like telling someone to ignore the lava bursting out of a volcano.
Impossible.
“Lana?” Belle’s voice cuts in. “You’ve got that frown again. Everything okay?”
“Oh—sorry. Zoned out. A packed schedule.”
“Levi and I are heading to The Orchid later to meet Maxwell.” Belle smiles, her eyes going dreamy-like whenever she mentions her husband, my oldest brother. I’d gag if it weren’t so sweet.
“He’s meeting Elias there.” She purses her lips in contemplation. “I think the mobster’s lonely. I’m inviting him to our next family dinner.”
“You and your savior complex.” I snort. “You just feel that way because he saved your life a few years back.”
“He’s done way more than that!”
I nod begrudgingly. The infuriating man has rescued my siblings from dangerous situations more than once, and for that I’m forever grateful.
Maybe that’s why I have butterflies.
Misplaced gratefulness.
“Elias could use some love and warmth,” Belle says, then gasps. “Levi, put that down! Got to go. Toddler with scissors. Can’t wait for girls’ night!”
She hangs up, and I laugh under my breath.
Soon, the car comes to a stop by my office. The looming skyscraper is my family’s pride and joy.
I step out, thankful the rain hasn’t started yet.
But then something stops me.
The feeling.
Hairs prickle at the back of my neck. Goosebumps bead along my arms.
