“Great. I’m so glad to hear that. I will move heaven and Earth again, and you just let me know if something comes up. A pedicure or whatever the reason is you can’t come tonight.”
I roll my eyes at his theatrics. “I think you’re forgetting you’re not doing this for the good of your heart. You’re doing this because I’m holding you by the balls. So you will move the meeting to tomorrow, or any other day, for that matter, and you’ll let me know the time and the place.”
He inhales a sharp breath, practically hissing, but he doesn’t say another word. Instead, he murmurs, “Fine” and drops the call.
Relief whooshes out of me in a long breath. This could be it. If I play this right, this could settle things down. I can’t bring our father back, but Luka could come home. He could work on his club while I continue with the casinos.
Just a couple of months ago, that was all I wanted.
But tonight, forced to choose between surprising Alex or saving the family business, I chose Alex.
Kind of like Luka did with Sophie.
Since I made my choice, I better focus on getting her to trust me again.
CHAPTER 41
Alex
It’s a little after six pm when someone raps on my door. My heartbeat picks up in an instant, expecting Leon, ready for one of our nightly rendezvous. I was going to wait a little longer before activating the sex toy alarm, but I don’t mind him coming earlier.
“Come in,” I say, slipping the strap of my tank down my shoulder.
His gaze catches on it as soon as he enters, his hand wrapping tightly around the doorknob, but unlike other days, he doesn’t come sprinting toward me. No, he closes his eyes for a moment before clearing his throat.
“I need you to be ready in an hour. Since dress code doesn’t matter to you, wear whatever you want,” he adds with a smirk.
I narrow my eyes at him. “Where are we going?”
He raises his eyebrows, crossing his arms in front of his chest.
After a beat, I realize I’m not getting an answer, so I let out a sigh. “Fine. Get out so I can get ready, then.”
He shakes his head playfully, closes the door, and I jump off the bed. The last time he did this; he surprised me with a helicopter ride to my favorite restaurant. Excitement builds inside me as I step into my closet. Wanting to oppose him, I dressed like aslob the last time, and the only person who suffered was me. I won’t be making the same mistake again.
I go through all the clothes he got me, appraising every dress until I find exactly what I’m looking for. This time, instead of being underdressed, I’ll be overdressed. I’ll be so fucking overdressed he won’t be able to keep his hands to himself.
After a long and exfoliating shower, I step into the dress, barely pulling it up over my curves. It’s a stunning designer piece that fits me like a glove. The burgundy corset is covered in satin ribbons that travel down to create a skirt. The dress is technically floor length, but both of my legs peek out through the slits between the ribbons. I take a little spin, biting my lower lip. This will do just fine. I pair it with a pair of beige Louboutins, and get to work on my hair and makeup.
When was the last time I put on makeup? Or dressed up? Probably when I was frequenting Leon’s casino night after night, ending each night in his bed. I don’t plan on ending this night the same way. No, I want him to see what he lost, what he could have had if only he had acted differently.
He already has you, a voice in my head taunts.
That’s different. It’s just sex.
The first voice rolls its fictional eyes.
I’m touching up my lipstick when Leon knocks again.
“Just a second,” I call out from the en-suite bathroom, making sure that there’s not a hair out of place. I feel like a million bucks, and truthfully, I look like it, too. Adding an extra sway to my hips, I open the door to let Leon in.
He freezes in place, shoulders stiffening beneath his black designer tux. His gaze trails my body, from my wavy hair, over the tight corset neckline, down to my pointed heels. I hear him as he swallows, his jaw locking in place. “Is that what you’re wearing?”
“Yup.” I pop the p as I drop the lipstick into my tiny clutch. The motion reminds me that the purse is missing something. Something super important. But I doubt Leon will give me my gun back. “Hopefully, we won’t be outside.” I flash him awide smile, hoping my bluff will pay off. This is definitely not an outfit to wear outside.
He grunts in response, turning his back to me. Running a hand through his hair, he takes more time than necessary.
“Is there a problem?”
