Fiorella plucks the flower out, tossing it to the floor. When she clicks her fingers, the bodyguard who is standing in the shadows behind her, removes his own pristine rose from his suit pocket and passes it to Fiorella.
Fiorella threads the buttonhole into place for Mars.
“Thank you,” Mars mumbles.
Gianna sighs. “And have you seen the state of his hands, Mom?”
I narrow my eyes at Gianna, as she gently strokes Elio’s hair, and he purrs.
Fiorella pats Mars’ cheek. “Clean that shit off your fingers before you arrive. You look weak. Ink fades but fear doesn’t.” Her gaze slides to me, and this time, my heart jumps. She’s talking about me —the Rogue. “Look at your sisters. They’re fucking nightmares. But you’re still lost in your daydreams.”
I wince at the same time as Mars does.
Gianna, however, gives a smug smile.
Gianna runs the Omega Auctions.
Sheisa nightmare to the kidnapped and sold Omegas. I can’t wait to kick her ass. I have trained my entire life for that. I’m the top fighter in the pack.
Just wait.
One day soon…
Rage surges through me.
When our gazes meet, Fiorella appears to read the threat in mine. Her eyes widen. She takes a hurried step backward.
Satisfying.
Mars looks anguished. “I won’t let you down, Mom.”
“You already have.” Fiorella’s hand falls to the back of his neck and tightens, until Mars gasps with pain. “Don’t fuck up this alliance between us and the Billionaires. I have been working on it for months.” When she violently shakes Mars, I can’t hold back the growl. “Don’t bring shame on us.”
“I won’t, Chief Alpha.”
Fiorella throws Mars against the wall. He catches himself painfully with his hands, panting.
I ball my hands at my sides.
Fiorella challengingly meets my gaze. “Anything to say?”
I take a steadying breath.
I can’t be taken off my job as Mars’ bodyguard. It’s too important that I am present at his first meeting with Rosa.
Something is off about this alliance.
It’s meant to be the first step in the courting between Alpha and Omega, despite being a business deal.
But why do I feel that something is wrong?
The Billionaires are deadlier than my own pack. They are the most dangerous mob family in America.
It’s the reason that Fiorella is taking the risk of sending me with Mars.
“No, boss,” I answer, coolly.
I hold my breath, as Fiorella scrutinizes me for a long moment.
