Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 248926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1245(@200wpm)___ 996(@250wpm)___ 830(@300wpm)
She shifted her face into a neutral expression, telling me that she was all business. “Black Axe has full control of the port?”
“You and I share it. 50/50.”
“And if the Sicilians disagree with our new arrangement?”
I gestured to the clown mask on the table. “You really think you will have a problem with the Vizzini Family?”
She pursed her lips.
“From what I learned, you have someone on the inside of the family that will keep them at bay.”
She glared at Maxwell. “So then, he is alive.”
Maxwell shrugged. “I was getting to that part. You should have talked.”
She let out a long breath and placed her view back on me.
“Due to your relationship with Rocco, you may be one of the best people to take control.”
That’s assuming Rocco does not want to kill everyone due to the new scar on his throat. .
Ufuoma tilted her head to the side. “What about others trying to grab the port?”
“Come to us, if there are others.”
“How soon will we take over?”
“As soon as your father’s blood spills to the ground.”
Her bottom lip quivered. “I. . .I will need to take my father’s body back to Nigeria. . .and have a proper funeral. We have customs that will help all mourn.”
“I will allow it, but some of my people will come with you.”
She blinked. “Why?”
“A bit of multitasking. You will be showing them the ropes. Additionally, I want them to meet your contacts and know every aspect of your shipping, including your boats’ routes.”
“That is. . .” She swallowed. “A lot of information to simply give to the Brotherhood.”
“Yet, it is logical information to give to your new partner too.”
Skepticism hit her eyes. “Black Axe and the Brotherhood are united? Partners?”
“One must see if this is possible, before answering that.” I frowned. “My advice to you, is to make sure you manage your ambition. If you or Black Axe gets too hungry for more territory, be prepared for me to rip your jaws out.”
She didn’t flinch or show any fear. “I only want peace for my people. There’s more than enough money for all of us. I was never interested in pursuing my father’s. . .plans.”
Honesty lay within those words.
Although she must have been battling pain on the inside, she focused on her survival and family’s business. I appreciated that. She would need that focus and an intense toughness to fill her father’s shoes. Because, once I left, the monsters would come and see if they could snatch her new throne.
Can she hold on to it? Or should I simply have the Brotherhood take it all?
Maxwell watched her from the wall. This fierce possessiveness blazed in his eyes.
Hmmm. He will guarantee there are no problems. But how much will this keep him from my mouse?
Their separation made me uneasy. I had learned the hard way that I truly did need his help when it came to Emily.
We will deal with that part later. What about Rocco possibly coming after him?
I would need to be adamant to Jean-Pierre about having the French keep him safe.
I pointed to Maxwell. “During this transition, he will be at your side for some of the time.”
Ufuoma held out her hands. “Is that necessary?”
“I still do not trust you, and will need eyes with you. Ones that I trust.”
“I understand that.” She blinked. “However, I do not need his help.”
“I did not ask.”
She let out an exasperated breath. “Respectfully, I would like someone else to work next to me. . .anyone else.”
Maxwell smirked. “I’m melting her cold heart down. She knows it’s just a matter of time before I got her locked into this love.”
Fucking idiot.
Ufuoma shook her head. “This man is insane. I really would like to work with—”
“While Maxwell is indeed insane. You are lucky I am allowing you to live and take over.” I headed off. “Make it work.”
Chapter 61
Sexy Lion
Emily
In my dream, I walked through a never-ending crimson red hallway lined with strange blue doors. I did not know where I was going or why, just that there was a sinister, dark force tugging at my soul and drawing me towards the depths of the unknown, guiding me through the winding tunnels of red and blue.
The more steps forward, the more the crimson walls seemed to close in around me as if to swallow me up. This dizzying sensation filled me with terror and dread. My breathing became labored as my heart pounded viciously against my ribcage. Fear crept up my spine until it engulfed me in a blanket of cold sweat.
My hands trembled violently.
Desperate for escape, I tried one of the blue doors.
But that didn’t help.
Each blue door I opened led to another red hallway with blue doors. I tried again and again, opening up other doors only to find that there were more red hallways with blue doors and no end—a terrifying labyrinth, trapping me in an infinite loop of red and blue, red and blue.