Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 108926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“One of the first things a good leader learns is to build on their strengths, and so we’re going to expand our pubs and bootlegging business. Also, we’ve already got a stake in smuggling of jewels and antiquities. We’ll just have to train more people and lucky for us”—I grinned widely—“I’m an excellent thief.”
Chapter Fifteen
BRANDON
When the meeting ended, Carly and I left for home. We were meeting up with Nic and Anna for a pre-wedding night out.
Once we were in the car and on the road, I brought up Carly’s little fib. “Kitten, we both know you didn’t go digging the bullet out of your father’s forehead. Where did it really come from?”
Carly snickered, but when I glanced over at her, she blushed. I wasn’t sure what to make of her reaction.
“Um, when I went to look at rings for you, I came across these rings. It just so happened, you had your guys repairing the wall from where the—um”—she blushed a deeper shade of red—“the bullet I shot you with had lodged.”
I started laughing and was extremely grateful to be pulling up to our house, so I could park the car and give in to the uproarious amusement bursting from me.
Once I’d caught my breath and wiped the tears from my eyes, I glanced at Carly to see her practically pouting in her seat as she watched me. I grabbed her cheeks and brought her face to mine for a hard kiss, before whispering against her mouth, “So damn cute.”
“If you don’t like it, we can—”
I kissed her again to shut her up. “I love it, kitten.”
She beamed at me, and I gave her one more peck before exiting the car and going around to open her door.
I looked around the restaurant and lifted my chin in greeting when I spotted Anna and Nic already seated at a table near the back corner. It would afford more privacy, but also ensure our outing with the head of the DeLucas would be made public.
Nic stood as we approached and shook my hand before pulling Carly in for a hug. I scowled at him and kept a hold of her hand, turning it into a brotherly, one-armed embrace. The stronzo grinned and sat back down next to his woman.
“Ciao, Anna.” I kissed her cheek, then took a seat on the opposite side of the table. I grinned at Nic’s disgruntled expression as he tucked his wife under his arm.
Carly walked to Anna and took her hand. “I’m sorry you got dragged into planning the wedding.”
Anna beamed at her and got to her feet, giving Carly a hug. “Trust me, I understand. I married a DeLuca, I know how they can make you crazy. At least, now we have each other to commiserate with.”
Nic growled and swatted her ass before hooking an arm around Anna’s waist and hauling her back into her seat, then placing a hand over her stomach, as though reminding me she was knocked up and practically marking his territory. I smirked at him until Carly replied, “Yes, those cavemen are like bad pennies, they just keep turning up.”
I scoffed. She loved it when I went all caveman on her and we both knew it. She dropped into her seat next to me and I put my hand on the back of her neck, guiding her head over so her ear met my lips. “That wasn’t very nice, kitty cat. Are you looking to be punished?”
She shivered and I smiled arrogantly, kissed the shell of her ear, and sat back, leaving my arm slung around her chair.
“How is my goddaughter?” I inquired. Nic’s little girl Sophia was the light of my life until Carly waltzed her way into my heart. Sophia had been sick, in and out of the hospital since she was very young. Recently though, the doctors were confident that she was permanently on the mend.
“Excited to be a big sister and very adamant that we give her a baby girl,” Nic laughed, warmth and affection coloring his tone as he spoke about his daughter.
Anna rolled her eyes. “Yes, the fluffy, white cat we gave her only distracted her from the pregnancy for so long.”
“I can’t believe I forgot you were expecting,” Carly interjected with a smile. “Congratulations! I hope we haven’t been working you too hard!”
Maybe it was my imagination, but I was pretty sure there was a strong hint of longing in her voice. Speaking of my caveman, he was anxious to satisfy that longing. I felt the same pull, the desire to see my woman round with our baby. I didn’t even know if she was pregnant yet and I was already fiercely protective of the two most precious people in my life.
A young, good-looking (if you like that preppy, boy band look), male waiter arrived at the table, bringing water and bread, then took our orders. His eyes danced appreciatively over Anna and Carly as he asked, “Is there anything else I can get for you?” A low growl of warning rumbled in my throat and I practically bared my teeth at the little shit. His eyes widened before he turned and scurried away.