Now I had to prepare everything for taking over the Ezzatis’ territory and their business, and make sure my own wasn’t interrupted because of theirs. I’d have to decide how best to rearrange my forces so that we wouldn’t be instantly attacked by any other families. The Ezzatis had had allies who might be interested in their territory too, and my enemies would see my expansion as a threat.

Yeah, all of us here had a lot of work to do, so hopefully, I wouldn’t even notice James was with us.

Chapter 4

“ARIANNA!” BRENT CALLED, and I turned around. He was rushing down the hallway, his face serious. “What the hell are you doing?” he asked when he stopped in front of me.

“What do you mean?” I arched an eyebrow at him.

“The Ezzati! Why the fuck did you ask for him to be brought to your room?”

“Um, in case you aren’t aware, I made a deal with him, so he’s going to stay here with me. For now. I’ll decide later what I’ll do with him.”

Brent’s head jerked back. “This is a joke, right?”

“No, it’s not. And James is now a Monti.”

“A Monti?” He snorted. “Yeah, sure. He’s going to use that against you. If you want to keep him alive for now, at least throw him in the dungeon. He shouldn’t be in your room. That’s not safe.” A tic started in his jaw. “Although, I suggest you kill him. Your contract allows that, doesn’t it?”

“It does, but I’m sure I can handle him.”

“Handle him? Can’t you see what he’s doing? He knows that if you die, that’s it for the Montis, and he and his family were about to die anyway. Thanks to your deal, he got to postpone that and now has a chance to take you down with him. Do I even have to tell you how stupid and reckless that is?”

“That’s the whole point.” The corners of my lips quirked up. Actually, Desmond wouldn’t have been so upset if he’d thought James was playing me, and James couldn’t have known I’d even let him anywhere near me. His eyes hadn’t lied. He’d wanted to save his family, not act on some revenge plan like his father might’ve done. And even if he tried, well, we were going to find out.

“I don’t understand.” His brow furrowed.

“I’ll test him to see what he does. I believe he truly cares about his family. If I’m right, he’s not going to hurt me because that would mean they all die.”

“And when he attacks you and kills you in your sleep? Then what?”

“Then I’m sure you’ll avenge my death.” I winked at him.

“This isn’t funny!”