UNEXPECTED DEVOTION

MINK

I’m the right-hand man to the rising star of the East Coast mafia. But he’s not the one who’s always had my allegiance. It’s Carina, his sister, the one woman who’s had my heart in a vise grip ever since she came back from school. But she’s off limits, and some lines, once crossed, can never be redrawn.

I tell myself to keep my distance, but the more she tempts me, the more I falter. Carina isn’t just beautiful, she has secrets, ones that bring danger to her doorstep. But I’ll never let anyone harm her, and when she’s threatened, i’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe and in my arms.

1

GILLY

She’s in the pool.

Not that I’m anywhere near her. I won’t allow myself to be. Not when she’s in a bikini and lounging in the sun like an indulgent–and fucking sexy–housecat.

“Gilly, are you even listening?” Antonio sighs.

“Of course.”

Butcher snorts.

“Shut up.” I roll my eyes at him. “You were saying my work on moving what’s left of the Larone holdings into our hands is going well except for a few disputes from the Corlettis.”

“Those pricks have zero claim on anything even remotely related to the Larone name.” Antonio shakes his head. “They just want trouble.”

“Let’s give it to them.” Butcher cracks his knuckles.

“Diplomacy first.” I’m the cautious one of the group, the most level-headed. At least I like to think so. But there’s one thing–one person–who gets under my skin and makes me anything but reasonable.

She’s in the pool. Maybe sunbathing in a chair, her bikini straps pulled down so she doesn’t get any tan lines on her smooth olive skin. My mouth waters.

“The Corlettis are the closest thing the Frangiones had to allies. They’re sore about how we handled those assholes.” I shrug. “The Corlettis would never dare challenge you to your face. Not after what happened with the Frangione heirs and Constantine Larone.” I glance at Butcher, a small, satisfied smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. We effectively destroyed the den of vipers known as the Frangione family. It only makes sense that the Corlettis are seeking to fill the void. “They’ve been using a light touch so far.”

“Doesn’t mean I’m going to give them anything.” Antonio glowers.

“Nothing of consequence, but we should always remember to throw the dogs some table scraps.” I think through the small list of Larone holdings. “Toss them the coke connection to South America through the Orlavs.”

Antonio’s face brightens a bit at that. “The operation you suspect has an FBI informant in it?”

I nod. “We’ll wash our hands of it entirely. Let the Corlettis deal with the Feds.”

“I hate giving them anything except a bullet,” Butcher says.