“I’m not going to hurt you, Pepper,” Boss said, opening his gates. He waited for them to enter, and she didn’t like having him at her back. She had paid this man ten million dollars to keep her alive. Unless someone else had come up with a higher price, he worked for her. “I thought you had gotten lost.”
“No, we weren’t lost,” Viper said. “Believe it or not, Pepper has a plan. Tell him.”
She gritted her teeth hating being put on the spot, and he’d done it on purpose. He didn’t really think her plan was a good idea. Licking her dry lips, she began talking at the same time they all started walking toward the main house.
Once she had finished, they were securely inside, and Boss had his arms crossed over his chest, looking deep in thought.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“That could work. I can have the documents here within the hour. Do you know anyone in the media who would do a press release for you?”
“Yes, I do, and I can even have it arranged for outside my family’s company.”
Boss smiled, and in a weird way that made him look even scarier.
She tensed up waiting, and then he nodded.
“Let’s get this party on the road.”
Chapter Eight
Viper wasn’t sold on Pepper’s idea. So many things could go wrong. She was too naive for her own damn good, not realizing how many targets would be on her back once they went public. He didn’t want to lose her.
He stood against a far wall in the living room with his arms crossed, watching Pepper explore Boss’s vast art collection. His mind was in overdrive as he plotted several murders in his head—and the fact he’d fallen for a mark. He was an idiot. After a lifetime of keeping his guards safely in place, never letting a woman under his skin, Pepper had walked into his life and changed everything. She was too young and innocent for him, but the thought of any other man having her made a deep-seated rage burn inside him. Pepper was his. He’d crossed that line, and there was no turning back now.
He’d never had anything of value as a child, taught not to keep mementos or get attached to anything or anyone. But he’d taken control of his future a long time ago. Pepper would be his prize, the one thing he wouldn’t let anyone take from him.
“The way you watch her … shit, Viper.” Boss leaned against the wall next to him.
Viper didn’t comment.
“Killer of Kings can’t have hitmen who fall for their marks. We’d go out of business in no time.”
When Viper turned his head to gauge Boss’s expression, the bastard winked, a look of amusement on his face.
“This is fun for you?” he asked.
Boss shrugged. “I just feel sorry for the fool who makes a move on that girl.” He chuckled.
Viper pushed off from the wall, not comfortable with topic of conversation, and even more disturbed that he was so transparent. “I’ll get the job done. This changes nothing.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Viper. I’ve seen it before—love changes everything. One thing’s for damn sure, a piece of pussy will never tear down my empire. Weren’t you the one always telling me women were just a weakness used to exploit us?”
Viper whirled around, running both hands through his hair, tempted to pull in out at the roots. “Are the papers in? I’ve got to get the fuck out of here.”
“Sure,” he said. “They came fifteen minutes ago.”
Viper felt cornered, bristling like a feral dog. This was the first time in his life he had something worth saving, and it terrified him. Viper watched Pepper trail her finger along one of the larger bronze statues. Everything about her mesmerized him, from the color of her hair to the curves of her body. She turned as if sensing his gaze, giving him a little smile.
“Pepper, come on, it’s time to go.”
As he started to walk through the marble entrance arch of the room, Boss placed a heavy hand on his shoulder. “One word of advice. If shit gets ugly, save yourself first. We’ve already been paid in advance. I don’t want to lose one of my best men.”
He jerked away from Boss, heading straight for the front doors of the mansion. The place was fucking huge, and looked more like an Italian museum than the hideout for a crime kingpin. It was even more secure than Viper’s condo. He noticed every little intricacy from the thugs around the property to the state of the art security and surveillance system in every corner.
“Wait up,” Pepper called out as she ran through the lobby. “We’re already leaving?”
“The marriage documents are ready. There’s no sense sitting around, wasting time. Best to get on the road.” His mood had soured. Boss had forced him to examine his feelings and any future with Pepper. Maybe dreaming up a happy ending with her was bullshit for a fuckup like him.