Page 8 of Breaking Rosalind
Last time she was here, she threw a drink over a waitress who flirted with Leroi. Now, she stalks his apartment like he’s the only man in New Alderney with a functioning dick.
I rise from my seat and jog around the desk to get a front-row seat of Leroi’s showdown with that crazy bitch. After my cousin puts her in her place, she’s going to need a cock to cry on.
THREE
ROSALIND
This is turning out to be my worst mission. Gunther has never once mentioned Miranda, but then, I’ve always exceeded his expectations. Until now. The look in his eyes yesterday put me on red alert. I’m already researching affordable ways to send her to school out of state.
All I want is to keep my daughter safe and have a real relationship with her instead of the sporadic visits I barely manage because of my job. She’s fourteen already, and I have four years before she goes to college. All my plans are turning to shit because I can’t gather the information Gunther needs to execute a hit on the brothers.
This mess is all because of Leroi Montesano. Unlike most targets, who are easy to manipulate, his heart is encased in an armored tank. I doubt he even loves himself.
I stride past the club’s coat check and through the double doors that lead to the dance floor. Bass music pounds through my bones, reminding me to at least act like I’m here to have fun.
Plastering on a smile, I walk through the club in time with the beat and roll my shoulders to the melody. The attention I attract is immediate, because in this black body con dress and red stilettos, I look down to fuck.
If Leroi is here tonight, he’ll be sitting in the VIP section, exchanging words with the middle Montesano brother, Benito. I wasn’t lying to Gunther when I told him this was how they communicate. It’s almost impossible to eavesdrop on someone within a cacophony of conversations and loud music.
As I pass the dance floor, I catch my first glimpse of the oldest brother, and my steps falter. The alert I set up on the Montesano family informed me that Roman had been released from prison, but I didn’t expect him to be at the club so soon.
Roman stands at the edge of the VIP section, dressed in a black suit, looking like he spent his entire time behind bars lifting weights. He’s talking to Benito, and they’re staring at a group of women making synchronized movements like they’re in an aerobics class.
I reach the cordoned-off area, and Benito’s features flicker with recognition. He’s seen me here dozens of times with Leroi, so he steps aside to let me in. My heart skips a beat the way it always does when I’m close to a target.
Attacking the Montesano brothers in their own club without backup or bulletproof armor would be suicide. Most of the people inside are connected to the family and would strike back with lethal force.
I find Leroi sitting in a leather armchair, nursing a tumbler of liquor. As soon as our gazes meet, his eyes narrow. I pull back my shoulders, stick out my chest, and force myself not to cringe.
He rises out of his seat and towers over me, even though I stand five-eleven in my heels. The hatred in his eyes burns through what’s left of my self-respect, but I power through.
“Hey,” I say with a broad smile and attempt to spew an apology.
Before I can even finish speaking, Leroi cuts me off with an insult. Powered by the threat hanging over Miranda, I let his harsh words slide over my head and raise a hand to cup his cheek.
Leroi snatches my wrist, spins me around and holds me in a painful arm lock. I grind my ass into his crotch and moan, trying to get him aroused. His deep snarl sends a shiver down my spine that settles in my pussy.
“How many times do I need to tell you to fuck off?” he growls, his hot breath fanning my ear. “It’s almost like you’re begging for death.”
My heart races, and adrenaline surges through my veins. The muscles of my core constrict, and all sensation travels to my clit.
Torture training has fucked up my fight-or-flight responses. Whenever I’m in the presence of a dominant man who doesn’t want me dead, my body automatically prepares me to fuck.
“Please, Leroi,” I beg with a groan. “You’re the only man who can make me come.”
This always worked on him before. Or it did until he moved in that little blonde. Now, he’s fixated on her. Tossing me aside, he strides out of the VIP section toward the group of women his cousins were watching on the dance floor. My heart plummets to my stomach, which churns with mounting dread.
I can’t lose Leroi. Especially not after Gunther’s threat to recruit Miranda. I need to say something—anything to get back his attention.
As I teeter after him on my heels, a set of strong arms encircle my waist. That’s when I inhale the mingled scents of earth and smoke. Annoyance prickles my skin and I ready myself to break this guy’s ribs.
“Fuck off,” I snap, my head whipping aside. “Let go?—”
I lock gazes with Cesare, the youngest Montesano brother, and my breath catches. The shock must register on my face because he smirks.
He’s even more handsome up close, with a golden complexion, sanpaku eyes, sculpted cheekbones, and a chiseled jaw. His facial piercings are gone, so there’s nothing impairing the sharp angles of his face or his raw sex appeal.
What should be intimidating is softened by messy strands of raven-black hair that beg to be tamed. The playful glimmer in his pale irises scream mischief.