Reign of a Billionaire : A Dark Mafia Enemies-to-Lovers Romance

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” I deadpanned. I’d used Kristoff over the years to broker properties around the world.

If he was working with Perez, we were fucked. In fact, the entire Ashford line would be doomed. He was intimately aware of family secrets and hidden assets related to my brothers which could easily ruin them.

“Ditto,” he said brusquely.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice colder than Siberia.

“Looking for my daughter.”

The stillness of the jungle reflected the dread in his eyes. The eerie swoosh of leaves resumed, matching the storm in Kristoff’s expression.

“The one who refused to answer your calls?” I questioned, recalling his comment from when I last saw him.

He nodded.

“In the jungle?” Alexei asked.

The fatigue in his eyes was glaring. So was the fear. He reeked of it.

“She got into hacking.” My brow furrowed at the odd explanation. “Apparently, she wiped Perez’s bank account.” Alexei whistled, clearly impressed. “Please spare me the kudos,” he said, pushing his hand through his already unkempt hair. “First year of college and not a single month has gone by without some sort of trouble. Larson, intoxication, getting arrested for breaking and entering, and now getting kidnapped.”

My lips twitched, part of me already liking the kid, whoever she was.

“Don’t forget theft,” Alexei added, a hint of amusement in his usually cold voice.

Kristoff shot him a murderous look, clearly not appreciating being reminded of his daughter’s extra-curricular activities.

“You say that in front of my wife, and I’ll have my daughter wipe your accounts clean,” he growled. Alexei’s expression remained unflinching. Kristoff’s eyes filled with conflicted uncertainty as he looked away. “Jesus, I’d give up every penny of my own just to get her back. I can’t go back without her.”

“Why Perez Cortes?” I asked him.

He shook his head. “Fuck if I know. I’m gonna be bald by the time all my kids wrap up their tantrums.”

“Let’s get her back, then,” I said. “Although, I think you could pull the look off. Unlike Byron.” My phone buzzed and dread filled my stomach, saliva pooling in the back of my throat. “The auction date has been set.”

It would seem we’d both be restoring Perez’s bank accounts soon.

Chapter 31Liana

My wrists and ankles bound once again, I sat in the chair and tried to reason with my nerves. I shook my head to clear it—my plan had to work. There was no room for failure, and any panic would just get in the way.

“You okay?” Giovanni asked out of the corner of his mouth.

“Yes.”

Surveying the room, I noted the yellow walls, wooden floors, and randomly placed pillars, with large doors providing a view of the water and the boat slowly approaching.

“It’s a warehouse,” he explained. “That’s just a tender to pick you up and take you to the larger ship.”

I swallowed. Not exactly ideal, but it was the only way to get to Perez.

“Maybe he comes to pick me up personally and we snatch him,” I murmured, the hope in my chest a vicious bitch. After all, he personally handled a transaction with my own mother not too long ago. Maybe he’d want to do the same now.

The boat docked, and it didn’t take long for two men to make their way to us. One was heavyset, and the other skinny with dark sunglasses.

“Fuck, no Perez,” I hissed.

“I should kill them and end this,” he muttered.

“No,” I gritted. “I need Perez.”

Not taking their gazes off me, the two men swallowed the distance between us.

“Agosti,” the heavyset man greeted. “Congrats on the promotion.” Giovanni didn’t answer, just nodded tersely. “This the bitch?”

Giovanni’s growl vibrated behind me, and I had to act quickly before he gave up the ruse.

“Who are you calling bitch, you pussy?” I snapped, struggling against the ropes and giving as convincing a performance as I could manage. “Untie me, and I’ll show you how much of a pussy you are.”

“Jesus fucking Christ,” groaned Giovanni.

The two men laughed, sharing amused glances.

“Feisty bitch,” one man said as he pushed his glasses up his nose. He took a step forward, bringing his face closer, the scent of tobacco and motor oil invading my space. I held my breath, waiting. One more inch and… Bam

! I headbutted him with all my strength.

He staggered back, clutching his nose as blood seeped between his fingers.

“This fucking bitch!” he screamed, raising his hand to slap me, but before his fist could connect with my face, Giovanni stepped in front of me and intervened.

“No marks on the woman.” A collective chill spread between us all. It was so quiet I could hear each drum of my heart. Bum… bum… bum.

The men stared at each other, Giovanni’s face reflecting not a flicker of emotion. Strained silence reigned for a moment before the other man broke it.

“You’re right,” he growled. “Perez wouldn’t be happy with damaged goods.”

I gritted my teeth, fighting the urge to smash these two morons’ heads with my hands tied behind my back.

This would be too easy.