“I have no doubt,” he says with a boyish chuckle.
“Not to mention, he just bought the Baldridge Plaza building. The same building I pried from Duncan Baldridge’s steely grip two years ago. Duncan’s been waiting for the opportunity to get it back. It’s been in his family since 1910. I’m sure it must feel demeaning officing in a building you used to own that’s now owned by a Constantine.” I pause and smirk at Perry. “Imagine how annoyed he’ll be when he discovers a Morelli purchased it.”
“I swear, you enjoy fucking with people more than making actual money.”
At this, I laugh, a genuine one. “It’s definitely a favorite hobby of mine.”
“Sadistic fucker,” he throws back, shaking his head and fighting a grin.
I’ll make a man out of this boy yet.
“I’m going to offer Duncan an opportunity. I’m going to let him buy his building back.”
Perry’s brows fly high. “This sounds complicated.”
“It’s rather easy, little brother. I make Duncan do my dirty work, delivering on my promise once he succeeds.”
“And then . . .”
“You’re learning quickly.” My grin is wolfish. “And then I take my fucking building back.”
“That’s a lot of trouble when you could have said no in the first place.”
“It’ll keep Leo distracted, Duncan eager and willing to do my bidding, and Ash safe.”
Perry’s brows furrow. “You really like this chick.”
I ponder his words for a moment before exhaling heavily. “Which is why I must go to great lengths to protect her.” Our eyes meet as I deliver my next words. “I’ve never liked anyone the way I like her. This is a weakness they see and will try to exploit at every turn.”
“I’ve got your back, man.”
“Of course you do. You’re a Constantine.” I pin him with a hard stare. “None of this leaves this room. The only trust a Constantine has is with someone who shares the same blood. Don’t ever forget it.”
“Never, Winny.”
It pleases me my brother is already learning the Constantine way—my way. He’ll make our family proud, especially me. I never saw myself bringing a child into this world, so it gives me relief knowing Perry might be moldable to one day take my place as a son would. Dad would want it this way.
“You did well today, Perry.”
His blue eyes flash with surprise. “I did?”
“Keep it up, and you’ll take Nate’s office.”
Determination that reminds me of our father morphs his young features into a fierce expression. “I won’t let you down. I can do this.”
“I know. Constantines aren’t weak. We’re the blood that runs through the veins of this city. You may be young, but you’re still one of us.”
16
Ash
Manda will be here soon, and I’ve yet to make contact with Winston, which leaves me worried. I shouldn’t be. I know he can handle himself, but I can’t help it. He’s been a tornado in my life, but I can’t complain too much. He’s given me a means to support myself, a safe haven for my bird, and an escape from my wicked stepbrothers. In some ways, he’s my hero. A dark hero with a villainous smile and a black cape, hellbent on destroying everyone beneath his feet. For some insane reason, he’s intrigued with me, which goes a long way in Winston Constantine’s world.
Rather than dissecting what all this means, I focus on dressing. Manda said dinner was casual, but we both know my version of casual and hers are two totally different things. I select a white Valentino V-print silk shift dress. The long, billowy sleeves are fun, and the short length is sexy but still screams money, which I know Manda will appreciate. I pair it with white Jimmy Choo leather block-heel sandals that are just high enough to give my calves a shapelier look but not so high I break my neck. I could kiss Carly right now for the reasonable options he selected. If it had been up to Winston, there’s no telling what I would be wearing right now.
As if the devil has been summoned, my phone buzzes with a text.
Winston: I’ll be home soon.
His words cause a flutter in my stomach.
Me: We may miss each other. I’m to have dinner with my stepmother. She’s picking me up soon.
Winston: How much will it cost to get you to stay?
Me: I really should go . . .
Winston: Maybe I should come up with something for you to do while at your dinner.
A tiny thrill shoots through me.
Me: Maybe you should.
Winston: I have an idea. It’s going to be embarrassing, and you’ll hate every second of it.
Me: Sounds expensive.
Winston: I have expensive tastes.
A laugh tumbles out of me.
Me: Name your stakes, Win, and I’ll give you a price.
Winston: So sure you’ll do it?
Me: I’m learning I can handle whatever you throw my way.
Winston: Oh, Cinderelliott, your eagerness to challenge me gets my dick really hard.