The Carrero Contract - Selling Your Soul (Mafia Romance)

‘So what have I missed … and are we ready for nine p.m.?’ Straight to the point, no other chit-chat or mention of last week?

Fine by me.

Two can play at that game!

If Alexi is taking the all business route to interact with me then I can handle that just fine. However, I hate that it makes me feel weirdly upset and just triggers a nerve—stupidly so.

‘I took care of everything. Club’s ready, guests are sorted, and everything is in hand. All you need to do is put on a suit and look intimidating.’ I smile drily, tight facial expressions because it takes so much effort.

So be normal then.

Not that he isn’t in jeans and a t-shirt, it’s just like this he’s more street boxer than Mafia king and that edge of psycho he keeps in his back pocket is not so obvious when he dresses down. As much as I dislike that part of who he can be, I dislike it when he is less sinister to look at.

I know … I’m fucked up. Something completely wrong with me and I probably need therapy.

‘I’m bringing a guest—Chief of Police—Nice to keep things friendly with our local law enforcement,’ Alexi smirks, deviously so. I’m not sure if it’s because of what he said, or because he is enjoying behaving like an inconsiderate arsehole who takes no responsibility for being a thug in Miami.

I knew he had police on the take, but I didn’t think it stretched as high as that.

‘Does he need special requirements?’ I add, trying to appear completely professional and keep that edge out of my tone even though I feel irritated at him. Annoyed with myself that I am simmering hurt over how he’s pushed all talk of what happened away, as though none of it matters … as though I don’t matter.

‘He likes redheads.’ That dangerous flash of the eye trying to goad me to bite, and a hint at him being in sadist mode, and I just shake my head, refusing to fall for it.

‘Good for him. I’ll find him one.’ I’m not going to react. He’s angling for a fight and being his usual prick self, probably because I am not falling all over him for finally showing up to his own club.

In a way I also sort of feel relieved with the appearance of this version of him. I didn’t trust Mr Nice, couldn’t relax when he was playing docile, but I know exactly where I stand with smug arsehole Carrero, and know how to handle him when he is this way. No second guessing, no surprises. No trying to figure out his motives. As messed up as it is, I actually trust this side of him. I know it, it’s familiar and this isn’t an act to goad me to his demands. I know what is expected of me. He’s sulking and being a tosser—nothing new there.

man. Blunt, bossy, all business, and those first few months when we built this club, I could both tolerate him and sort of relax in his company. It was sex that messed me up when it came to him, nothing else but physically letting him inside of me. Once he got into my body, he got into my mind and my heart. It’s

ever get that

brunette, none of the club girls. I want someone new. Not someone who has been passed around to everyone and their dog downstairs.’ His eyes flash in amusement

he hasn’t used any to get at me until this very moment. It’s the first time in a long time he has put me down with an insult this way too, well, apart from calling

that tiny ounce of hurt and I just pray he

so I’m improvising. I can’t sit downstairs twiddling my thumbs and not sampling my own goods. It would look wrong. Suspicious

trying to make me jealous. He’s goading me because I rejected him in Miami and he wants to know how far it goes. Do I just not want

it. He doesn’t talk things out and expect honesty in an answer, why would he? He lives in a world of liars and backstabbing opportunists that has coloured his levels of trust … he tries to figure things out for himself with manipulation and pushing boundaries. He reads people on the surface

my nose to spite my face though, and to hide that maybe I do still have some sort of feelings; I will supply him with a girl and watch him fuck her. Just to show I do

if you like, one for each side to take it in turns. I know you have more stamina than most men.’ I lift my chin and glare him down, voice oozing charm. Our eyes locked on one another for a moment as neither speaks. Alexi doesn’t give anything away in that face of his, just those pale greys set

high. Maybe need to use our special room if you can work that. I miss tying up docile women.’ He smirks, less genuine this time and I just swallow hard to stop

not that weak heart who crumbled

fun ones. Only way to get over your past is to take control of it, right?’ I add haughtily and smile wickedly when

controlled. He looks completely livid, tense jawline, eyes darkening and brows dropping dramatically.

his own voice losing the venom and confidence, and he taps the table with his thumb; Agitation and instant

either when he’s trying to distract himself from something or gets excited in a very happy mood. It’s how he focuses himself to control

just needed the right lover to show me the good side to it, and I never said I was the one in straps,’ I cattily respond, insides swelling with

I am about to find out if he can respect the no punishment boundaries and the fact I never agreed to be his this time. Alexi looks like he might explode, a weird smile that’s not really a smile, and a very intense frown for a second as he grapples to get a hold on his obvious emotions; Losing face under fire and his ability to be Mr Deadpan. It’s wholly wonderful to watch him crumble and struggle

He snaps as he pulls open a drawer in agitation and starts rummaging, eyes on that and not me, and I wonder if it’s a tactic to give himself a task to focus on while he

he liked it; the power trip, the upper hand. Knowing you wounded the person in front of you in ways that get to

his way, seeing the rage as his eyes get

the outburst, the jealous psycho act in which he tells me I am his and he will kill anyone who dares to touch what he owns, but it doesn’t come. He can’t seem

I can date

over me that way this

I can walk out the door and never come