Lev: a Shot Callers novel - Belle Aurora Page 0,135

sultry. They really were beauties, our Diamond Dozen.

Halfway through the night, I turned to find my brother sitting at the bar right in front of me, wearing a slight grin. I squeaked in surprise then threw myself over the bar to wrap my arms around him. I laughed in his ear, “How long were you watching me stare into space?”

He hugged me back then kissed my cheek. “Only a minute.” He pulled back and began, “I need to t—” But he stopped midsentence, losing his focus when his gaze landed on Cora. His brow furrowed. “Who’s that?”

I turned to blink at Cora then turned back to him. “Corinna Alkaev. She’s new. Started tonight. She’s a friend of the family.”

But Alessio was lost to her, and I hid my grin. He shook his head lightly before starting again. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

I looked around the bar. There were a lot of people waiting, and with Nas, Cora, Anika and me all working our tails off, I grimaced. “Any chance you could wait five minutes, just until I help with this crowd?”

Alessio smiled at me, and I could’ve sworn I saw pride there. “Take your time. It can wait.”

He waited ten minute without batting a lash, and finally, when the intermission crowd slowed, I motioned to Nas that I was stepping out. She winked at me and I walked around the bar, linked my arm through Alessio’s, and made our way to the only free space in the club by the bathroom walls. “What’s up?”

He hesitated, and when he started to talk, it was cautious. “So, you have to know that Enzo was loaded, right?”

I thought about this then shrugged. “I didn’t know that, no.”

What did that have to do with me?

Alessio nodded. “He was. And I got his inheritance.”

I looked up at him. “And so you should have.”

He shook his head. “But I’m not his only kid. You’re his kid too. And I want to share it with you.”

Oh. I understood. He felt an obligation to me.

My heart swelled and I warmed with happiness. I smiled up at him, reaching up to cup his scarred cheek. “You’re sweet, Alessio, but no. I don’t want it.”

He took my hand from his cheek and squeezed it. “Too late, Mina. It’s already in your bank account.”

I pulled back, my brow furrowing. “What?”

Alessio held onto my hand, refusing to let go. “I spoke to Lev last week. He agreed that you could use the money, and the freedom this kind of money brings. He wants you to be set, and so do I.” His grip on my hand gentled. “He was a shitty father, Mina. The money isn’t everything, but he owed us at least that much.”

Okay. He wanted me to have the money. He was adamant about that.

“How much money are we talking here?” I asked quietly.

Motioning with his fingers, I brought my head close to his and he whispered the figure into my ear. My eyes widened and I pulled back with a gasp, shoving him in the chest. “Get out!” My mouth gaping, my head swam. “Oh, my God. Shut up!”

And Alessio’s body shook with silent laughter. “Yeah.”

My mind was a mess. That was more money than one person would ever need in a lifetime. I couldn’t think. I was a mess.

Then suddenly, I blurt out, “What if I wanted to donate it to charity?”

Alessio’s brows rose. He clearly wasn’t expecting that response. He thought a moment before answering, “It’s your money, Mina. You can do what you want with it. If you want to donate it, then go for it.”

“Hey, Mina?” someone spoke from behind me. I turned to see Cora staring patiently up at Alessio, her eyes grazing over the scarred half of his face. She didn’t look at me when she spoke again, but remained fixed on the tall, brooding man. “Lev’s looking for you.”

“Cora, this in my brother Alessio. Alessio, this is Cora, our new bar girl.”

That broke Cora out of her state. Her brows rose and she smiled. “You have a brother?” Then suddenly, it was as if Alessio’s scars had disappeared and she only had eyes for the man behind them. She stepped forward and held her hand out. “You’re a lucky guy to have a sister like Mina,” she finished with a wink.

Alessio stared down at the pocket-rocket that was Cora then slowly, carefully, he took her hand, shaking it lightly. “I know.”

She bunched her nose adorably. “I’m sure you’re not