Boss (Killer of Kings #7) - Sam Crescent Page 0,13

wanted an audience with me, you ask for it, you don’t do it like this.”

“Boss, I do what I like when I like. Now, I’ve seen the way Graciella has made you behave these past few months. She has certainly gotten under your skin. I gave her a job, and I expected it done to the best of her abilities. She’s amazing at what she does. I don’t have personal experience with this, of course.”

“You know she was raped as a child. Hurt over and over again,” Boss said.

“I know her story. It’s why I never killed her. You see, Boss, what you need to understand is I’m the hero of her story. You want to know who helped her? I did. When it comes to her, she is somewhat … like a pet that I just can’t seem to want to kill.”

Boss glared at him. “Then why are those men with her?”

“Oh, Boss, you really need to get a grip. Graciella is a deadly weapon. I can’t keep her here unless she is completely naked. It’s the way we work, unless we meet in public circumstances. The men have dealt with her before, and she is known to snap necks if they even so much as touch her inappropriately.”

“I was the one who killed her mark,” he said. He had to protect her. Whatever it was that Viko had given him, it was making him very fucking sick.

“I know you killed the cheating scumbag. He didn’t need to die, you know. I mean, I was going to kill him because he didn’t intend to pay but sometimes I like playing with the men. Just so you know, Graceilla wouldn’t have actually had sex with him.” Viko shrugged. “She’d have worked him up, made him pass out, took the necessary photographs that showed what needed to be seen, and then he’d have woken up with no memory but a beautiful naked woman by his side. She only uses her body if she has to. It’s the one area where she is a master, but I’m afraid no man has ever been able to show her how good it can be.” Viko got to his feet. “I’m bored of this conversation.” He threw the keys at Boss. “Join us when you’re free.”

Boss didn’t even hesitate unlocking his cuffs and marching toward the door. He stopped, checked the room, and he found what he was looking for. A gun had been left. He picked it up, checked the chamber, and left the room.

He followed the sound of Viko’s voice and pointed his gun, only to come to a stop when he saw Graciella sitting at the dining room table, two guns poised at her head, and she was still completely naked.

Her gaze was on him and he watched as she shook her head.

Poor thing had no idea.

“We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Boss. I don’t really care which. Just know that you brought this on yourself. We can work together or I can kill you. I honestly don’t mind which it is. I’m game for anything. This is my kingdom though and I don’t take to having a gun pointed at me lightly.”

He lowered the gun, putting it on the floor.

“Excellent. Now that we know Graciella isn’t hiding anything, we can get her a robe,” Viko said. “You care to join us, Boss? The drugs I used will wear off even faster with food.” Viko picked up a piece of orange and placed it in his mouth. “Dig in. There’s plenty of food to go around.”

Boss didn’t expect Graciella to dig in but she did as soon as she had a robe. He watched her eat with relish, not once looking toward Viko.

“Am I the only person here with any sense?” Boss asked.

“I’m not going to kill you, Boss. You can eat without worrying.”

“I don’t want to eat. I want to know what all of this is about.”

“Eat,” Graciella said. “It’s not polite to ignore offered food.”

He didn’t pander to anyone’s needs but he did need food. The drugs he’d been given to knock him out had lingered a little too long for his liking. Picking up some fruit, he took bites, being careful and clocking all the available exits and possible difficulties he’d have.

“So, we have a problem. The drugs,” Viko said.

Graciella paused. “You know.”

“Of course, I know. I’ve been tracking them ever since the formula went missing, as did our chief scientist.”

Boss looked at the