Heartbreak Me by T.L. Smith Page 0,16

But him? Him I can never escape, even if he is behind bars for the rest of his life. Being raised by that man made me stronger, made me learn from his mistakes, and made me realize I will never be like him.

My hands don’t touch women unless in the throes of pleasure, and believe me, my hands around Theodora’s throat tested my every resolve. I want to fuck her hard and grip her sweet, soft neck when I do.

I have rules, though. And I feel she may break every single one of them if I let her close.

Do not fall in love.

Never let women dictate who you are. They will bring you down and crush you while taking your money.

Business above all else.

My gun doesn’t aim unless you betray me.

And I’m really hoping Theadora doesn’t betray me. Because a bullet in that perfect head could really mess up that gorgeous hair. And we wouldn’t want that now, would we.

Turning back to Harry, I can see he’s angry. He runs one of the most expensive and exclusive whorehouses in town. The asshole sells his women for a few hours and only gives them a fraction of what he makes.

So yes, she can do better.

Much, much better than Harry’s whorehouse.

“You think you are so much better than us, don’t you? Why? Because you own that casino?” he huffs.

Yes, yes, I do. My casino started off small, but now it’s one of the biggest in the state and attracts all kinds of patrons. It has rooms that can only be accessed if you know me personally, and I don’t like many people, so access to those rooms is very exclusive.

My private bar area costs over one hundred thousand dollars for rental, and that’s the starting fee. Followed by all the drugs, alcohol, and women your mind can dream of.

So, yes, my business thrives, and I am filthy fucking rich, but apart from that, I own a lot of other businesses. My casino is my baby though, and the one thing I treasure out of the many others.

A lot of illegal activities happen on those premises, all with my knowledge, including underground drug runners. Whorehouses around town would love to take me down and take back their parts, which I now own and run more successfully.

You sell drugs on the street?

Well, I will sell them with a shot of the most expensive whiskey, followed by a stripper for your entertainment. And if you have more money to waste, then head into one of our playrooms where you can waste even more money at our tables.

Men love to play, fuck, drink, and get high.

So, yes, I own one of the fastest-growing developments in the country.

Watching my back is how I got this far. I don’t trust anyone, because those closest to you are the assholes who usually fuck you over.

That’s how my father got caught.

“Someone will knock you off that high horse one day, Atlas.”

“Next time, send me a blonde. I’m liking the taste of them lately.” I raise my eyebrow to Harry and walk away.

Nodding to Garry to get Theadora, I walk out, stopping only to look back briefly. I find her laughing at something Benji has said.

That cannot happen.

I will put a bullet between her eyes before I let that happen.

Chapter Nine

Theadora

Benji is funny and charming, and I can’t help but laugh at him. Even when I know I shouldn’t. I’ve kept to his rule and haven’t spoken all evening. But it’s hard not to laugh, and he never told me I couldn’t do that.

“Miss…” Atlas’s driver walks over to me, “… it’s time we leave now.”

I look back to Benji. Smiling, I go to walk away when he stops me, his hand softly grabbing my wrist, making me look back to him.

“What’s your name? At least tell me that?”

I look to the driver, then back to Benji. “Theadora.” I smile before I follow the driver outside to a waiting car, hoping he won’t say anything to Atlas.

Opening the car door, I climb in. I should have looked, but I didn’t think Atlas would be in here, not after…

“I told you to not make conversation.” Atlas eyes me with a skeptical glare.

My eyes narrow at his words as the car starts. “I didn’t.”

Amber eyes lock on me like magnets. “Did you just lie to me? I thought we had an understanding, Theadora.”

I cross my legs and move uneasily in my seat. “No, I didn’t! I did as you asked. I did not