that she sensed any weakness in me. “Thank you.”
“One other thing. He’ll need a salary offer and a contract if he’s going to be a legitimate employee.”
“He’s working off Jimmy’s debt, so make up a number and be generous with his benefits.”
“How quickly do you want the debt paid off?”
I considered that. I would provide Peter with everything he needed, but I didn’t want this debt hanging between us for too long. “Six months.”
Carla’s eyes widened. “Doesn’t Jimmy owe over a hundred thousand?”
“Yes.”
“Wow. He must be… skilled.”
“Don’t.” I snarled. “He’s to be treated with respect.”
She started to speak, and I held up my hand. “I know I’ve permitted you to be frank with me, but this is something you need to keep your mouth closed about.”
“Yes, sir,” she snapped, making very clear how pissed off she was.
“Carla, please.”
“All right. Since you said the magic word, but don’t hurt that boy. I think he’s actually as sweet as he seems.”
I should send him away, find him a job somewhere safe and secure where I wouldn’t run into him again. But I wasn’t going to do that, at least not until I’d taken everything I wanted from him. I was selfish and used to getting what I wanted, and he was too fucking delectable for me to let him walk away.
“You said you had some high priority tasks for me?”
I nodded, thankful she was dropping the subject.
“Does it have to do with the meeting? It sounded like things got tense in there.”
“When are they not?”
She smiled. “Never, but you don’t always bring people here whose loyalty is in question.”
Carla didn’t like the vibe she got from Marco. I couldn’t say I blamed her. The man was a sleaze. I wouldn’t let him near any women under my protection. As far as I knew, he was one hundred percent straight, but if he even looked at Peter, I’d cut his eyes out. I didn’t care what alliance I fucked up.
“Peter’s apartment is unsafe and unsightly, and while he’s working off his cousin’s debt he won’t be able to pay the rent. I’m moving him to my house.”
She studied me for a moment, then simply said, “Yes, sir” as she typed something on her tablet. “See how I’m not making commentary?”
“You know I’ve shot men for less backtalk than you give me.”
“They don’t make your life run smoothly.”
She had me there. “Things are heating up with the Ricci situation. I don’t want Peter caught in the crossfire.”
“Of course you don’t.” I didn’t like the knowing look she gave me, but I let it go. “I assume you need me to arrange to have his things brought to your house.”
“Yes. But more importantly, he needs new clothes, shoes, toiletries, anything else that would make him comfortable. And a room needs to be readied for him.”
She frowned. “He needs a room of his own?”
“According to Virginia Woolf, yes.”
She glared at me. “Cute.”
“Can you manage that by the end of the day?”
“I’m insulted that you would ask that. I could have three beautiful boys of your liking outfitted and moved in by midafternoon if you required it. That’s why you love me.”
“Out.” I pointed at the door.
“I’ll take care of it, and Lucien?”
I sighed. “What?”
“Be careful with this one.”
“I’ll try.”
7
Peter
I was updating some client records Carla had asked me to assist her with when I felt Lucien’s presence. I hadn’t heard him approach, but the buzz across my skin told me he was there. I looked up and saw him watching me. His expression was softer than I’d ever seen it. “How may I help you, sir?”
He smiled. “You’ve done enough for the day. Go ahead and close out what you’re doing. I have a car waiting to take you to your new home.”
I stared at him. “What do you mean new home?”
“Your apartment is unsafe, impossible to secure, likely rat-infested, and in need of a long list of repairs. It’s not suitable for you in any way, so as part of your employment compensation, I’ve made new living arrangements for you. Some of your things have been moved there already, and the rest will arrive tomorrow.”
“You broke into my apartment? You had someone pack up my things? You can’t just—”
He sighed. “Are we really going to go through this again? I can do anything I want.”
My chest felt so tight I wasn’t sure I could get enough air. “Wh-what if I don’t want to move?”
“Are you telling me you’re happy with your apartment, that you would