Dangerous Game

by L. P. Dover

  Reed scoffed. “All of them. But if I had to choose, I’d say the Cartwrights.”

  That didn’t surprise me. I’d heard that name mentioned on more than one occasion, even before I knew they were mafia. I watched Dominic with them, and he almost looked like a different person, all dark and dangerous. It made me wonder what kind of business they were talking about. Reed spun me around to where I couldn’t see Dominic anymore.

  “I take it you and Dominic are together now?” he asked, his eyes searching mine.

  I blew out a sigh. “We are. Does it bother you?”

  His jaw clenched, but he shook his head and smiled. “I knew it was bound to happen. Has he said anything about me?”

  Sheepishly, I nodded. “Maybe a little. Just do me a favor and don’t piss him off. I really need you to stay, Reed. It may be selfish of me, but I want you here.” He twirled me around the dance floor, and it made me laugh.

  “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. But if he hurts you, I’ll be the first in line to kick his ass.”

  That made me smile. “Second. I’ll be kicking his ass first.” I glimpsed over at the group of men and watched Dominic shake hands with Cadoc, like they were sealing a deal. “Reed, do you know what kind of business deals they could be striking up?”

  Reed glanced over at them and shrugged. “Don’t know. Gotta give him credit though, he’s more honorable than his father. He doesn’t deal in drugs or guns like the other families.”

  It still didn’t make me feel any better with him striking deals with them. Dominic shook hands with some of the other men, and then started on his way toward us. “You’d tell me if he starts doing anything illegal, wouldn’t you?”

  Reed sighed. “If you’re worried about that why don’t you ask him yourself?”

  He dodged the question which made me wonder if he knew something I didn’t. “Can I cut in?” Dominic asked.

  Reed nodded and handed me over before joining Micah and Connor on the other side of the room. Dominic held me close, his arm tight around my waist. “Did you talk to him about us?”

  “I did. He’s not going to cause problems.”

  His lips pulled back. “Good.” Then his eyes landed on something over my shoulder. “Your friend seems to be doing well at the bar.”

  He turned me around to where I could see Sam, pouring drinks left and right. He looked up and waved at us. “He’s a sweet guy,” I said, waving at him. My eyes shifted over to the right and staring at us was Cadoc Cartwright. A sense of dread settled into the pit of my stomach. “So what kind of business talk could you and Cadoc Cartwright possibly discuss? Isn’t he into some shady stuff?”

  Dominic glared over at Cadoc. “You have nothing to worry about, Faith. I’m not going into business with him. Our talks are more about establishing our rank in the city.”

  “And are the Corsinos still on top?”

  Dominic turned his gray eyes to mine. “For now. Since I’m not my father, I’m being tested left and right.”

  “Why don’t you leave it behind? There’s more to life than being the top dog.”

  His expression hardened. “It’s all I know, Faith. I love the way it feels.” I didn’t know what that felt like so I couldn’t pretend to understand. He already had enough money to be set for the rest of his life. That right there would make me happy. Not to mention, he had me, but I’d be an idiot to think I could make him change his life. I just prayed he made the right decisions. Until he gave me a reason to doubt him, I planned on being happy. The song ended and Dominic took my hand. “Let’s grab a drink.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  He led me over to the bar and Sam waved for us to come to him instead of the other bartenders. “Hey,” he called out, smiling at both me and Dominic. “What would you like?” He focused on me. “I have a really nice red I think you should try.”

  “Pour it up then,” I said happily.

  Grabbing a wine glass, he filled it all the way to the top. I couldn’t even swirl it around because he gave me too much. It was a good problem to have. Most times when you ordered drinks you got the bare minimum and paid top dollar for it. I took a sip and slowly swallowed it, loving the richness of it.

  “That tastes amazing, Sam. I love it.”

  Sam beamed. “I knew you would. I remember you loving red wine.” He cleared his throat and turned to Dominic. “What would you like, Mr. Corsino? Our IPA has been a big hit tonight.”

  Dominic nodded. “I’ll try it then.” Sam poured him the beer and Dominic downed half of it in one gulp. His eyes widened and he seemed impressed. “Very smooth. I like it.”

  Sam breathed a sigh of relief. “It’s one of my own recipes. We debuted it tonight. Mr. Cartwright ordered twenty cases of it already, and we still have orders coming in.”

  “What about the wine?” I asked. “Can I order a couple of bottles of it?”

  He nodded. “Of course.”

  Dominic pulled out his credit card. “You can charge it to me.”

  I tried to grab it out of his hand, but Sam took it before I could. “I can pay for it myself,” I grumbled.

  Sam tried not to smile and failed as he put in my order. Dominic looked down at me and winked. “You weren’t fast enough, love. Gotta be quick around me.”

  I lifted my brows. “I’ll make sure to remember that.”

  Sam handed Dominic back his card. “I can bring the bottles by The Chateaux tonight if you want.” He glanced back and forth at us both. “You can try some of the other beers and wines I have available. For free, of course. I’d love your opinions.”

  That made me smile. “That would be awesome. I’d love to try them.”

  I turned to Dominic and he sighed. “I can’t tonight. There’s something I have to do, but you’re more than welcome to join him.” He looked over at Sam. “You guys can meet at the bar and I’ll make sure my staff knows.”

  Sam shrugged. “That’s fine with me.”

  They both stared at me and I had no clue what to say. I wasn’t expecting Dominic to have plans after the gala without me. It made me wonder what he was up to. “All right,” I said, trying my best to smile, “I’ll see you then.”

  Sam glanced down at his watch. “Does ten o’clock sound okay?”

  Dominic nodded at me. “Sounds good,” I replied. “Can’t wait.”

  More people came up to the bar, so Dominic and I moved out of the way. I took a sip of my wine and stared at him. “What plans do you have tonight?”

  He smiled and cupped my face in his hands. “It’s just a meeting at the hotel. Once it’s done, we’ll have the rest of the night to ourselves.” I didn’t want to nag him about his plans, but I had a feeling he wasn’t telling me the whole truth.

  One way or another, I was going to find out.

  Chapter Ten

  Dominic

  We left the gala around nine-thirty, and at ten o’clock the fighting pit would be filled to the brim with people. Marco and Luca had left the party early so they could get everyone into place. Marco had hired a whole set of staff from security to bartenders, to ring girls. It was the first night of my new adventure, a lucrative one at that. My only problem was keeping it from Faith. Even as I drove us back to the hotel, I could see the wheels in her head turning. I didn’t want to lie to her, but I had no choice. I couldn’t tell her about the pit. Not yet, even though I had a feeling she knew something was up. Faith was smart. It was only a matter of time before I’d have to be honest with her. I promised her I would, and I’d already broken that trust.

  “Do you need to run by your room first?” I asked as we walked into the hotel.

  Faith shook her head. “No, I’m good. Sam will be here in a few minutes.”

  I walked her to the hotel restaurant and led her to one of the private tables in the corner. I wasn’t thrilled about leaving her alone with Sam, but I had no doubt Faith could punch him once and he’d be knocked the fuck out. I’d seen what being overprotective did to my sister. I d
idn’t want to be overbearing with Faith, even though I hated the idea of her spending time with another man.

  Faith sat down in the booth and I slid in beside her. She didn’t have much to say in the car on the ride back. “What do you want to do tomorrow?” I asked.

  She looked over at me, her gaze narrowed. “Do you have to work?”

  I shook my head. “I’m all yours. We can do whatever you want.”

  “Promise?” Her lips tilted slightly, but what I really wanted to see was her smile. Maybe it was my guilt making me think she was unhappy.

  Taking her chin, I kissed her, and she responded by deepening it. That was a good sign. “I promise,” I murmured. “I’ll be all yours.”

  My phone beeped with an incoming text and I pulled it out of my suit pocket.

  Isaiah: It’s time. Everyone’s waiting for you.

  I looked over at the restaurant entrance and there he was, nodding for me to join him. Luckily, Sam walked in, carrying a box in his arms. I waved him over. He set the box on the table and held out his hand. “Thank you so much for everything. You sure I won’t get in trouble for bringing my own alcohol?”

  Chuckling, I shook his hand. “I own the hotel. I’m sure you’ll be fine.” I slid closer to Faith and kissed her. “Have fun. I’ll see you in a little bit.”

  She nodded, but I could see the skepticism on her face. A part of me wanted to just tell her the truth right then and there, but it was too late. I didn’t have time. I moved out of the booth and Sam took my place, pulling out her bottles of wine and all sorts of mini bottles of his other brews. Turning on my heel, I started for the door. I was afraid that if I looked back, Faith would see my guilt.

  I joined Isaiah and we made our way to the private elevator that led down to the pit. “What’s it looking like down there?” I asked, stepping into the elevator.

  Isaiah grinned. “Pretty damn good. There’s a long line of people waiting to get in, but Marco has the staff already in place. Security is ready and the bar is fully stocked.”

  “What about Taylor? Is he warmed up for the fight?”

  He nodded. “Luca and Connor are in the locker room with him now.”

  It made me miss being in the ring. The excitement and anticipation before a fight was like a drug to me. I was addicted to it. The underground fighting arena was called the Dark Side. When it got shut down, I had to quit.

  The elevator door opened, and I could already hear the sounds coming from the pit. There was laughter and music, but what I really heard was money and power. That was the drug of choice now, money and power. However, there was something new I craved even more. Faith. I had everything I could ever want, which meant I had more to lose.

  There was no one allowed in my private hallway, but Marco had a bouncer stationed at the door. He nodded at me as I approached him and let us through. As soon as the door opened, the pit had come to life. The energy was intoxicating. The chairs were almost filled around the ring and there were even more people at the bar.

  Marco was in the corner taking bets while Reed and Micah stood at our seats, talking to Cadoc Cartwright and two of his nephews. I was curious to see who his fighters were. They had the first match of the night against the O’Briens. Cadoc smirked at me as I made my way over to them.

  “Got a nice turnout tonight,” he called out. “I’m impressed.”

  “The fights will be even better.”

  Cadoc scanned the room. “I bet. Along with the house fees, you’ll be bringing in close to a million if your fighter wins.”

  “You’re damn right.” All in one night too. If his fighter one, he’d be earning a quarter million. It was a win-win, but we both knew it was because of me and my family.

  “Where’s your lady at?” Cadoc asked, searching the room again.

  “Not here,” I replied.

  He frowned. “Pity. She seems like she’d be fun to have around at a party. I think I’ve seen her around before with your sister.”

  Reed glared at me, but I ignored it. “Fighting really isn’t her scene,” I said.

  Cadoc shrugged. “Maybe next time then.” He turned on his heel and his nephews followed him.

  Once he was out of earshot, Reed huffed. “He’s the last person I want thinking about Faith.”

  “Don’t you think I fucking know that,” I snapped low. I stepped closer to him. “I’m not going to let anything happen to her. If it comes down to it, I’ll send her to Wyoming.”

  Reed stared at me as if he was trying to see the truth in my eyes. As much as didn’t want to let Faith go, I wasn’t about to let her stay in New York if the Cartwrights had an interest in her. Reed sighed and stepped back. “Okay. I believe you.”

  Micah slapped my shoulder. “All right, you two. I get it you’re both worried about Faith, but none of these limp wristed wankers here are going to mess with her with me around.”

  Reed and I both looked at him and then back at each other. I couldn’t help but smile. “Has he always had a big head?” I asked.

  Reed snorted. “The biggest.”

  Micah shrugged. “It’s gotten me this far. Once I see the fighters tonight, I might have to get in the ring myself one weekend.”

  “Really?” I questioned. If he wanted to I wasn’t going to stop him. It’d make us even more invincible in the eyes of the others.

  Micah nodded. “Got a lot of pent up aggression I need to let go. Might as well take it out on those fuckers,” he said, eyeing Cadoc and the other families.

  I waved my hand about the crowd. “I’m sure you can use your energy doing something else. There’s plenty of women to choose from.”

  Reed burst out laughing. “That’s not gonna work.”

  Micah’s jaw clenched and he looked away. “Why not?” I asked.

  “Because he’s hard up for someone already. That’s the problem. He hasn’t seen her in a few weeks.”

  “You can always invite her to New York and stay at the estate,” I said to Micah. The estate was my childhood home away from the city. I hadn’t been there in a couple of months.

  Micah shrugged. “We’ll see. She’s busy right now covering the Stanly Cup. Her name’s Madison Bennet. She’s a sports reporter.”

  It just so happened that I knew who she was. I’d seen her on TV plenty of times. She was a very beautiful woman. “The offer still stands,” I stated.

  Micah shook my hand. “I’ll think about it. Don’t know if I want her around here or not. This isn’t exactly her scene.”

  Neither was it Faith’s. I wasn’t the only one trying to keep secrets from the one I cared about. Marco waved at me through the crowd and made his way to us. “It’s time for you to make the announcement, son. The fighters are ready.”

  He handed me the microphone and I turned to the ring. Things were about to get crazy.

  Chapter Eleven

  Faith

  “This is my absolute favorite,” I gushed, drinking the last of Sam’s fall apple cider. “It goes down so smooth.” I usually drank wine or liquor over beer, but I enjoyed the cider. It was even more potent than your average beer. A person could get in trouble drinking a lot of it.

  Sam beamed. “I love coming up with fall beer recipes. They’re my favorite.”

  I’d tried over ten mini bottles of his various beers, wines, and ciders. I was a little tipsy, but I knew my limit. I hadn’t gotten drunk since the night I found out Philip cheated on me. By Monday morning, he’d be the one needing a drink once Layla got done with his lawyer.

  “When did you and Philip get divorced?” Sam asked. He pulled out a beer from his box and took a swig.

  Sighing, I leaned my head against the back of the booth. “It was finalized just the other day. We got it pushed through quicker since he admitted to cheating on me.”

  Sam’s eyes widened. “Wow. From what I remember of him he was a complete tool. Hopefully, you’re milking the shit out of his bank account.”

  That made me laugh. “Not yet. He tricked me int
o signing some papers saying that he’d get everything if we got divorced.”

  His mouth gaped. “Fucking bastard. What are you going to do?”

  I waved him off and smiled. “It’s being handled. He’ll get what he deserves. What about you?” I asked, changing the subject. “Married? Kids?” The last thing I wanted was to think of Philip.

  Sam took another sip of his beer and a small smile spread across his face. “Not married, but my girlfriend’s pregnant. We just found out a couple weeks ago.”

  “That’s great,” I gasped. “Congratulations.”

  His smile broadened. “Yeah, we’re happy about it. We’ve talked about marriage, but I think I’m going to go ahead and ask her. We’ve been together two years now.”

  I reached over and placed a hand on his arm. “That’s wonderful news, Sam. She’s lucky to have you.”

  “I hope so.” There was a sadness in his eyes when he said it, but then he looked away when his phone beeped. I sat back and watched him as he stared at his phone, looking confused.

  “Everything okay?” I asked.

  He nodded. “I think so. I just got a text from Cadoc Cartwright. Apparently, there’s a party he wants me to come to.”

  My stomach twisted at the thought. It was one thing to supply the booze for the annual gala, but it was another to get close to one of the most dangerous and deceptive mafia families in the city. I didn’t know Cadoc Cartwright personally, but I knew not to get involved. Sam had no clue what he was inviting into his life by accepting that kind of invitation.

  He typed out a reply and I cleared my throat, hoping he couldn’t hear the hesitance in my voice. “A party, huh? What kind of party is it?”

  Sam shrugged and set his phone down. “Don’t know. I told him I was at The Chateaux Hotel with a friend.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief. I could only hope Cadoc’s invitation was because of Sam’s amazing brewery, and not something nefarious. It was hard to see the good in people when all you knew was the bad.

  Sam’s phone beeped again, and he picked it up. A look of curiosity passed across his face and he smiled. “Cadoc says the party is here at the hotel.”