DANTE

Two weeks later.

“I've been looking for you.” I said to the man who knelt before my desk, his face caked with blood, looking terrified as he should be.

I used to believe in family, until my brother betrayed me, murdered our father and my sister walked away like none of it mattered.

I don't blame her.

She had a chance at a normal life.

But me? I don't have that luxury.

Not while every gang in this city was out to get the new Don. And I will kill anyone who dares to try.

I poured myself a glass of whiskey. “You came to us, and I offered you one simple job: ship the cargo, get paid, and repeat. And you broke that cycle.”

The captive didn't dare to speak.

“Jonas, six packs of cigars were missing from the last shipment you handled.” I said, keeping my voice steady, then I yelled at the top of my voice. “WHERE ARE THEY?!”

Jonas squeezed his eyes shut. “I'm sorry, I thought it wouldn't matter if I took some. I didn't sell them, I promise.”

My mouth twitched, and I couldn't stop myself from chuckling, while Jonas' eyes flashed with confusion.

“They're really good, aren't they?” I rose from my chair, and buttoned my jacket, as I approached him. “Best on the East Coast.”

Before Jonas knew it, I'd grabbed a blade and sunk the tip through his palm, pinning it to the desk. Blood gushed out. Jonas' scream echoed in the room.

“And worth more than your life!” I growled in his ear. “Double-cross me again and I’ll cut your fucking throat!”

I motioned to the soldado in the office to get the moron out.

My new consigliere, Frankie, had been sitting in the corner watching quietly.

“Animals!” I spat angrily. “Can't even get the damn cigars without someone skimming off it.”

Nico cleared his throat. “I'm surprised you didn't kill him.”

“He's the best navigator on the crew.” I replied, “This should get the others to fall in line.”

I don't know why, but my thoughts raced back to Sierra.

For the love of God...I kissed a stripper!

God knows who else she'd kissed.

Thinking of her with other men should have turned me off; instead, it made me want to strangle them.

But Sierra was bold and headstrong; I loved that in a woman.

I could almost hear my father's voice, low and mocking me.

Dante, my boy, you're losing it.

* * * * * * * *

SIERRA

The producer frowned at my resume. “The crazy chick who attacked the Great Anton Petrowski?” He stamped the folder. “Denied!”

He didn't even let me audition for the Shakespearean ballet. I stormed out of Symphony Dance Studio. I wasn't having a good day.

So, this was going to be my life now.

My ballet dreams had been crushed to dust, and the nightclub would forever be my burden, until Santini decided to stop being greedy and end my contract.

God, I was so sick of exotic dancing.

I wanted to scream at the crowd tossing money at me every night, and I'd do anything to end it.

Feeling hot from the humidity, I stopped by a sundae bar I liked. The place was empty, except for a man sitting at the counter.

“Blueberry Blast.” I told the sales clerk.

“I liked your show last night.” The man suddenly said, looking at me. “Serena, right?”

A wave of panic rushed through me. “Look, buddy, I'm not in the mood for stalkers or signing autographs.”

How were people starting to recognize me out of the mask?

“Don't flatter yourself, cupcake.” He scoffed, showing me a badge.

FBI

Frowning, I rolled my eyes. “Okay, I liked it better when I thought you were a creep. I told your colleagues to quit bothering me weeks ago.”

The FBI wanted me to spy on Dante and gather intel.

“This might just be the worst case I've ever taken.” Agent Seth Graham sighed. “We had two Spinelli's down last year. Baby Spinelli's a psychopath, and he needs to be stopped.”

They say his empire is built on the blood of his father and brother. I knew firsthand that he would do whatever it took to remain in power.

The ice cream in my mouth turned sour, just thinking about Dante. “So? Ask one of your G.I. Joe crew to take him down.”

“It's not that simple.” Seth stated. “The FBI needs you, Sierra Monroe. We think he likes you.”

“Go to hell.” I tossed back.

What had the FBI ever done for me anyway?

“We'll get you a recommendation to whichever studio you want.” Seth promised. “That contract you have with Santini won't stand a chance after this.”

That caught my attention.

Back at the apartment, I lay on my bed still thinking about their offer.

Jesus.

Why couldn't I stop thinking about him?

All because of a stupid kiss!

I grabbed a pen and paper from my purse and began to write down the words that I'd been fighting to scream at Dante since the night he took my mask off.

Dante,

You watched me take the pole, like I was just another toy you could play with. You treat women like trophies, elegant things to hold and throw away after use. Your arrogance to them is unbearable.

I can't help but feel there's a darkness behind your eyes, that stupid hair slicked with gel that's probably worth more than my rent, your tongue is like a double-edged knife, and your wicked smile could melt steel.

Someday, I will be your undoing, you will beg for my touch, and every kiss will be as empty as your heart, leaving you desperate and unfulfilled, until every thought leads back to one person.

Me.

Yours Wickedly,

Sierra.

Unable to contain myself, I screamed into my pillow until my cheeks flushed bright pink.

I can't believe I wrote that.

It's a good thing, because he'll never read it.

I picked up my cell phone and dialed a number.

“You've reached the FBI's private hotline,” the automated voice spoke. “Who do you wish to speak with?”

No matter what happens, I was going to be the reason Don Dante Spinelli's empire burned.

SIERRA

“I’ve changed my mind; I can't do this.” I winced as the screen played a CCTV clip of Dante brutally punching a man. Then Dante pulled out his gun and fired once; the man dropped dead.

Sitting across from me were Seth and a few agents.

“If you think Dante's cruel.” Seth said casually, rewinding the clip. “Just imagine what'll happen when he discovers you've been lying to him.”

“Turn it off!” I covered my eyes; my legs trembled, imagining Dante hurting me or worse.

“But it's not going to happen, right?” Seth asked. “Because you're going to do exactly what we've been training you for.”

“You make it sound so easy, Agent.” I snapped.

“Look on the bright side.” Seth advised. “If you win, he'll be serving twenty years to life in Alcatraz prison.”

Bright side my ass!

Back at the club, I waited for Dante to arrive; he usually visited on Fridays at seven, but tonight, he was an hour late. My first mission was to get Dante's contact list, all in his phone.

Fine.

That won't be extremely difficult at all.

One of the customers tried to get my attention, but I was too distracted by watching Dante step into the club, hands dug into his pockets, looking bored. He was flagged by two bodyguards, or soldados, as the Mafia called them.

Dante narrowed his eyes at me as I approached him.

One of his soldados lifted a palm to stop me from getting closer.

Flashing a bright smile at Dante, I said. “Hi Dante, want me to rally up the Vixens, or do you want a private show from me tonight?”

Dante shook his head and murmured. “Not interested.”

I frowned as they walked past me, then I hurried after Dante, leaping in front of him like a mad cow.

“Come on, I'll make it worth your while.” I said sweetly, planting my hands on my hips.

“Fuck off!” Dante snapped. I jumped back, almost losing balance on my heels. A few people turned in our direction.

He must have noticed my discomfort because he smiled. “I'm here for business tonight only. and you get your wish, I'll stick with other girls in the club; I heard they're getting jealous of your privilege.”

My jaw dropped open as they brushed past me again.

Privilege?

They really thought I enjoyed dancing for that buffoon?!

Oh, I would be having a serious talk with them!

What was I going to do now?

A server walked past me for Dante.

“Sir, you dropped this!”

“Wait, that's not mine.”

I watched Dante reading from a pink polka dot note, which looked way too familiar. I searched my jacket and found it empty.

Dante turns to me; he's seen my name on it!

A small gasp of horror escaped my lips, and I hurried to snatch it away from him.

He's so tall, he held it out of reach, laughing as I jumped like a toddler in kitten heels, humiliated in front of the customers.

“Alright, enough, Tippy Toes.” He shoved the note into his pocket.

“Hey, give that back!” I demanded, glaring at him.

“Sierra, seriously, I have to meet with your boss.” Dante said in a hushed tone. “Wait for me in the lounge room; I'll give it to you.”

Then he swept away.

I slammed my palm flat against my forehead. Every female spy across fiction and real life would be disappointed in me.

Why did I even carry the stupid note around?

What if he told Santini about it?

Either way, I would wait for him to come out.

* * * * * * * *

DANTE

“Now, Santini, I don't care if you and my father played golf together.” I said coolly. Omar handed him a document; it was proof of his outstanding debt. Santini wiped his sweaty face with a handkerchief, standing, while I leaned back in his chair. “Your debt is years old, and you've barely paid half.”

“Y—yes, well, that's because we agreed on installment payment, Don.” Santini spoke.

“Really? Can you explain why you stopped paying?” I asked. “Or do I have to start cutting you into pieces?”

“Wait!” Santini shifted as Omar started to move. “We pay heavy taxes; that's why I haven't, and mostly because Howard Monroe still owes me.”

I groaned and gripped my face with disbelief. “Not that idiot,” then I shouted at Santini. “What's that got to do with me? You either pay back or I will fucking tear down this place and sell it to a church!”

“How about a share?” Santini offered weakly.

Two million in shares later, I walked out of Santini's office; I needed a damn drink. I wondered why Dad forgave unnecessary debts; so many people owed him, and I will get back at each one of them.

Pausing, I remember that I had to meet with Sierra.

I walked into the lounge and found her sitting cross-legged; she tucked her red wig behind her ears.

Before I could stop myself, I blurted. “I hate that damn wig.”

She rolled her eyes, then paused as if she'd gotten an idea. “Well, I could always take it off.” She stood, walking towards me. “Only for you.”

She stood really close; the black sequin dress she wore exposed her cleavage. Her breasts were round, firm, and more importantly, real.

There was something about Sierra I had noticed over the years; she didn't have a plastic body like the other girls in the club.

Maybe that's why I was drawn to her.

“Among other things.” Sierra whispered in my ear.

I shut my eyes, raising a hand.

Still, part of her job was fake seduction for cash.

“Stop.” I murmured.

“Can I have that note back?” She asked, holding her hand out.

I smirked. “You think I'm arrogant?”

Sierra's cheeks burned pink. “I didn't write that!”

“Your name was on it.”

“It was someone's sick idea of a prank.”

“So, you're telling me the ladies got together and forged this note in your name right after we kissed?”

Sierra bristled. “You mean that terrible kiss that I didn't consent to!”

I stared at her.

Was she joking?

She had been fully into that kiss!

“Listen to me, Sierra,” I said. “You attract the worst kind of men, and I'm not about to line up behind them.”

She stared at me, mouth open.

“By the way, I'm going to hold on to this.” I spoke finally, patted the note in my pocket, and walked out of there.

The woman was damn confusing, playing hard to get just to get me to beg?!

Well, Sierra, it takes two to fucking tango!

Somehow, for some reason, I felt like the biggest idiot in the world.

It wasn't until I got to the car that I noticed something was off. I patted my pockets.

Empty.

My fucking phone was gone!

DANTE

“So,” I purred. “How does it taste?”

Georgia Mancini sniffed, shook the wine glass, and drank from it. She made a clicking sound with her tongue that nearly made me want to roll my eyes.

“Hmm, blackberry, a bit of grape.” Georgia mused. “That’s six grand over my usual rate. Tell me Spinelli, why should I keep doing business with you?”

I smirked, scanning the guests in the hall at her open house. “Times have changed; my suppliers enjoyed dealing with my father. It's not the same treatment for me.”

Georgia shook her head. “Could it be that Giovanni had better charm? He could tell me to jump off a bridge, and I'd happily do it.”

I glared at her. “Would you?”

She nodded. “If the bridge was on fire and he knew it would save my life, yes.”

Ridiculous.

“Georgia, you should know luxury comes at a high price.” I said.

Her eyes flashed. “Just because I can afford it doesn't mean I should. Maybe you need to be a little friendlier...” She drew a finger down my chest and paused barely above my groin. “A smile might convince me not to take my business elsewhere.”

I smiled, not willingly, but because of the gold band on Georgia's finger, and glanced over at her husband in the middle of a chat with friends.

What a sucker! I thought.

“Anyway,” Georgia winked, walking away as she called. “Enjoy the show.”

A strange pang of guilt hung in my throat for a moment, then the lights dimmed. Sensual music filled the air as curtains parted; four masked women began to dance in rhythm as everyone applauded.

“It's the Vixens!” Someone called.

“So beautiful!” Another said.

I ignored the rest and looked at Sierra. The way her curves moved beneath her outfit and how our eyes instantly connected, heat rose in my crotch. She must have noticed me in the crowd because she winked.

An idiot next to me catcalled her. “Hey, Serena, take your bra off!”

I grabbed his shirt; his eyes widened in horror as I glared at him. “What was that?!” I growled.

The idiot suddenly smiled. “Hey, relax, buddy, she isn’t going to let either of us screw her.”

“How about I break your...” I paused, noticing people were looking at us.

Disgust filled my stomach; I let him go, and I stalked away from there.

What's wrong with me?

No, if I had to have a woman, no man would ever do that to her. I could get a date anytime I wanted, so why did she get under my skin like this?

I sat at the bar drinking alone until the dance was over. Then I felt someone come up behind me. Flinching, I reached for the gun inside my jacket.

“You're upset tonight.” Sierra whispered into my ear.

Exhaling hard, I turned to see her slide on a stool next to me.

“You know I almost—” I stopped. No use announcing I had a weapon.

Sierra lifted a brow, waiting for me to continue. “What?”

“Nothing.” I went back to my drink.

“I saw you and that guy,” Sierra purred seductively. “Was he bothering you? Want me to tell the owners? I know them personally.”

I smirked; if that guy knew I was a Spinelli, he would have shit his pants. Relaxing a bit, I said. “No one bothers me, Tippy.”

“It's getting hot in here.” She said, “Would you like to go for a walk under the moonlight?”

I scoffed at that. “No. Buzz off.”

She appeared disappointed and got off her stool. “Okay, then.”

That's when I noticed the moron from before was following her.

* * * * * * * *

SIERRA

The stupid phone had been a decoy; when it was unlocked, it had no contacts, no outgoing calls, and nothing else except a music playlist. It was practically new.

I felt humiliated as the other agents laughed at me boasting about stealing the main thing on my first try.

As I headed for the exit, I heard someone walk up next to me. He reached for the door before I could. I swung my head to see Dante glaring at me.

“Fine, we'll take that walk.” He said, swinging the door open.

I nodded, walking outside with a smirk.

We walked in silence for a minute; he wouldn't speak to me. In fact, he looked as if someone was following us.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

He turned to me in anger. “Of course there isn't; didn't you want the stupid walk anyway?”

Annoyance rushed deep in my skin, and I planted my fists against my hips. “No one forced you to, so stop acting like a baby!”

He rolled his eyes, shook his head, and muttered under his breath. “Fucking women.”

“You know I can hear you.” I replied.

“So what?” He spat. “We can do this the easy way, Sierra; invite me back to your place and get it over with.”

I scoffed, but I blushed from thinking about going to bed together. Thank God, it was so dark, he wouldn't see my face. “I don't think so.”

“Is this what you wanted all along?” Dante snapped. “You want me to beg?”

“You really think you're irresistible, don't you, Dante?” I sighed. “You must have gone out with women who had the IQ of a fish.”

He chuckled.

I frowned. “What's so funny?”

“Like you're any better.” He replied smoothly. “Serena.”

I held my fists tightly. Oh, he was so infuriating.

I reached into my purse. “Hey, I found this at the club the other night.”

“Huh?”

“Your phone?”

“Oh, right.”

He snatched it, quickly shoving it into his pocket. “Thanks.”

I stared at him, puzzled by his response. “You weren't worried at all?”

“No, I thought if the idiot tried to sell it on the streets, my guys would jump him.” Dante said casually.

I nodded.

“And kill him,” he added. “My personal items are very valuable.”

I nodded, but only because I was frightened. “That's very extreme over an iPhone.”

“No.” He shook his head, leaning forward. “This is extreme.”

Before I could ask what he meant, he grabbed me and crushed his mouth to mine. I gasped, pounding my fists into his chest, trying to push him away.

But then, curiosity won, I wrapped my arms around his neck. I kissed him back, deeper, tasting…until my breath was taken away.

Then a sharp voice that belonged to Howard cut through the air.

“Sierra, what the fuck!”