I hear the sound of tires on gravel moments before a black stretch limousine pulls into view. Several of the guards rush to surround the car and I can tell by their actions that this is the infamous Dorian none of us have ever seen. One of the goons opens the door and he steps out. He looks familiar, but I can’t quite place him. He’s tall, Greek, wears a suit worth more than my Harley, and has an air about him that informs us all that he is the man in charge. The only thing he’s missing is a cigar and a beer gut.
His black eyes quickly scan the room, warning us all with his pissed-off look. Men fear him, now I see why. He’s intimidating as fuck. His back straightens as he buttons he suit jacket, then he reaches his hand back into the car. I watch with curiosity as an olive-toned leg wearing a red high heel steps out moments before the woman becomes visible.
She’s beautiful.
She’s powerful.
She’s sexy.
Intimidating.
Cold.
Lethal . . .
She’s Diem.
My heart stops. The world stills. I try to swallow the lump in my throat, but I can’t force it back down. My instincts tell me to go to her. To protect her. Although, she doesn’t look like she needs protecting. She exudes as much power and authority as Dorian. I don’t know what she’s doing here, but judging by the determination on her face, she’s here to prove something. And just when I think shit can’t get any worse, Dorian speaks.
“My new second in command,” he announces, his voice low and raspy and more threatening than I could have imagined. “My daughter, Diem.”
I can feel Rookie burning holes in my back. I turn to look at him, giving him a small shake of my head before looking away. I can tell he’s confused as fuck, and so am I. I’m fighting to keep my shit in check. I don’t know if I should feel heartbroken, betrayed, or horny. She’d once told me she was someone important. She sure as fuck wasn’t lying about that.
She looks exquisite in a long dress with a slit that travels all the way up her thigh. And it’s blood red—her favorite color. Her eyes are cold, her expression unreadable, and she scans the crowd but has yet to notice me. When she finally does, she lingers on my face a second longer than anyone else. The only thing she gives away is the slight rise of her right eyebrow, then her gaze moves on. That one moment is all I need to know that she is just as surprised to see me here as I am to see her.
“My friends,” Dorian starts, clasping his hands in front of him. Diem stands to his right, keeping her attention focused on anyone who isn’t me, but not being obvious about it. Following her lead, I focus my attention on Dorian and try to regain control over my wandering mind. But her words keep flashing through my head.
“I’m not his little girl anymore . . .”
Not because he was in prison. Because he was her boss.
“I called you all here today for a few different reasons,” Dorian continues, the powerful sound of his voice forcing me to forget my thoughts and pay attention. “First of all, it seems that the two of you are having some issues.”
His eyes move to Cyrus, who gives him a nod of confirmation. Then, like the fool he is, Cyrus speaks. “That’s right. We have some big issues.” He looks over at me, then spits, and I roll my neck, feeling my blood rush faster and faster to my head. Now I have Dorian’s attention.
“Him?” Dorian asks, pointing a finger at me. Diem looks in my direction, but her gaze seems to go straight through me. “Would you like me to go ahead and kill him now?” he asks Cyrus. I don’t flinch, and neither does Diem. She remains impassive and completely detached. Either what we had was never real, or she’s a damn good actress. I’m hoping like hell it’s her acting skills.
“I’d like to do the honors,” Cyrus says, and it’s enough to break my concentration with Diem and smirk at him. But I’m smart enough to keep my mouth shut.
“Business first.” Dorian walks forward, leaving Diem next to the car as he takes center stage. “I didn’t get where I am by making fast, irrational decisions. I think everything through. And I’m a very patient man.” He places his hands behind his back, walking in large circles and gliding through the thick tension in the room as if it’s nothing but clouds.
“Some people believe I’m immortal. But of course, that isn’t true. I won’t live forever, but my empire will. So I decided that the best way for what I have spent my whole life preserving to survive is to implement some change. My change begins with my daughter, Diem.” He offers Diem a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. I’m surprised he even knows how. “From now on, you will answer to her. And you will do well to remember that she holds as much power as I do. I will only warn you once. Underestimating her will be a very deadly mistake.” No shit it would. Hell, I could have told them that.