29

I study him for a long moment, making him squirm as I assess the validity of that statement. “You know, I admit, I thought you’d ask for a lot more.”

Again, his eyes flash with unspoken intent. “I’m feeling generous.”

“Lucian isn’t going to approve,” I tell him, giving him a triumphant grin. “His little brother is out striking deals with a Constantine. Are you sure you don’t want to wait for him to sign off?”

“Don’t insult me, Winston,” Leo growls. “You’re fucking pushing, and when I’m pushed into a corner, I come out swinging.”

“The Morelli anger has always been your family’s Achilles’ heel,” I state, shaking my head in disproval. “It clouds your judgment and makes you retaliate without considering future moves.” I finish typing on the document and hit send to the printer. Perry nods at me and strides out of the conference room to grab it. “Remember this conversation later.”

“Fuck you, Constantine. You think you’re God in this tower overlooking the city below. Talk about clouds .

. .” He snorts in disgust. “Your head is so high in them, you can’t see the devils doing all the dirty work, stealing all the bricks from your foundation. I look forward to the day you fall.”

I glance at my watch just to make this fucker think I have more important shit to do before I finally meet his infuriated glare. “Here’s the thing, little Leo.” I give him my best boardroom smile—the same one I reserve for the men I shred with one signature on a dotted line. “When you’re God, you see . . . everything.”

“Watch your back,” he growls.

A tremor of glee ripples through me that he didn’t throw out Ash’s name as a threat. The agreement has already successfully taped his mouth shut. He really does want that building. Too bad for him he won’t have it long.

“I always do,” I say with ease.

The Morellis are cockroaches in my city. They may be plentiful, but they all squash the same beneath my Italian leather dress shoe.

“Here you go,” Perry says, handing me the agreement when he reenters the conference room.

I quickly peruse it before sliding it across the table to Leo. “This is an agreement between us, but the actual sale of the building will be handled through my attorney in the morning.”

Leo takes his time reading through every word as though that will piss me off. I’m not some idiot who’d try and sneak in hidden verbiage to pull one over on my opponent. No, I’d rather do it the good old- fashioned way, through hard work and perseverance. I’ll get my building back plus interest. And when I buy up that entire goddamn city block, Lucian will extract that payment out of Leo’s ass, as he should, though they’ll be poorer thanks to Leo. I would die before I let Perry or Keaton go up against Lucian Morelli alone.

“Pen,” Leo grunts to Trenton.

Trenton pulls one from his breast pocket and hands it over. Leo scribbles his name across the back page before sending it my way. Using my own pen that probably costs more than his entire outfit, I sign with my usual distinguished Constantine flourishes.

“Nice doing business with you. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more money to make.” I tip my head at him. “Tell Lucian I said hello.”

Leo grunts in response, storming from the room as though he can’t get away from me fast enough. When I hear the ding of the elevator and then their murmured voices disappearing, I let out a harsh breath of relief.

“Sounded too easy,” Perry notes, frowning at me. “But he just fucked himself, didn’t he?”

“You’re learning, kid,” I say with a proud grin. “Starting tomorrow, we’re going to research every building and tenant surrounding them. We’ll topple their empire on that block from the inside out. You’ll see.”

“I have no doubt,” he says with a boyish chuckle.

“Not to mention, he just bought the Baldridge Plaza building. The same building I pried from Duncan Baldridge’s steely grip two years ago. Duncan’s been waiting for the opportunity to get it back. It’s been in his family since 1910. I’m sure it must feel demeaning officing in a building you used to own that’s now owned by a Constantine.” I pause and smirk at Perry. “Imagine how annoyed he’ll be when he discovers a Morelli purchased it.”

“I swear, you enjoy fucking with people more than making actual money.” At this, I laugh, a genuine one. “It’s definitely a favorite hobby of mine.” “Sadistic fucker,” he throws back, shaking his head and fighting a grin.

I’ll make a man out of this boy yet.

“I’m going to offer Duncan an opportunity. I’m going to let him buy his building back.” Perry’s brows fly high. “This sounds complicated.”

“It’s rather easy, little brother. I make Duncan do my dirty work, delivering on my promise once he succeeds.”

“And then . . .”

“You’re learning quickly.” My grin is wolfish. “And then I take my fucking building back.” “That’s a lot of trouble when you could have said no in the first place.”

“It’ll keep Leo distracted, Duncan eager and willing to do my bidding, and Ash safe.” Perry’s brows furrow. “You really like this chick.”

I ponder his words for a moment before exhaling heavily. “Which is why I must go to great lengths to protect her.” Our eyes meet as I deliver my next words. “I’ve never liked anyone the way I like her. This is a weakness they see and will try to exploit at every turn.”

“I’ve got your back, man.”

“Of course you do. You’re a Constantine.” I pin him with a hard stare. “None of this leaves this room. The only trust a Constantine has is with someone who shares the same blood. Don’t ever forget it.”

“Never, Winny.”

It pleases me my brother is already learning the Constantine way—my way. He’ll make our family proud, especially me. I never saw myself bringing a child into this world, so it gives me relief knowing Perry might be moldable to one day take my place as a son would. Dad would want it this way.

“You did well today, Perry.”

His blue eyes flash with surprise. “I did?” “Keep it up, and you’ll take Nate’s office.”

Determination that reminds me of our father morphs his young features into a fierce expression. “I won’t let you down. I can do this.”

“I know. Constantines aren’t weak. We’re the blood that runs through the veins of this city. You may be young, but you’re still one of us.”