Chapter 6 - The Viper’s Feast
The ballroom of the Grand Regency Hotel was a sea of velvet, crystal chandeliers, and dangerous men in expensive tuxedos.
Isla stood at Dominic’s side, wearing an elegant emerald-green silk dress that Dominic had provided. The gold necklace sparkled at her throat. Though her inner core trembled, she walked with her head held high, her hand tucked tightly into the crook of Dominic’s arm.
At the center of the room sat Don Vincenzo Moretti—an elderly, serpent-like man with sharp blue eyes and a cruel smile. Surrounding him were dozens of armed enforcers.
“Dominic,” Moretti rasped, extending a ringed hand. “You look remarkably well for a man who took three of my lead bullets three weeks ago.”
“I heal quickly, Vincenzo,” Dominic replied coolly, taking a seat across from him. Isla stood steadfast beside Dominic’s chair, her expression calm and composed.
Moretti’s gaze slid to Isla, scrutinizing her from head to toe. “And this is the famous night-shift nurse? The one the streets are talking about? They say you keep the Phantom King awake at night.”
The men around the room let out low, offensive chuckles.
Isla felt a surge of anger, but she did not flinch. She looked directly into Moretti’s eyes. “I keep him alive, Mr. Moretti. Which is more than your men were able to prevent.”
The room went dead silent. Dominic’s guards tense, but a dark, rare smile flickered across Dominic’s lips.
Moretti’s eyes narrowed. “Bold girl. But courage in a world like ours is just a fast track to a shallow grave.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Tell me, my dear... how much is Dominic paying you to stay? Because whatever it is, I can double it if you put three drops of ricin in his IV tomorrow morning.”
Isla’s heart thundered, but she didn’t step back. She looked down at Moretti with absolute disdain.
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“My care is not for sale to snakes,” Isla said, her voice clear and carrying across the quiet room. “And your money smells like blood and cowardice.”
Dominic’s hand came down on the table with a soft, authoritative thud as he stood up, pulling Isla behind him. “The meeting is over, Vincenzo. Touched her, or speak to her again, and I won’t just take your territory—I’ll wipe your name from Chicago.”
