A Special THANK YOU, Giveaways, and MORE!!!

Jul 25, 2024 10:32 pm

Hey Mergers,

There's been a lot going on the past few days. A lot of new projects, a lot of planning for the next few months, and a lot of drama in those Valentino episodes. I also haven't missed the outpouring of birthday wishes I've received from all of you these last few weeks. As a THANK YOU, I will be doing some special giveaways in my readers group. Join now so you don't miss the fun!

CLUB MERGE

That said, I promise you I am also elbow-deep in the third installment of the De Bellis Crime Family Series. Don't believe me? Here's a little taste of what Marcello and Zoe have in store for you.

A SINNER'S VIRTUE

“I haven’t seen you here before. What’s your name?” the guy asks.

My eyes dart around the room, searching for an escape. I need to get this man away from me. He reeks of beer. It’s disgusting. How anyone can think it’s attractive, I have no idea.

Before I can respond, ask him to take a step back, another man shows up, pushing his way between the first guy and me.

“Hey, babe. Sorry I’m late,” he says with a wink, while my glare is hooked on a pair of dark-brown eyes until he isn’t looking at me anymore. Instead, his attention is on the other man. “Mind backing the fuck away from my girl?”

The next thing I know, the first guy disappears into the crowd. And then, as if nothing happened, my new self-proclaimed boyfriend, who smells nothing like beer and everything like whiskey and citrus, sits on the stool next to mine and smiles. “Like I was saying, sorry I’m late. I got held up at the office.”

I glance to my left. Surely he’s not talking to me, but when I return my attention his way, he just keeps smiling at me. “Do I know you?” I ask in a low tone.

“I’m Marcel.” He holds out a palm to me.

I look at his hand. His large, tanned hand. Before tentatively placing my much smaller palm in his. “Zoe.”

“So, Zoe, did you know that wanker or am I like your knight in shining armour, saving you from spending the rest of your evening trying to evade him?” Marcel smirks.

“First, you didn’t save me. I could have saved myself.” I sit up straighter. One of the many things I learned from Izzy was to never let a man think you need him. Another? Don’t rely on being saved. Help yourself. Fight for yourself with everything you have.

“I have no doubt.” Marcel picks up a crystal glass from the counter. Where did that even come from? Before it reaches his lips, he tilts his head. “Just out of curiosity, how were you planning on saving yourself?”

I smile. “Well, let’s see. I could have shot him in the balls with the pistol I’m hiding in my bag.” I pause, waiting for his reaction. The guy doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t even glance at the bag I’m still clutching in my hand. “Or if I was worried about the noise, there’s always the small blade I have within arm’s reach. I could have gone right for his neck. That would be messy, though.”

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