Page 82 of Obsessed by My Ex's Mafia Uncle

“Come on…” He feigns innocence. “I’m just offering a mutually beneficial arrangement,” he continues smoothly.“You’re good at what you do. I’m good at… making things happen.”

“And did you forget the part where you’re supposed to be married?”

“And?” he replies, like it means nothing. “That doesn’t change anything between us.”

“There is nothing between us.”

“Oh, stop it,” his voice drops slightly, more familiar and invasive now. “Don’t pretend like we don’t have history.”

My stomach churns, bile rushing to the back of my throat.

“History doesn’t entitle you to anything,” I snap.

“It entitles me to ask.”

“And I’m saying no.”

“You sure about that?” he asks, the ease slipping just slightly. “Because opportunities like this don’t come around often.”

“I’m not interested.” I snap.

“You might want to rethink that.”

“Fuck off, Daniel.”

He takes a minute, as if turning the rejection over in his head.

“Alright,” he exhales finally, but it doesn’t sound like agreement. “We’ll talk about it again.”

“We won’t.” I don’t wait for a response.

“What did he say?” Aisha is already moving toward me the moment I end the call.

I open my mouth to answer, but the sound of my phone clamps it shut. I look down at it to see a message from the same unknown number.

: You really shouldn’t hang up on me like that.

I’m still trying to gather my words when another comes in almost immediately.

: It’s rude.

Another buzz.

: We can do this the easy way or the hard way.

“Is that him?” Aisha probes.

I tilt the phone slightly so she can read.

“Are you serious?” Her expression darkens instantly, already reaching for the phone to respond herself.

“It’s fine,” I snatch the phone back, just in time for another message to come in.

: Don’t make me remind you how this can play out.

“I’m not doing this with him tonight.” I lock the screen and set the phone down.

“No…” Aisha looks at me like she doesn’t agree. Like she wants me to take it more seriously.