Chapter 1:

Money is power.

The popular phrase played on repeat in my head, but meant absolutely nothing to me. This was a job, one I fucking hated. The expensive suits, the fancy cars, the appearance that I was a king in this fucked up world known as The Syndicate. It was nothing but a bunch of power hungry rich men that traded deadly tools for the glory of a crown. In the underworld, you didn’t get anywhere without that crown.

And I was now one of them.

I fucking hated it, but this was the job I signed on for. There was never a challenge I backed down from. No job was too big for me. And when Rafe dangled it in front of me like a carrot, I snatched it up, not realizing just how much I would have to sacrifice to get to the top. I killed men—bad men that worked for me. It shouldn’t bother me, but proving that I was the best man to take over for Seamus O’Toole was proving to make me nauseous. There was no gratification in taking out men that I worked with on a daily basis—men that proved their loyalty to me by killing anyone that threatened my empire. But if they fucked up, I had no choice to make an example of them to keep the others in line. Too much was riding on me succeeding. Anything else would result in my death, and the death of the only two men truly loyal to me. Patrick and Chase.

I shifted uncomfortably in my suit. Ever since I forced Seamus O’Toole out—killed him—I’d changed this organization. It was clear that I wasn’t going to make any progress doing business the way he did. Within a week of taking over, I’d realized none of the other members of the syndicate wanted to do business with him. He was just like his predecessor, Liam Doyle.

“You ready for this?” Chase asked, sitting across from me in the back of the armored vehicle.

He acted as my right hand and Patrick was my driver. They were the only men I trusted to do the job right and have my back. I’d been with them ever since I got out of the military. We hadn’t served together, but we’d worked together long enough to trust each other completely. The rest of these men were loyal to money, and would turn on me if given the chance. I knew they respected me more than their previous leader based on the increase in pay, but that only lasted as long as the money. 

I adjusted my tie as the vehicle came to a stop. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

I was meeting with Ambrose Buchanan, owner of one of the most prolific banks in the United States. He was also known to most of the criminal world as the go-to money launderer for all illegal activities. Getting in with him would put me in contact with even more members of the syndicate. It was said that he hosted a monthly party for members, but you had to be in the inner circle. I wasn’t sure how I was going to accomplish that yet, but I had to try.

“Just remember, Ambrose doesn’t trust anyone until they give him a reason to.”

I nodded. “Well, he called this meeting. That must mean he has something to offer me.”

“That or he’s here to take you out.”

I looked over at him. “Thanks, that’s very reassuring.”

He grinned at me, then opened the door and stepped out, buttoning his jacket as his face became a blank slate. He slid his sunglasses in place and glanced around before nodding to me. If I didn’t have this false persona, I wouldn’t have him stepping out before me, danger or not. I didn’t need anyone to protect me, but I had a part to play, and I had to allow him to do his job, otherwise this whole ruse was worthless.

I got out and mimicked his steps of buttoning my jacket. I was meeting Ambrose at a club that catered to the rich. However, this was his club, so his rules applied. I didn’t doubt for a second that Chase wouldn’t be able to follow me wherever I went. We’d already discussed the possibility and planned for all eventual plot twists.

I strode up to the entrance nodding at the men standing guard outside. They were here for Ambrose, that much was clear when they stepped in front of me.

“Sir, we need to check you before you go inside.”

I smiled at them and held out my arms. “Of course.”

The first guard quickly patted me down and nodded for me to enter, but as expected, he shook his head at Chase. “Mr. Buchanan only requested Mr. Black.”

I bit back the grimace at the made up name. I kept my first name, Asher, knowing it would be hard to adapt to hearing a new first name. But Rafe insisted that my last name had to change. So, here I was, pretending to be an entirely different person for the sake of getting into The Syndicate.

I nodded to Chase as I stepped through the doors of the club. The elegance and beauty of the club reeked of a man desperate to prove he was worth billions and wouldn’t take an ounce of anything less than the best. I took in a headcount of men lingering around the club as we wound through it. The number of guards posted around the various rooms far outranked the number of patrons, but no one seemed to care. 

As we approached the back room of the club, the guard held up his hand, motioning for me to wait. He opened the door and stepped inside, leaving me out in the hall. After a moment, he opened the door all the way and stepped aside for me to enter. 

A woman turned to look at me, her eyes blazing with fury as she drank me in.  Petite, green eyes, full lips, long chestnut hair…fucking beautiful. I didn’t let my eyes linger. It didn’t matter what she was here for. My purpose was to talk to Buchanan, and eyeing the woman in his room would only piss him off.

“Black,” Buchanan boomed, walking over to me with a grin on his face. I didn’t trust it. He wasn’t happy to see me. He was assessing me, trying to find out how far he could push me. 

I nodded to him, holding out my hand as he approached. His grip was firm, sending the clear signal that he was on top. I kept my grip equally firm, not wanting him to think I was a pussy, but allowed him the courtesy of gaining the upper hand in this pissing match.

He released my hand and stepped back, jerking his head for me to follow. “Drink?”

“Thank you.”

I followed him over to the bar and took the drink he offered. He picked up his own glass and held it up for a second. “To new acquaintances.”

I nodded and drank the amber liquid, swallowing it down all at once. He eyed me carefully, and not for the first time today, I wondered exactly what he was expecting today.

He chuckled after a minute and grabbed the decanter, pouring us both another drink. “Come on, let’s sit down.”

Again, I didn’t say anything, but followed his instruction. He sat, draping his arm over the back of the couch and crossed one leg over the other. He gave the air of nonchalance, but that was only because we were in his club, surrounded by his guards. Even if I wanted to make a move on him, I would never make it out alive. In this room alone, there were five guards, and that didn’t cover the extent of security he had with the cameras and sensors I spotted around the room. 

“My men tell me you’re making quite the waves since you took over for O’Toole. That was a ballsy move. Is it true what they say?”

“That depends what they say,” I retorted.

He chuckled again. “I heard you turned on Seamus in the middle of a deal gone wrong. Shot him right in the head.”

I shrugged. “You know what they say about rumors.”

He didn’t want me to confirm the story. He wanted to know what I was made of, how much I talked. He needed to know that I was a worthy partner in The Syndicate. I could tell by the way he stared at me, his eyes glittering with amusement at my refusal to boast in front of him.

Finally, after a very long pause, he uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as his drink dangled from his hand. “I have a proposal for you.”

Again, I didn’t say anything. I just stared at him, letting him know I was listening.

“You don’t say much, do you?”

“Not unless I find it necessary.”

He nodded. This was all a game of cat and mouse. This whole power play of having me come to his club was all about making sure I was made of the right stuff. After joining the ranks under O’Toole, I’d quickly learned to keep my mouth shut. My whole personality had changed once I entered this game. Gone was the jokester. In his place was this surly man that looked at everyone like the enemy until they proved otherwise. 

“I know it’s been difficult for you to regain contacts in the United States since taking over for O’Toole. That fucker couldn’t sell weapons to an insurgent.”

My lips quirked up slightly at his jab. He was spot on.

“I have an offer for you, if you’re willing to take a different route in dealing with me.”

“I’m listening.”

“You’ll need a way to transfer funds in the United States. And since you’re based out of Canada, you’ll also need an estate here. I can sort out all the paperwork for you and ensure the transition is smooth.”

I raised my chin at him, wondering why I would need him for that. I already had an apartment set up in the United States not far from here, actually. I needed to be close to the action whenever possible. As for getting things set up, I had OPS to help me out with that, however reluctantly. “I’ve got that covered. Is there anything else?”

His eyes narrowed at my tone. He didn’t like that I didn’t immediately jump at the chance to accept his help. “Let’s put it this way, you’re struggling to regain buyers since O’Toole fucked up. No one wants to work with your organization. I know this because I’ve discussed the situation with all the major players. But everyone in The Syndicate is well aware of what your operation brings to the table if run efficiently. One wrong move and you’ll find yourself out of their good graces. Am I making myself clear?”

“Crystal,” I retorted, not breaking eye contact. 

He shifted back in his seat, eyeing me. I might have just blown this contact, but I had to play it the way I saw fit. He would admire a man of strength that could stand on his own. He might have thought getting me under his thumb was best for him, but that would never happen. Not if I could help it.

“I have a proposition for you, though I’m not sure you’re smart enough to take it. We like to keep our business contracts within our circle. Going outside is usually messy, but we’re willing to do it when someone fucks up. O’Toole fucked up big time. No one is very willing to do business right now, but I could grease the wheels and make sure they only do business with you. If you’re a smart man, you’ll accept my help. If you’re not, you’re going to find yourself out of business very quickly.”

And dead at the bottom of a river. That was implied.

“And if I accept? What are your demands?”

His lips quirked up. “I wouldn’t call it a demand. More like a stipulation. I need to know the men I’m working with are just as aware of the risks involved and willing to risk what’s necessary to make this a successful business venture. However, since you’re new to our organization, I require something more…personal.”

My insides clenched as he spoke. Whatever he wanted, it wasn’t going to be good. But if I didn’t go along, I wouldn’t be around much longer.

“And what’s that?” I asked smoothly.

He snapped his fingers, not bothering to look behind him at the guards. I heard a scream as the woman was dragged out of her chair and hauled over to Buchanan’s side. She kicked at the guard, desperately trying to escape his grasp, but he was too strong for her efforts to be fruitful. She stilled, but her breaths huffed out as she stared at Buchanan with anger in her eyes.

“This is my daughter, Jade.” His eyes glittered with mirth as I stared at him. I wasn’t sure what he was getting at, but now I was even more confused than before. 

I nodded at the daughter, who only sneered at me. My eyes narrowed, but inside, I was dying with laughter. I’d seen that look before from some of the women at OPS. Seeing her reminded me of my life before I agreed to this crazy mission.

“Jade has disgraced her family, and she has paid for it, but now she’s not a good choice for any of the men I would have considered for her.”

“And why’s that?”

“Excuse me?”

“Why is she not suitable for them?”

“Because she’s tarnished.”

Whatever the fuck that meant. “And?”

He narrowed his eyes at me, clearly not liking my tone of voice. Well, I didn’t care for any of this conversation.

“If you want to prove yourself to me and have my help, you will marry her.”

I barked out a laugh. I couldn’t help it. I’d never considered he would say anything so medieval as selling his daughter off to me like cattle. “You want me to marry your daughter?” I asked, just to be sure I was understanding him.

“That’s what I said,” he bit out. “Is there something funny about this?”

All of it was fucking hilarious. I knew men in the underworld were fucked up, but I hadn’t realized they treated their women like they were from a third world country where they didn’t matter.

I licked my lips as I stared at Jade. She was beautiful and tempting, but there was no fucking way I could ever marry her, leaving her no choice in the matter. I liked my women to willingly walk to my bed, not be forced to submit.

I had to proceed carefully. I needed him to know I wasn’t mocking his ways, but that I was taking everything into consideration when I accepted. Because frankly, there was no choice for me. And it was clear, she didn’t have a choice in the matter either. Though, I wondered why she didn’t just run away and start her life over.

“Call it surprise,” I finally settled on. “I came in here thinking I would have to do a lot to prove myself, which I fully intend to do. But you’re handing your beautiful daughter over to me, which was something I didn’t expect.”

“It’s not an offer. It’s the only way you’ll get what you need to stay alive,” he said menacingly. “But I wouldn’t want you to think my daughter means that little to me. I expect you to cherish her and protect her in every way possible. This union will not only keep her in line, it will also expand my own empire.”

“In what way?” I asked. 

He cocked his head at me with a smirk. “As my son-in-law, we will expand our territory.”

My heart thundered in my chest as he stared at me, expecting me to read between the lines. Fuck, he wanted to tear through the syndicate. If we joined forces, we would slowly start to push others out. That’s what he was going for. But why me? And that’s exactly what I asked him. 

“You have other partners that you’ve worked with for years. You don’t even know me.”

“You’re young, first of all. You did what was necessary to resurrect a dying empire, which I greatly admire. The Syndicate is full of men that are stuck in the past, still living as if they can sit back and watch everything come to them. But times are changing fast. We no longer live in a world where we can skate by. Things are heating up all around us. The attention on us has never been more focused.”

Meaning the government was closing in on them. Rafe was closing in. And apparently, the other members weren’t taking it seriously enough for him. So, he wanted to push them out and take over for himself. I couldn’t deny this was a great opportunity for myself. This was exactly what I needed to get inside and take them down. But what would happen to Jade? Could I really marry a woman that didn’t want me? Could I force her to live side by side with me and be happy with her lot in life?

“In case you’re wondering,” Ambrose said as he watched me, “this isn’t really an offer you can refuse.”

I knew it wasn’t. And it was clear that Jade wanted nothing to do with this. She was angry, hurt by her father’s willingness to force her to marry a man she didn’t love. But I didn’t have a choice in the matter either.

“When’s the wedding?”

He grinned and stood up, drinking the rest of his whiskey as Jade was pulled away by the guard. I stood and shook his hand, even though it made me want to throw up.

“One week,” he announced. “And then we’ll put our plan into action.”

I nodded and was about to step back when he tightened his grip on my hand. He stepped into my space and lowered his voice so only I could hear.

“You will do everything to protect her. If she is injured in any way, I’ll be coming for you. Your life is now tied to hers. Remember that.”