Dance or Die
by Liza O'Connor
Series: The White Oak-Mafia Series, #1
Genre: Contemporary Mafia Suspense Thiller (with touches of humor)
Release Date: September 7, 2016
Tess Campbell, mafia princess, has fallen in love with a British prince during his stay in Iowa. He appears equally besotted, having given her his family ring that’s been passed down through the generations. Still, he asked that she keep his proposal and ring a secret for the time being.
Two weeks into their budding romance, Tess’s father, a psycho mafia don, kidnaps and nearly kills the prince and his Secret Service agent, believing she has taken both as her lovers. The brutal assault reveals the true character of each man and Tess must face some hard truths, even as she takes control of her destiny to build the finest state park in the country.
She arrived at the missing road at 5:48. Tess stared at the giant hole. It had been a message from her father. One she’d failed to understand at first.
He could and would literally tear her world apart if she didn’t dance to his tune. There was nothing her father wouldn’t do.
Nothing.
Her ability to see the ground dropped significantly as she entered the woods beside the missing road.
Her heart rate increased as a horrible thought crossed her mind.
What if her father put bear traps in these woods? If he’d steal a road, what would a few bear traps cost him?
She slowed and focused on the leaves and the path before her.
Someone gripped her arm and she screamed.
“It’s me,” Cobbs said.
Relieved, yet still terrified, she hugged him.
He patted her back. “What’s happened?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Bullshit! You’ve been a rock up ‘til now. Something’s changed.”
She stepped back and met his eyes. “The only thing that’s changed is that I keep thinking about those four tortured men. If Father would do that to them just to make me be his obedient daughter, then Steel is in imminent and serious danger. I love him and the truth is, I’d do anything to save him.”
Cobbs pulled her back to his chest. “I hadn’t realized your feelings were so strong for the fellow. Hopefully, neither does Benito. But you’re doing the right thing. Leave now and don’t come back until the Campinelli family is no more.”
“Thank you for understanding,” she whispered and located the papers in her jacket. “These are the signed documents that Mr. Sedita requested.”
He looked them over. Once satisfied, he put them in his vest pocket. “I’ll take them over now. Should I call the men and tell them work is over?”
“Just for today.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere.”
Cobb’s brow furrowed. “But you said—”
“I’m going to try to convince Steel to take me away to England, but I think he loves his work more than me. I expect him to refuse to leave.”
“And you have a plan for that scenario.”
“Yes, I’ll get him fired and he’ll have no choice but to leave. But he certainly won’t invite me along in that case.”
She burst into tears.
Cobbs gripped her chin. “Stop that!” he ordered. “You are a magnificent woman, so much like your grandmother. Steel would be a fool not to treasure you more than rocks and dirt. Tell him you’re afraid for not just him, but yourself. And if he’s half the man he seems to be, he’ll go. Don’t jump to the worst case. I’d bet every dime I have, you two will be on a plane today.”
Cobbs’ certainty gave her hope and pushed away the tears. She nodded with renewed confidence.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
That made him smile. “Now get on with you. You’ve got a soul mate to save.”
Also in the Series
Book 1: A Fortune to Die For
Book 2: Unexpected Love
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