Wicked Games

WICKED GAMES A DARK MAFIA ROMANCE ASHBY CRIME FAMILY BOOK 4 KB WINTERS Copyright © 2023 by KB Winters and BookBoyfriends Publishing Inc All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. CONTENTS Authors Note Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Sneak Peek of Wicked Secrets Chapter One Thank You So Much! Also by KB Winters About The Author ABOUT WICKED GAMES He's a dangerous man with a dark past. A man who lives by his own rules. After I lost my husband to the ruthless underworld, I knew I’d never love again. He was my life. My world. Guilt, sadness and betrayal keep me from letting go. Then I meet Emmett Manning. Ex-boxer. Rough around the edges, but a good man. He came into my life when I needed a friend and now I can't imagine living without him. He's sexy, funny and such a gentleman. Then he kills a man with his bare hands. To protect me. And I realize there's more to him than meets the eye. Now we're fighting for our lives. Against the criminal underworld, and against each other. Because love is the most dangerous game of all... Warning: This book touches on addiction and abuse. It contains strong language and graphic violence. Fans of Peaky Blinders and Ray Donovan will love this Irish American mob romance! Scroll up and One-click today! Previously released as Lady Luck. Its the same story you know and love only better! AUTHORS NOTE Get ready to dive into a world of darkness, passion, and danger, inspired by the legendary Tommy Shelby himself. This heart-racing series will take you on a wild ride through the seedy underbelly of society, where nothing is off-limits and everything is at stake. Buckle up, because this is not a story for the faint of heart. It's raw, gritty, and as intense as they come. From pulse-pounding action to steamy scenes that will leave you breathless, this is a journey you won't forget. But beware - this isn't a lighthearted read. The pages are filled with graphic and vivid depictions of the criminal underworld. So, if you're ready to take the plunge, join me on this thrilling adventure. Just be prepared for the ride of your life. Warning: This book touches on addiction and abuse. It contains strong language and graphic violence. CHAPTER ONE Emmett Sunday dinner at Ashby Manor was always a chaotic affair. This Sunday was no exception. The staff scurried around like chickens with their heads cut off to meet Sadie’s exacting standards. Her staff might even say unrealistic standards—if they could muster up the nerve to complain. To my knowledge, no on ever did. Which is why they were still employed—and still breathing. “Five minutes,” Sadie told the head housekeeper, a warning in her voice. Even though she had a ruthless streak that ran deep in her petite body, Sadie always seemed a little anxious about making sure things were perfect when she gathered the family for dinner. Every single Sunday. “Emmett,” she smiled as I walked into the dining room. “Come, let’s have a drink.” “Sure, thanks.” It was just me and Sadie together in the dining room, waiting for the room to clear. We only had a few minutes to ourselves before the rest of the family and their guests would arrive in the next five minutes. Otherwise, they’d be late. “Wine or whiskey?” I asked, walking behind the bar. Her lips curled into a grin. “Whiskey, of course.” I poured two fingers into two crystal tumblers and handed one off to her. “How are things?” I wasn’t all that involved in the Ashby Organization beyond the House of Ashby, training champion fighters, but I also wasn’t a fool. I knew a good portion of the Ashby wealth came from underground card games, prostitution, extortion and even some drug trafficking. I stopped letting it bother me a long time ago, and I never judged them for it. Ever. Sadie sighed and leaned against the heavy oak hutch. “Things are as they always are, Emmett. Hectic. Crazy. Dangerous. Take your pick.” I nodded, knowing that was just the life of being a mob boss. She took a long sip from her tumbler, sharp green eyes taking in every detail of my face. “How are you adjusting to being back at the gym? No aftereffects of the attack?” Always, but I shook my head, deciding to keep my own secrets. “None that I’m aware of,” I said, the whiskey smoothing down the lie, “other than being a bit more cautious of my surroundings.” I really should start carrying my piece again, for peace of mind, not because I thought I was still in danger. Then again, being as close as I was to the Ashby family, there was always some danger. It just came with the territory. I’d gotten caught in the crossfire when the Rhymers came after the Ashbys, but I wasn’t getting paid to whine to Sadie. We’d get our revenge. “Glad to hear it,” she said. “You know, Emmett, you can always come to me if you need to.” I nodded. “Thanks, Sadie. I appreciate that." “Cheers,” Sadie said, clinking her glass against mine. “The fighters are looking good, and we have a few new trainees who appear…promising.” “That’s good to hear.” Sadie nodded. Her gaze focused just over my shoulder as if her mind was someplace else. “Keep an eye out for anyone to