He has a point. More than one, actually, and I just might know a way to defuse the situation. But I’m going to need some help to pull it off.
“All right. Say I believe you, and Althea isn’t out to hurt my family. Her recklessness tonight put us all in a bind, because any way you look at it.” I glance over at Stavros with his creased brow. “Nazario believes Althea was conspiring with our enemies. She was caught talking to The Bishop only days after my cousin was shot. And the man who shot Santo and killed some of our men was also seen talking to her in the same bar.”
Both men seem to be following, but neither is showing signs of comprehension. “Nazario wants Althea dealt with. I’m sure you both know what that means.” Both nod. “I must take her out of the country until I can figure this shit out. But if Caspien believes I took her against her will …”
“He’ll rain down hell in Dallas. Althea is that man’s pride and joy. He’s so protective of her he made Liam and me go to college as students so we could protect her in class and blend into the crowd.”
“That’s actually pretty smart,” Stavros says with amusement.
“It was Althea’s condition. She wanted to go to college without us, and Caspien refused to allow it. Althea compromised, and Liam and I got our degrees in shit we will probably never use in this job.” Drew shrugs.
“Then we all agree. War is inevitable.” A flicker of an idea starts to take form. One I never would’ve considered, but it just might be the only way out of this without bloodshed. “I may have an idea.”
They both stare at me with anticipation. “I know a way to prevent the families from going to war and to keep Althea alive. But I’m going to need your help, and she’s going to need a lot of convincing.”
“We’re listening,” Drew says exasperatedly.
“We’re going to join the two families together,” I state simply. Both men glance at each other.
“How do you plan on doing that?” Stavros asks.
“Convince Althea to marry me.”
“Fuuuck.” Someone groans from behind me. We all turn to find Liam standing in the doorway with Roman and the bags I requested.
19
ALTHEA
A rustling sound wakes me from a deep slumber. It didn’t take long after Enzo left for exhaustion to take over. My body feels heavy against the soft bed. I almost wish I could forget what’s happened this evening, but I am harshly reminded of my state of undress as the air conditioner blows cool air across my body. I’d cover myself if I weren’t still bound to the stupid bed.
There’s a dim light coming from the other side of the room around the bathroom door.
“Ah. He didn’t want me to wake up alone in the dark. I’d almost think he was sweet instead of the heartless sociopath we all know and love.”
“I’m glad to hear of your affection for me, little devil.” Enzo calls from somewhere in the dark. “It will make what comes next easier on both of us.”
I jump at the sound of Enzo’s voice, instinctively moving myself back. The spreader bar around my ankles prevents me from moving too far. I pull at the restraints around my wrists to no avail.
“Careful,” he says in that dominant, commanding way of his. “You’ll hurt yourself before I’ve had a chance to do it for you.”
“You said you wouldn’t hurt me.” My aim is to tease, but he doesn’t seem amused. His sinister chuckle followed by a strange scraping sound draws a shiver up my spine.
I will not show weakness.
“I won’t killyou.Yet.” His voice sounds closer now. “And I don’t know if I should hurt you since we both know how much you love the pain I inflict upon you. Although I see no reason to deprive myself of such pleasures.” I flinch at the touch of his hand on my cheek, turning my face away, only for him to grip my chin and turn me back to face him. “Punishing you has become one of my favorite pastimes. I don’t see why I should suffer when you were the one who committed the crime against the Venatti family.”
The bed rocks as his legs hit the edge. The chains attached to my wrists pull, giving off a light jingling sound.
“Untie me! Now! You are not fucking me,” I yell at Enzo.
He chuckles, leaning on the edge of the bed beside me. He cages me with his strong arms. My heart rate picks up at the closeness and the memory of what this man can do to me. My body remembers too. Every wicked lash. Multiple orgasms. The way he made me float. The serenity he can bring.
Wetness pools between my legs, anticipating his next move. My breathing comes in pants, and the smug look on his face says he’s noticed.
“Mmm. I’ll be doing that and more for a long time to come, little devil.” Enzo rubs his nose along mine. I turn my head, not wanting his soft touch on my skin.
Pain. I need his anger. His whip. Not this tender bullshit.
