It’s a never-ending cycle.
And it’s the reason I don’t sleep with the same woman twice. Why would I give her the impression she means something when she clearly doesn’t? That’s not fair to her and would only cause problems for me. It’s why I make a point to let anyone know my expectations before I have sex with them. Some women don’t mind when I say that a relationship between us is non-existent and won’t ever become a reality. But when I say the types of things I want to do to them in bed?
Many of themdomind.
“When am I going to meet the individual responsible for all this?” I ask, waving my hand in a circle to indicate the plane.
Octavia shrugs and it sets my teeth on edge. “I’m not sure. Considering the lengths they went through to ensure your arrival, I’d assume sooner rather than later.”
“I’d prefer that.”
“Of course.”
The aircraft descends and its wheels lightly bump the landing strip, before taxiing and then coming to a complete stop. I immediately get to my feet and Benito does the same. A look of understanding passes between us. He’s been with me for many years and I trust him as much as my brothers, which is why words aren’t required. We are not here for anything business related, but that doesn’t mean danger isn’t a factor. He knows to be vigilant at all times and it’ll be the same for me.
I don’t ever let my guard down, even when I’m in my residence. As the authority figure of my family, as well as someone who holds a seat on the Wolf Pack’s council, there’s no shortage of people who’d love to see me dead.
Benito nods once at me and then turns toward Violetta. He leans down to rouse her, his fingers nearly touching her skin when my voice stops him.
“Wait. I’ll do it.”
He straightens and looks at me, as does Octavia. I pointedly ignore both of them. Lowering my voice, I say, “Watch my back.” Then I lightly grasp Violetta’s shoulder and shake it gently. “Signorina, wake up. We’ve arrived.”
She doesn’t do more than scrunch her face in resentment and fails to open her eyes, so I shake her again, repeating myself. Violetta grumbles loudly at me and rolls her shoulder to remove my hold.
After considering my options, I slide my hands underneath Violetta’s petite body and lift her into my arms, blanket and all. Whether or not to carry Violetta to the waiting vehicle outside is not worth fighting over.
Octavia’s men are the first to exit the plane, followed by Octavia, then myself, and the rear is brought up by Benito. The stairs are not a challenge since Violetta hardly weighs a thing and soon we’re all climbing into the idling SUV. Octavia’s men take the front seats, leaving Octavia and Benito to share the middle seats. I take the third row and lay Violetta across the leather seats, positioning her head to rest on my thigh so she can continue sleeping.
“How far is our destination?” I ask, brushing back a curl from Violetta’s cheek.
Octavia doesn’t turn around to answer. “No more than twenty-five minutes.”
After that silence permeates the vehicle and I survey my surroundings, analyzing the demographics, terrain, and any other details that I deem worthy to retain. All the while I stroke Violetta’s hair while she slumbers. In this position her breasts all but spill from the neckline of her dress, teasing me with their curves and soft skin.
I blow out a breath. Bringing her here with me may end up being the worst decision I’ve made in quite some time.
Or ever.
Violetta
Nightmares are not considerate.
They don’t appear when you’re prepared for the emotional onslaught. They don’t wait until you’re alone, so you can avoid the embarrassment of having someone else witness your vulnerability. And they don’t lessen in severity.
At least they haven’t for me over the past two years.
My mind is a safe place for me to say whatever I want, but it’s also a dungeon keeping me prisoner alongside the images I’d do anything to get rid of.
Ugo cornering Carina and her struggling to be free.
His hand disappearing under the hem of her dress, only to come away with the blood of her innocence while he laughs and taunts her with it.
Him looking at me with a dark gaze infused with lust, malice, and interest.
He didn’t just take my Carina’s innocence that day. Maybe Ugo didn’t physically assault me like he did my sister, but he violated my mind and emotions.
I still wonder to this day if I’d made the wrong decision in seeking out help for my sister, instead of just killing that fucking asshole myself. Would it even have made a difference since the damage had already been done? Or would it have brought closure to my sister and me, knowing Ugo was dead and in purgatory?
