The fury drains from me in an instant, replaced by the urgent need to get to Jaylin. She’s in the midst of a nightmare, her face stained red with tears as she chokes out a sob.
I set my gun down on the dresser and rush to her side, crawling on the bed so that I’m right next to her. “Jaylin,” I call out. “Jaylin, it’s just a dream.”
She shakes her head no and pushes me away. God, it hurts watching her fight her way through her fear. Moving on instinct, I gather the terrified woman into my arms, cradling her against my chest.
“Stop! Please,” she begs.
“Wake up, Jaylin. I’m right here. Wake up, baby.”
I’m not sure where the endearment came from, but it’s working. She freezes, then jolts awake, her wide eyes filled with fear.
“You’re safe,” I tell her. Again, words of comfort are coming from some hidden place inside of me reserved only for her. “You’re safe with me.”
“R-Renzo?” she stutters out. “What…?” More awareness floods her face as she blinks away the haze of her nightmare. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Did I wake you up?”
“It’s okay,” I say softly as I stroke her back. “What were you dreaming about?” Jaylin goes stiff in my arms.
“Um… nothing.”
“Try again,” I tell her firmly.
She sighs and readjusts herself in my arms. I guide us so we’re lying down, though I keep a tight hold on Jaylin. She seems to need my touch, and fuck if I don’t need hers after finding her the way I did.
“I was just overreacting,” she says weakly.
“The truth this time.”
Jaylin rolls her eyes, which soothes something deep inside. She still has that fire and sass, even after the night she’s had. My girl is a fighter, that’s for sure.
“In my dream, I was back on that stage,” she whispers. My jaw tightens, but I stay quiet. “Only I was totally… naked. The person who, uh, won the bid wasn’t… he wasn’t a nice man. He wasn’t… gentle.”
I can barely hear her by the end, but she doesn’t have to say any more for me to know what she’s talking about. I bundle Jaylin even closer, pressing my lips to her forehead as I try to quell the rage building up inside. Thank fuck I was there tonight. Her nightmare could have very well been a reality, but I have to stop thinking about that before I go back to that vile place and shoot every motherfucker still there.
“You know I’m not like them, right?” I whisper against her soft skin. I hold my breath as I wait for her answer.
“I know. Thank you.” It’s so quiet, I have to strain to make out her words, but when I do, my nonexistent heart swells with pride.
We stay wrapped up in each other for a few minutes, and then I silently turn Jaylin so her back is pressed against my front. I curl my massive body around her smaller one, engulfing her in my strong embrace. She snuggles deeper into me as I wrap an arm around her waist in a possessive hold.
I wait until her breathing evens out and her body goes limp, then I close my eyes and follow her into sleep.
4
JAYLIN
Iwake up with a start, sitting up straight in bed and gasping for air. Remnants of last night play in my mind, from my horrific nightmare to Renzo spooning around me all night.
My gaze turns to the spot next to me, and I deflate a little when I don’t see Renzo. It shouldn’t matter, and it definitely shouldn’t hurt that he left. Still, there’s no denying I feel as empty as his side of the bed.
A yawn takes over my body, and I stretch my arms over my head, letting the sensation flow through me. I pull the comforter back and swing my legs over the side of the bed, unsure of what to do with myself.
My plan was to leave the auction house with the initial five percent of my cut and rent a hotel for a few days until the rest of the money came in. But things took a different turn when Renzo came bursting onto the stage.
For starters, I’m still a virgin. And then there’s the whole living-with-a-mafia-boss situation. Will I get the rest of my money even if we didn’t have sex? Honestly, even if I just keep the five percent, that’s enough to get an apartment far away from my mom and dad and start my own life.
I look at the closed bedroom door, wondering if Renzo is in the house somewhere or if he’s gone for the day. He didn’t seem to want me to leave last night, but what will he think in the cold light of day? Would he care if I snuck out while he was away?
Sighing deeply, I decide I should brush my hair and teeth before tackling the day’s problems. It’s only when I stand up do I see several bags from designer stores lined up on the floor, just inside the door.
