My uncle Armand was correct in that the lifespans of those involved in crime syndicates were shortened, which was why so many ruthless men were easily swept up into risk-associated activities, indulging in more primal proclivities the normal man wouldn’t dare consider.
While I’d taken plenty of risks, I’d also never succumb to the lethal addictions of so many others. But there was no doubt what was occurring between me and the stunning attorney.
I’d fallen prey to the toxicity of a sadistic desire that would never be fulfilled or satisfied.
We’d fucked several times, both ignoring the dangers of our coupling, clinging to each other as if the tether was impenetrable. When I knew it was tentative at best.
But I’d taken her again, driving my cock deep inside, forcing her to cry out my name time and time again. The shock of realizing how much she craved the roughness, the beast taking her, had fed the darkness. And still, it hadn’t satisfied the hunger.
Soon enough, she’d fallen free of the haze of lust, once again demanding her release. I had no qualms about keeping her as my prisoner, but doing so wasn’t practical even under the best of circumstances. I didn’t live in the middle of nowhere. I’d chosen a house based on an act of revenge in taking the home after destroying an enemy instead of securing something more private outside the city limits.
That meant the neighbors would keep talking and I couldn’t kill all of them.
I’d thought about leaving her phone with her, but she’d yet to earn my trust.
Not that she could trust me either and removing all her rights wouldn’t go far in improving the situation.
There I went again, acting as if I had a conscience and had cared about the feelings of anyone else. That hadn’t boded well for me years ago and at this point was the last thing I needed.
So many lasts with her.
So many firsts.
Catherine had finally fallen asleep in my arms, comfortable being with the devil. I’d remained watching her as if a small part of me feared once I left the room she’d disappear.
She was too beautiful and untouched by a world of sin and corruption, but God help me, I needed her like I required air to breathe.
That’s why I hated the self-indulgent thoughts that she was keeping something from me. At minimum, there was a game being played.
Vitelli would talk.
This was something I had to do. Perhaps I’d finally get needed answers.
Maybe then I could do the right thing in letting her go.
Maybe…
While the city was never asleep no matter the hour, the rural outskirts were different. The darkened two-lane roads and expansive bayou allowed for anonymity.
The hospital was small and very expensive, used by those requiring privacy.
As I headed to the back door, I considered how best to handle the discussion. With the Russo Don incapacitated in the hospital, I now knew why there hadn’t been any recent acts of retaliation. His condition also begged the question as to whether Vitelli had even been responsible for the attack at the courthouse.
I’d left the house with explicit instructions that my sweet angel be allowed to explore the house and grounds, but a watchful eye would remain while I was gone. I’d given her an example of the trust that would be afforded to her.
All while keeping her on a short leash.
If she tried to escape again, I’d be forced to resort to other methods of keeping her. The errand was necessary, although I’d promised her a swift return so she could become absorbed in my world.
Maybe I was a fool for doing so. Or maybe I simply craved spending more time with her and had created the perfect excuse.
Jarvis approached as soon as I walked in through the service door.
“Any changes?” I asked.
“None. There is a limited staff. Two of our men are ensuring we’re not interrupted by the police. How do you want to handle the guards?”
I pulled out my weapon, tipping my head in his direction. “Whatever is necessary for me to obtain the answers I need.”
