“I’m not marrying anyone,” I stated as though it was Luca I was speaking to.
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m serious.”
He took a deep breath, “Fucking Alfie.”
“Don’t blame Alfie. I’m not doing this anymore. Playing by Luca’s rules and doing as he says.”
Emilio seemed to get annoyed. “Like you have it so hard, sweetheart. You should be grateful instead of whining.”
“I’m not whining.”
“You didn’t complain when he bought you that fancy condo looking over the Chicago River or the designer shoes and bags you have. Your brother has supported you since the day you graduated college. You agreed to this.”
“I didn’t agree to him dictating my life.”
“Accepting the comfy life he gives you is agreeing without words.”
“Well, I want to change that.”
“Too late for that.” Emilio stood tall while looking at me. “What is it that you want, Bethany? Your outbursts lately have been getting out of hand.”
“Don’t worry about me,” I replied.
“Maybe you should pick up a hobby.”
Insulted, “Maybe you should know your place and go get me brother.”
“Watch your mouth.”
This infuriated me. “Emilio– “
He stepped closer, “Bethany.”
It shook a little fear into me when he stepped closer. “Get Luca.”
Emilio stepped closer. There was a spark in his eyes—the kind where he was like an animal hunting their prey. Without fail, it lit me on fire. I tried to look away, but it was hard not to. Hell, I wanted to be hunted.
“I said no.” With another step closer, he got close to my face.
I felt like I was panting for air at this point. “You can’t keep me from speaking to my brother.”
“You know exactly what I can do.”
“Fine,” I reply as I walk away.
If I want my brother’s attention, I’ll have to get it the hard way. Finding a pole surrounded by men, I approach them as I take off my leather jacketand toss it to the side with my purse. Making my way up the platform, I grab the pole like I know what I’m doing. Catching the attention of the men surrounding the platform as I spin around once, my hair swinging in the air, my body collides with another, and I get ripped off by Emilio. Tossing me over his shoulder, he stomps off as I kick and squirm for him to let me down. He barely seemed to struggle, no matter how hard I tried to get out of his grip.
Taking me back to the private room, he shouts to the few people there, “Get the fuck out. Now.”
Everyone scattered without a fuss. Emilio threw me onto one of the sofas, which slammed into the wall.
“What is wrong with you?!” I shouted.
“With me?” Emilio huffed as he clenched his fists. “You’ve lost your mind.”
I get to my feet and stand in front of him, “Fuck. You.”
