“And if you don’t…” Gio’s mouth twists into a dark smile before he holds his hand out to his right, someone from behind me puts something into it.
I jolt back at the sight of Rainbow Cupcake, Remi’s stuffed pink unicorn. It was in her room, on her pillow. I never even heard the guy leave the room.
Giovanni grins at the look of horror on my face as I look between Rainbow Cupcake and him. “And if you don’t, we’ll handle you andthenwe’ll take it out on her.”
My whole body shakes and I grip the seat of the chair so hard my knuckles go white.
“Do we understand each other, Briar?” He brushes the side of my cheek with the little pink unicorn.
“We do,” I bite out, looking him in the eye but hiding the murderous rage I feel burning in mine.
“Excellent.” Giovanni straightens, rebuttoning his suit before tossing Rainbow Cupcake at me. I catch it, gripping the stuffed animal tight.
He motions to his men to take their leave. He gets two steps before he stops again, looking me up and down while I grip the seat of my chair. A flicker of distaste in his expression.
“Take the rest of the week off. I can’t have you in my club, looking like that.”
I clench my jaw.
“See you next weekend, Bella.”
There’s no hiding the look of what must be absolute dread on my face when Lily and Remi walk through the door just about forty-five minutes later.
The second they walk in, I scoop Remi up into my arms and squeeze her to my chest.
“Mommy! Too tight!” Her voice is muffled from where she’s squished against my shoulder.
I relax my hold but keep her in my arms. “I’m sorry baby, Mommy just missed you so much. Did you have a good day?”
“Yes.” She nods, squirming in my hold, eager to escape.
Reluctantly, I set her back on the floor and she goes straight for her room and her toys.
The second she’s out of earshot, Lily whirls on me.
“What happened?”
“Giovanni stopped by.”
Her breath catches and I nod solemnly. “He—He brought some friends.”
“You didn’t—they didn’t?” Worry flashes in her eyes.
I shake my head sharply. “No. But he made it clear that heownsme now. I have to go back to the club next weekend.”
She pales, and she and I share the same thought. There’s no telling what he’ll make me do there going forward.
“You can’t.”
“I don’t think I have a choice. They threatened to hurt Remi…”
“Shit.”
“I’ve got to get her out of the city—we’vegot to get out of the city.” I’m panicked, but as many times as I’ve been over it, I can’t find a way out. “I need an exit strategy, and I need one fast.”
“You know I’m going home for two weeks over winter break. You guys can come with me!”
I chew my lip. “No. They’ll find me there. If I’m going to get out from under Gio’s thumb, that means paying him what I owe.” Fuck. I don’t even know where to start with that. I’m barely making rent right now, and paying off Gio is going to cost some serious cash, andfuck,I’m forgetting about Remi’s meds. Not to mention the winter showcase; rehearsals start on Monday. I run my hands through my hair, feeling overwhelmed.My heartbeat doubles, and I’m on the verge of a panic attack. I don’t know which problem to tackle first.
