Mom told me Elisa is going to form an official graphic design business when she graduates in a few weeks. I’m not surprised. She’s so talented, and she’s already got a decent side business. It shouldn’t take much to expand it into a full-fledged full-time company. Maybe I can help with that. My brain churns ideas as my cell pings with an incoming call.
It's the doofus new guard from our building. “Accardi,” I answer, picking at a nonexistent thread on my shirt as I listen to his boring monotone. “I don’t want them in my place. Get them to leave it in the lobby. I’ll send a few men down to take care of it.”
“Problems?” Giulio asks when I hang up.
“Nah.” I tap out a message on my cell. “My new bed just arrived.”
“What happened?” Vittus grins. “You break the old one?”
“Nope.” I repocket my cell after directing a couple ofsoldatiwho live on the floor below mine to take care of it. “The old one had to go.”
Our underboss andconsiglierestare at me expectantly, waiting for me to elaborate, but I’m offering nothing.
A muffled moan claims all our attention as we watch the redhead slowly come to. With perfect timing, the door creaks open behind us and Gia, Joshua, and a scowling Lili step into theroom. I breathe a sigh of relief at the sight of her. I was a little concerned Gia wouldn’t be able to convince her to come.
Her eyes widen, and her mouth forms an O when she spots the three women tied to chairs in the dank, dirty cell. Tears are leaking from the redhead’s eyes as she frantically looks around the room, panicking behind the tape covering her mouth.
“Oh my god,” Elisa whispers before clamping a hand over her chest.
I get up and walk toward her, trying to ignore how my heart is jumping somersaults in my chest. I’m like an addict in need of a fix any time I see Elisa these days. I miss her so fucking much. Not getting to see her or talk to her is akin to missing a limb. I had taken her presence in my life for granted, but never again. If I’m lucky enough to convince her to take a chance on me, I will cherish every second we spend together.
“Thanks for coming.” I step right in front of her, blocking her view of the three girls who have made her life hell. From what Gia has said, the pixie-haired bitch was the main instigator, but the other two have joined in on occasion, so they are far from blameless.
I’m going to enjoy ripping their lives to shreds.
Right about now, our guys should be planting the drug evidence in their apartment. It’s enough to have them sent down for at least a couple of years once the call goes out to our police and judicial contacts. They’ll ensure they are arrested and sent down for the crimes.
“What is this, Caleb?” Lili asks, her expression a confusing mix of conflicting emotions.
“Payback, angel. It’s time these girls got what’s coming to them, and I wanted you to see this.”
Her eyes drift over my shoulder as additional muffled moaning confirms the other two are now awake.
“This is wrong,” she whispers, chewing on the corner of her mouth.
“Is it?”
She continues nibbling on her lips. “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
“This is about doling out justice, pure and simple.” I place my hands on her shoulders, peering deep into her troubled eyes. “They have tormented you for years, and the bitches targeted me to deliberately hurt you. They also recorded me without permission.” Not that I’d have ever given it. I’m usually more careful, but I’d been high as a kite that night and clearly not thinking straight.
“They have this coming,” I add. “I should kill them, but I’m letting them live. Their punishment will be payment enough.” I can’t resist brushing my fingers along her soft cheek. Her skin is so smooth under my fingertips, and I wonder if the rest of her feels the same. My dick jerks behind my zipper, and I caution it to calm down because this isn’t the time or place.
I haven’t been with any woman in months, and my dick is growing tired of my hand. But I’ll just have to get used to it because I’m serious about proving to Lili I’m a changed man. I had no shortage of offers at the party on Saturday, and I easily and happily turned every one down.
The only woman I want is the one woman who wants nothing to do with me.
How’s that for irony?
“Caleb?” Elisa snaps me out of my head, and I realize I’ve just been caressing her face and staring at her like a loon.
“I wanted you to be here, but if it’s too much, you can leave. I won’t force you.”
Something indecipherable crosses over her face, but it’s gone just as fast. She moves back, out of my reach. “I want to stay. I want to bear witness to whatever you have planned.”
“That’s my girl.”
“Caleb,” she grits out a warning. “That’s a surefire way to make me leave.”
