Eli clears his throat. “Domenico, show Miss Whitehall the Orchard.”
Doc puts his glass on the table beside the couch and stands. His tattooed feet are bare, and his black jeans are ripped at the knees. He pulls something from his pocket, smirking as though this is all a big joke. “Know what this is?”
I look at his hand. It’s a tiny plastic fish. The kind that has soy sauce in them at sushi places. Only the liquid in this one is clear. “Is it poison?”
Doc laughs. “I fucking wish.”
Eli stretches his arms along the back of his chair. “Why would we poison you,bella? What a waste that would be.”
“So, what is it…?”
Eli’s eyes are liquid black in the firelight. He’s trying to look relaxed, but his muscles are coiled, like a big cat about to pounce. “It’s something that’ll make you feel very excited about the idea of getting to know us better.”
Heat licks up my neck and hands. I’m half certain the fire is spilling out of the grate all over me. I look at Doc and his smile is hard as diamonds. “What do you say, Tesorina? Want to get high?”
I stare at the fish. “Is it… MDMA?”
Eli and Doc laugh and even Bobby smiles.
“No,bella,” Eli says. “It’s something special. Something just for you.”
I swallow, my throat contracting around a lump. “Is this so you can film me for Mr. Parker?”
From the darkest corner of the room, Adriano growls.
“Do not say that name in front of us,” Eli says lightly. “Not if you want to go to Italy.”
“I’m sorry.”
Eli’s face cracks into a handsome smile. “You’re sweet, Miss Whitehall. Isn’t she sweet, Bobby?”
“Yeah, she’s sweet.” Bobby drawls, and I wonder if he’s drunk. He sounds drunk.
Doc takes a step toward me. “Morelli. Give the word.”
“What’s your rush, Domenico?Bella, would you like a drink?”
“Um, I’m okay.” One of my heels has slipped between my legs and I realize I’m leaning against it, rubbing myself on it. I make myself go still. “Could I maybe just go back to my cage, please?”
Doc’s hand shoots out, fastening around my neck. “That’s enough talking, Tits. Morelli, make the call.”
I sputter with indignation, but everyone ignores me.
“What do you think, Bobby?” Eli says in his slow, melodic voice. “Should we give her the Orchard?”
I look to Bobby, my eyes wide, pleading. He can still save me. Protect me.
He drains his drink. “Do it.”
My heart falls as Eli smiles. “Okay. Domenico, go ahead.”
Doc shoves the tip of the fish in his mouth and bites off the red cap. “Open up.”
I press my lips together and shake my head.
Doc’s thumb brushes my cheek. “Come on, baby. Don’t make me force your pretty jaw open.”
I can smell something coming from the capless little fish. Something sweet and weirdly familiar.
