I started moving again, but he blocked my way once more. This time, his voice had lost its edge. It was almost pleading. “Come on, miss. Don’t get me in trouble. Boss is serious about disobedience. You really want to watch him burn me alive tonight?”
I stopped with a sigh. Giorgio had fought like hell to save me that night. I couldn’t forget that. I owed him at least a little kindness.
A smooth, sultry voice cut in out of nowhere. “Let her be, Giorgio. Let the poor thing have a little fun between all the beatings and dramatic fainting spells. Who knows when she’ll end up as someone else’s punching bag again?”
Of course, it was Aida. Her outfit as usual barely covered her overfilled breasts and sculpted ass. How dare she talk about me like that? I wanted to shoot back and tell her being a punching bag was still better than being a whore, but Giorgio spoke before I could.
“This has nothing to do with you, Aida. Stay out of it. This is a direct order from Don Carlo.”
She didn’t budge. “I’ll explain it to him later.”
That lit Giorgio’s fuse. “What the fuck is wrong with you today. Since when do you get to speak for him? Since when do you think you can walk around giving orders or talk to Don Carlo about his business? You’re nothing more than a hole for his cock. Now back off before I forget you’re a woman.”
Aida winked at Giorgio and stepped in closer, her movements slow and intentional. She laid a hand on his shoulder, letting it glide down to his elbow with a seductive touch.
“Oh, baby,” she purred, “I like you even more when you’re all fired up. You have no idea how sexy you are, how much you turn me on.”
I stared at her, stunned by her shamelessness. This girl really was thriving in her role and enjoying every second. When she finally strutted off, Giorgio glanced at me. But I didn’t let him say a word.
I turned on my heel and stormed back into my room, slamming the door behind me. I didn’t even realize how furious I was until the sound echoed off the walls. That girl’s audacity lit a fire in me.
A few minutes later, I heard a soft knock. The door cracked open enough for someone to slide a few books inside. I picked them up, frowning, until I saw what they were. Romance novels. A small smile sat on my lips.
“Thanks, Giorgio!” I called through the door.
***
This time, Carlo and I were alone at the dinner table. His head gleamed like freshly polished silver, that permanent scowl carved deep into his face.
The intricate tattoos stretched across his thick, muscular frame only made him more imposing, especially with the gun peeking from his leather holster. But that wasn’t the only weapon he carried. His gaze could cut down anyone who dared hold it.
Aida was still playing the harlot. When she moved to clear Carlo’s empty plate, her hand brushed casually across his shoulder. In a flash, he caught her wrist and tugged her forward. My heart skipped a beat.
Was this really happening right here at the dinner table? As if his office, that bar, and every other room in this mansion weren’t enough for them. Aida threw me a sideways glance, loaded with meaning, then leaned in to kiss him.
But Carlo caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “As of tonight, you’re not leaving the kitchen. If I see or hear you wandering around the house, you’ll regret it. Got it?”
Aida went pale as she scrambled to collect herself. “But—”
Carlo cut her off. “Got it?”
“Yes, sir.”
A grin tugged at my lips, but it didn’t last.
Carlo let go of her and added, “Whenever I need a good suck, I’ll call for you myself.”
Well, so much for that fleeting moment of joy. The grin slid right off my face, and onto Aida’s. Carlo might’ve missed it, but she and I were playing a game, and right now, she was two points ahead.
My feelings for Carlo were pure lust, there wasn’t a shred of affection in the mix. Still, even lust had its price. And mine came with a possessive streak I hadn’t realized I had until now.
Aida shot me a smug smirk. I raised an eyebrow in return, letting my gaze do the talking:The game is on, bitch.
“Why can’t I leave my room?” I blurted out as soon as she was gone.
Carlo didn’t even look up. “Because I don’t trust you. Simple as that.”
“I’m not asking to go out.Just to walk around the house like before. You’ve taken my phone. I have nothing. No friends. No distractions. Are you trying to bore me to death?”
