Me: Or?
Unknown: Or I’ll track you down, rip off your underwear and sink my dick into you right there in the theatre
I splutter into my hand. My face burns so hot I swear it could light the kitchen.
A splash sounds from the bathroom again and I lower my voice instinctively, even though I’m texting.
Me: My dad is literally ten feet away
Unknown: So don’t show him your phone
When I don’t respond to that, more dots appear.
Unknown: Fine. I’ll behave
Unknown: But only if you do as you’re told, cucciola
My heart thumps hard.
Unknown: Work for me tomorrow and I’ll make sure you are compensated VERY well
I shake my head and bite back a smile, already buzzing at the thought of seeing him again.
Me: And what exactly counts as “VERY well” in your world?
The typing dots appear instantly.
Unknown: You really want me answering that while your father’s in the next room?
I clamp my thighs together so hard it’s embarrassing.
Me: You just threatened to fuck me in a theatre
Unknown: That wasn’t a threat, Pfeiffer. It was a promise
Me: I didn’t think we were dating
Unknown: That can be rectified. You pick the movie, I’ll clear the place out
Me: I have no doubt you will
Unknown: You want to know what VERY well means in my world? Nel mio mondo, 'molto bene' significa che mi insinuerò così a fondo sotto la tua pelle che non solo mi apparterrai, ma dimenticherai perfino come si desidera qualcun altro.
I read the full message, though it’s pointless because I can’t speak a word of Italian. I press and hold the text, then copy it into Google Translate.
Then I hold my breath.
“In my world, 'very well' means I'll work my way even deeper beneath your skin, so not only will you belong to me, you won’t ever want anyone else.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Pfeiffer
Nine nights to go.
I’mfeverish when I enter the club. Fiero’s text messages have been swirling around me like ice cold fingers caressing a burning ember. I felt every word inside my ribcage and between my legs.
Every surface I pass reminds me this is not a good place. The carpets are tainted with blood; the walls have witnessed death, destruction and debauchery; every smile hides an ulterior motive or a dark desire. And its owner is the darkest of them all.
