Page 12 of Sex & Cigarettes

My brothers I don’t know what to call her, his ex or woman nods and steps up behind Oaklyn, grabbing both sides of her face. I stuff a bandanna from my back pocket in Oaklyn’s mouth to muffle her screams. I spread her left eye open and press my cigarette to her eyeball. She’ll likely lose it, but I don’t plan on leaving her alive long enough for it to happen. Her head jerks, but I don’t let up. Her body twitches then she passes out.

I leave her alone for a few minutes to catch Uno and ATL up when they arrive in the room. ATL starts working on cleaning up from the dead fucker in the suit.

I remove the cloth from her mouth and use the ice bucket to wake Oaklyn up, dumping it over her head. I smack her cheeks a few times. “Wake up.”

She blinks her good eye a few times.

“You ready to give me some real answers? Or do I need to start cutting off fingers and toes.” I drag the dull side of the knife Coralie used on the goon along the pad of Oaklyn’s foot.

She tries to kick at me, so I jab the heel of her foot. “Okay. Okay,” she cries out. “Raul and I lovers. We’ve been together since I was fifteen. Don’t look at me like that. He’s always taken care of me, but something changed when he found out that Tiny Leone was dead. He became obsessed with your wife. Jealousy got the best of me. Don’t tell me you haven’t done crazy stupid things for love.”

“You make me sick.”

I shudder at the thought of my dick ever being in this bitch. At least I always wore a fucking rubber. She’s a goddamn brother fucker.

Throwing her head back she laughs. “You’re one to talk, you married your brother’s sloppy seconds.”

Her words boil my blood, and I what shred of control I was holding onto slips away.

Chapter 7

Ainsley

“You’ve hardly touched your food,” Raul notes.

“I think you’ll forgive me for not being hungry. How do I know you won’t poison me?”

“You’re right. You don’t. I owe you an explanation. I uncovered a plot my sister set in motion to murder you.”

“Your sister? Why would she want me dead? I don’t even know her?”

“You know Andrea as Oaklyn. My sister isn’t stable. She has it in her head that she should be at my side. When I refused her sick notions, she betrayed me and came after you. One of my men let me know. The shot that killed your friend was meant for you. I only brought you here out of concern.”

Bile lurches in the back of my throat.

“Andrea wants us both dead. My sister is sick. She needs help. When I find her I’ll return you to your husband. I can see that you are never going to give any thought to what we might have shared together.” He chuckles to himself. “Maybe her and I are more alike than I thought. I thought if I had you here, you’d see I’m better suited for you, but that’s my mistake.” He takes a drink of his wine.

I want to believe him. That he will let me go, but I’m no fool, and I won’t fall for any of his tricks.

His phone buzzes. He stares at the screen and motions to one of his men. “Where are you?” Raul glances at me then his face pales. “Yes. I see. Fine. This isn’t how I expected things to go. I assure you no harm has been—” he cuts off when what sounds like a doorbell sounds. “Very well. I understand. I give my word.” He places the phone down on the table.

His men go for their weapons.

“Stand down,” he barks.

“Your husband is here. He wishes to make a trade. My sister for your release. I’m not as cruel as you think. I know when to stand my ground and when to fold. I do hope one day you change your mind about me.” He raises from his seat at the head of the table and tugs at the gold cufflinks adorning his sleeves.

“Stay here.” He nods to his men and approaches me. “Let’s go.” His hand wraps around my upper arm tightly as I stand. Raul leads me to the front door. He lets me go to open it.

The minute I see Abel I take a step forward only to be jerked backwards by Raul.

“Not so fast. Show me my sister.”

Abel steps aside and that bitch is being carried by Axel. How is he here? Why is he here?

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Get your hands off my wife. Once she’s out of harm’s way I’ll release Andrea.”

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