Page 40 of Sinister

“Don’t touch me.” She jabs her elbow into my abs.

“I bet you wish you were the one touching me in my room earlier today,” I whisper loud enough so everyone can hear. I love riling her up.

Chaser slaps the back of my head and gives me a look. “Quit it,” he says as he grabs Monroe by the elbow and pulls her away from me.

“You wish.” She avoids looking at me and is doing her best to pretend I’m not standing within reaching distance.

The elevator reaches the entry level and everyone files out, waiting for me as I make my way to security.

“Mr. Vitiello, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“My man.” I grip Francesco in a tight hug. He’s been working for my father since before I was born. This man is ruthless, he used to be head of security for our Sicilian chapter when my grandfather was head of the organization. “Make sure you scan the rest of these fucker’s cards, you can never be too sure.” I wink at him and indicate for Rome and Chaser to follow me, leaving Mono behind to get card checked with the rest of the frat members.

There’s nothing like feeling right at home, and this place feels just like that to me in this new world of college bullshit. The place is gleaming, the lights are low and the music is mellow and moody. Dark wooden floors, brown leather chesterfields, wood paneled walls and chandeliers give the place that perfectly rounded off gentleman’s club vibe with a twist. There are two bars at either end of this floor, one serves straight up top shelf whiskey and the other serves champagne and spirits. There are private booths skirting the walls with plush velvet curtains to close if guests prefer to be shut away from the crowd. Mahogany tables and chairs are scattered throughout the main area, separated by half walls to give some privacy. All rounded off with a dance floor in the center if you so wish to entice your chosen lady for a little flirtatious dance prior to working up the courage to ask them to join you in one of the rooms upstairs.

Our guests are slowly trickling in one by one and I watch their reactions with such pride. Yes, this place is fucking magnificent and they all should be kissing my Italian leather shoes for inviting them. I slide into the biggest booth, the one nearest to the whiskey bar and the one reserved for me and whom I choose. Tonight, it’s just the three of us, I cannot deal with anyone else. My peopling meter is well and truly overflowing and I’d rather keep to myself and observe from my safe little box.

“I’ll grab us some drinks,” Rome says as he slides out of the booth.

“We need to get that boy laid tonight.” I shake my head, watching him talk to the bartender.

“I doubt that will help, but it will take his mind off her for a while. Maybe I’ll convince him to take one of these girls into the Bentley room.” Chaser’s gaze locks onto something in the dark corner of the club.

Following his line of sight, I spot her immediately. She’s chatting with the big football player, Alistair, as he leads her to one of the other booths on the other side of the room. I’ll have to keep my eye on him, he’s getting too comfortable.

“Sin,” Chaser’s voice echoes through my head.

“What?”

“The King of Diamonds Frat just arrived with Saskia and the rest of his crew.” Chaser jerks his head toward the entrance.

“This whole inclusive shit fucking pisses me off to be honest. If it were up to me, I’d drive the biggest wedge between all the frats.” I narrow my gaze at them as they make themselves comfortable in the booth beside where Monroe is seated. I’ll tolerate them all in here under my watchful gaze, where I can monitor their moves and control their actions, making sure they stay the fuck away from her. But outside of here is fair play and I don’t play fair at all.

“What devious plan are you thinking up in that fucked up head of yours?”

“What plan?” Rome returns with our drinks and seats himself beside me.

“How to make this college experience a little more fun. Spice things up a bit. All these formal dinners and robe wearing are a bit eighteenth century.” I sip my top shelf whiskey and enjoy the mellow warmth it brings to my cold heart.

“Should we be worried?” Chaser watches Monroe and Saskia intently as they hug and jump up and down in each other’s arms.

“We have nothing to be worried about. We’ve been brought up to fight to the death.” I eye Chaser across the table and watch as his face lights up with the promise of breaking bones and spilling blood.

“Dude, are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Chaser salutes his drink.

“Fuck yes! Bring it on, baby. I’m down for some mayhem and blood spillage. Torching those fuckers has wet my appetite. My taste for blood was barely satiated from that fucker the other day.” Rome holds his drink up and clinks it to Chaser’s.

“That was only the beginning. Besides, we now have a little something to get intel with.” My darkened gaze zeroes in on Monroe as she dances with Saskia beside the Diamond Frat members.

This college experience might be fun after all.

Chapter twenty-one

Monroe

Idig through the black velvet pouch that was handed to me once we cleared security. The club’s name is printed on the front in the signature blue of Sable Lakes University.

I pull out a packet of tissues with the club’s logo on it first and think it’s a weird thing to place in a goody bag. Next, I pull out some ribbon, also with the club’s logo printed on one side of it. At this point I’m confused as fuck as to what these two items are for until I feel around and find a tube, grabbing it out of the bag I look over it and realize it’s salted caramel flavored lube.

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