Page 73 of Bullet

“No names in the club,” Torch said. “But this meeting is going to be private. I don’t know what to expect, but these mafia guys know we want to ask questions. No guarantee they’ll tell us shit. My experience with the Bruno men is complicated. Gabispeaks Italian so if there is any breakdown in translation, she’ll interpret.”

Gabi leaned into me. “Complicated because Hellers like to fight. You get two alpha-holes in a room, and the testosterone short circuits their brains. Torch isn’t a typical Dom, and I’m not really submissive. We’re into bondage and voyeurism.” She smirked. “He fucks me everywhere. What can I say? I’m not a pain slut, but I’m a slut for him.”

Butterflies flitted in my belly. I could relate.Catnip.I had become one of Bullet’s kittens hooked on his cock.

Torch glanced over his shoulder at me. “Outside of this room, no one will speak to you without Bullet’s permission. It’s not rude. It’s respect for a Dom and his submissive.”

Torch rapped his knuckles on the door. The electronic lock clicked, and he pushed the door open. I might not understand everything at play with these men, but this was Gabi and Torch’s scene, so I’d follow her lead.

Torch rested his hand on her back, but she stood demurely at his side.

Several men waited in the dimly lit room that resembled a small studio apartment. Two men in suits stood in front of what appeared to be an observation window. Two more men stood protectively near them. Bodyguards, paid muscle, men with guns who protected their asset. Another guy in faded jeans and a leather jacket sat in a chair, opening and closing a lighter.

The last man in the room, who reeked of wealth and authority, crossed the space. He paused in front of Torch, they seemed to share some secret, silent communication, and then he kissed Gabi on the cheek.

In the aftermath of Emerson, a tide of panic surged through me. Would any of these men recognize me? I scanned their faces, searching for any trace of familiarity. Two of the men wore suits, clearly brothers, with the same whiskey-colored eyes and air of confidence.

My heart raced. Shivers of dread, like the prickles of a scorpion, crawled over me.

Bullet slid his hand into mine and laced our fingers. “I got you, brown eyes.”

Torch brought the man closer to us. “This is the Boss.”

“In here and for this meeting, please call me Alex. Alex Ferraro. Luca is a business associate, his brother is here as a favor.” He smiled at Torch. “One he’ll eventually want reciprocated. I thought you were done getting into trouble.”

“Trouble always finds me.”

Alex extended his hand, ushering us deeper into the room. On the left, several plush chairs sat in a semi-circle.

“You know Luca,” Alex said to Torch. “This is his brother, don of the Bruno family, Marco Bruno.”

“We’ve met,” Torch said.

Marco set a tumbler of whiskey on the low end table and approached. “It is good to see you again.”

The men sat in chairs. Gabi walked to the window, overlooking the club below. I moved to join her, but Bullet held tight to my hand. “You okay?”

I nodded, my stomach in my throat.

“I want you to sit next to me.”

The guy in the faded jeans grabbed a chair for me and positioned it closer to Bullet. “I’m Knox.”

“Thanks,” I said and sat down. “Madison Jones.” I figured they’d want to know the truth because of my connection to Emerson.

He smiled, nodded, and took the seat next to Marco.

Luca and Alex rounded out the half circle. The last man stood a few steps back from Luca with his massive arms comfortably crossed in front of his chest. His jacket gaped, revealing a leather chest harness and the butt of a big fucking gun.

“You wished to speak to me,” Marco stated.

Bullet sat with wide-spread thighs, slightly leaning forward, and a hard glare in his eyes. “I’ve got a situation, and I’m coming to you to make sure I don’t create a misunderstanding between us.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’m going to dispose of my problem. I’m confident he’s associated with the mafia, but he may not be one of your men.” He glanced at Torch and Alex, then he turned his attention back to Marco. “I’m not looking for trouble, but if he’s one of your men, I’m assuming you’re going to have an issue with me taking him out. I need to make sure you know it’s my problem and not my club’s.”

“Fuck, Bullet.” Torch raked his hands through his hair.

---