Page 23 of These Vicious Games

We arrive at the table, and I sigh looking over to Constance. “This is Constance my-”

“Prisoner.” She cuts me off, holding her hand out and batting her lashes at Andrea.

“Careful.” He shows his teeth. “I’m not someone you want to bat those pretty eyes at.”

“No?”

“No.” I snap, pulling her hand away from his before he can touch her. “Andrea and Jameson.” I point to the two.

“Nice to meet you both.” Constance smiles and I know first-hand what her smile can do to someone’s insides.

“Pretty Prisoner!” Luca comes up behind her, spinning her around to face him. “You have to dance with me.” He pulls her into his chest, hands falling to her waist.

I grind my molars, fighting the eternal battle of wanting to cut his hands off.

“Sit.” Andrea laughs. “What are your plans for her anyways?” He asks as I get seated next to him.

“My plan was to hunt her, kill her and see her insides.”

Jameson sputters, “Jesus Christ.”

“And now?”

“Ask me again in a month.” I snatch a drink off a passing server and down it.

All eyes are gluedto my little bird. Watching with lust filled eyes as the underboss swings her around the dance floor, her head tilted back as she laughs.

“I’m afraid the women will set her on fire with their glares if she dances with Luca one more time.” Jameson notes.

“Good. Maybe then I can go home in peace.”

“If she’s such a problem you could always give her to Luca. He seems to like her well enough. Nice little birthday present,” Andrea adds.

Searing hot anger like I’ve never felt before simmers through my blood as I stand, throwing my drink back and walking towards them.

Constance’s eyes light with silver fire as she watches me. A tiny smile she hides in Luca’s shoulder. A song plays and Luca groans, “Fuck, Pretty Prisoner. I love country music every now and then. You?”

She goes to open her mouth, but I pull her away from him, dragging her to the outside balcony that overlooks the city.

“You know...” She begins.

I turn sharply, my hand pressed over her mouth as she rests against a pillar. Her eyes widen, breast heaving as she watches me. Her eyes glowing under the city lights. “Don’t speak.” Her eyes flick back and forth between mine. “When we go back in there, I want you to act like a good little prisoner and sit. Be seen, not heard.” She narrows her eyes. “Do you understand?”

I make her head move up and down and smirk. “Good.” I remove my hand.

She stomps off and satisfied, I head in, going to the open bar to order a drink. I spin, waiting and seeing an extremely pouty Bird sitting next to Jameson. Her arms crossed as she glares at me.

A hand on my arm makes me swing my eyes over. Almond eyes that sparkle with mischief. Long brown hair that’s silky and shiny. And a mouth I remember fondly. Been there and done that. “Misty,” I croon. “Get your hands off me if you want to keep them.”

She throws her head back, laughing throatily. “Come on, Atticus, we could have some fun.” She drags her nails down my suit.

I’m about to walk away when I catch silver eyes full of jealousy and anger watching me, watching Misty’s hand. I decided to play in. I grab Misty by her throat bringing her close,our lips closer as I whisper. “Last chance to get your dirty paws off of me before I cut them off and make you choke on them.”

Her eyes widen and I release her, smiling. I grab my drink, walking back to the table. Only something is missing.Someone is missing.“Where is Constance?” I ask.

Jameson shakes his head, taking a long drink. Andreas is all of a sudden busy on an important email, but Luca? He’s more than willing.

“Pretty Prisoner? She and some guy headed out while you were talking to the piranha.” He flinches, looking over to his brother. “Ow.” He grits.

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