Page 19 of Charity's Torment

He shook his head. “Your mom is having me watch my sugar intake.” He pats his small belly. “That man that she allegedly killed… he belonged to the Irish Crime Family. They’ll be coming after her. I just hope we get to her first.”

Luca would have some explaining to do for leaving that tidbit out. I knew I should have worn a wig. I cracked open my can and gulped down the entire soda, barely taking a breath while I took the time to think it over.

“Well, I need to get back to the lake. They are going to wonder where I am.” I didn’t think I could control my expressions anymore. My gut was flipping inside out and threatened to make me puke. My heart banged against my ribs so hard it felt like an impending heart attack.

“Is everything okay, Cupcake? Is there something you need to talk about?”

I grabbed my stomach as it rolled more. “I’m good.”

“Right. Well, I need to get home in time for dinner.” He placed a peck on my cheek and shut the door behind him.

I sucked in a much-needed breath and marched to my room.

Max laid on my bed with his hands interlaced behind his head, staring at the ceiling. He turned and locked eyes with mine as I came inside. I jumped on top of him, straddling his hips, and he smirked. “All right, I dig this,” he said while resting his palms on the tops of my thighs.

I cocked a brow and chewed my lip. There was definitely something up with these guys.

He cocked his head to the side. “You look off. What’s wrong?”

I exhaled. “You first.”

Max moved me off his lap and stood to pace while rubbing the back of his neck. I will not like what he has to say—I can tell. Just as I had my nervous tapping tick… Max had his pacing.

“Luca doesn’t want you to touch Jose.”

I hopped off the bed as if my ass was on fire and came to stand in front of him, halting his march on my floors. “You want to run that by me again?”

“Luca wants men placed on Jose. He wants to know who is coming in and out and who he is working for.”

I shoved his chest and pushed him back against the wall. I knew that he allowed me to handle him this way. He wouldn’t allow it if I was anyone else. I’ve watched Max throw men across the room for less.

His hands flashed before me and seized my wrists, holding them in place. I twist my wrists free from his grasp. He turns me around, my butt resting against his groin, and he locks my arms back into place across my chest. I bend over, hoping to pull myself from his clutch, but his arms tighten against me, and I give up the fight. It wasn’t worth hurting him over it.

Max pressed his nose in my wet hair and inhaled. A rumble of a groan from his chest tickled my back. “Don’t shoot the messenger. You know full well I’d be by your side to take Jose out.” His lips brushed against the shell of my ear. Shivers rippled down my body.

What was I fighting for again?

“Then tell him to let me have him,” I said, knowing full well he doesn’t order Luca around.

“I wish I could,Bella.”His lips tasted my neck, and I sighed.

I sagged into his arms; I lost my fight with him. He loosened his grip around me. For reasons unknown, I wished to stay here for a little while longer, enjoying his comfort. I turned to face him, searching his face for a sliver of hope. There, in the depths of his eyes, was the heat I was experiencing.

I shook my head and focused on the task. “I need to talk to Luca.” There was serious shit to discuss, and it needed to be in person.

He cupped my face. “Don’t expect him to change his mind on this.”

“I don’t.”

Chapter 6

Iput the plates of finished spaghetti in the dishwasher and tossed the leftovers in the fridge. I probably wouldn’t touch it, but at least I gave it an effort not to waste food.

I dressed in my long sleeve black mesh top with Gothic lace, a nude bra, and black pants. Usually, this style would call for knee-high heels, but I put on my favorite pair of boots and called it good. I placed my wavy hair in a high pony, applied my makeup with expert precision, and walked out, ready to go.

Max whistled, then mouthed the word “wow” before opening the car door.

“You’re drooling.”

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