Page 30 of Charity's Torment

“In the meantime, I have something to keep you occupied.”

“I’m listening.” I fell onto the couch, sexually frustrated and bothered.

Luca tucked his hands in his pockets and broadened his shoulders. “I have a rat problem. I want you to look into it.”

I folded my arms across my chest and raised a brow. “Isn’t that a job for your capos?”

The corners of his mouth turned up. I was not too fond of that look. “I asked Max if he could use your help, and he saidyes.”

I knew it. It was his way of adding to my torment. Give me a monotonous job and watch me squirm.

“Honored. Really, but no.”

I looked at my finger and picked at my cuticle.

“Well, it’s not a choice anymore. You clearly can’t handle being idle lately, so I’m giving you something to do.”

I got up from my seat and slicked down the creases in my tight jeans.“Hooray. I’m so excited,” I deadpanned. “I was planning on occupying myself with the shooting range and buying a new gun, but then, you called me in and ruined my day.” I skate around him and head for the doorway. Giovanni appeared out of nowhere as I tried to make my escape.

Luca flicked his gaze from me to Giovanni, then back to me again. “Keep your head down, Charity. Step out of line again, and I won’t hesitate to put a bullet in your skull.”

I swallowed and clenched my fists. He took notice. Bowing my head, I made a quick departure home.

Luca’s behavior confounded me. He was all over me and wanted to do despicable things with me—which I would welcome with open arms—threatening to kill me in front of his men. Make up your mind. You either want to fuck me or kill me; it can’t be both.

The chilly October evening air caused shivers to ripple across my body as I careened down the highway towards my home. The hairs on the back of my neck stood at attention. I was being followed again. I glanced in my side mirrors and spotted the car that was swiftly becoming a pain in my ass.

I twisted the gas handle, and my speed picked up to ninety, then ninety-five, and it kept climbing. I zipped in and out of traffic faster than he could keep up. I took the exit for my home, slowed down, and proceeded as if nothing had ever happened. I knew I wouldn’t lose him, but it was just fun to make things harder for some people.

Cannoli met me at the door, meowing his big head off, pleading for food and attention. With ears as large as satellite dishes, it surprised me he meowed so loud. I dropped my gear where I stood, meandered into the kitchen, and gave him his wet treat.

“You are a spoiled little shit, Cannoli.”

Chapter 10

“Luca thought this was going to keep me occupied?” I shuffled papers to a new heap, internally crying from my punishment. I’d take the belt over this repetitious bullshit.

Max and I had been sitting at his round table of endless boredom for days, going through an unbelievable amount of employees’ financial records and their phone calls. I’m antsy, and my brain can’t handle any more monotony. Every word on the pages blended in and blurred.

I rub my lids, puffed my cheeks, and blew out the stuffed air. Papers fluttered all over the floor. I didn’t bother to pick them up.

Max opened a folder and flicked through the papers, highlighting words of interest. “It’s better than you sitting on your couch thinking about your brother.”

“No. Because now I’m sitting here, rifling through people’s money management issues, and thinking about slitting my throat. I was better off on my couch.” I chuckled.

“You’ve got me.”

“That’s something to live for.” I shoved a paper in my face to hide my heating cheeks.

“Okay. Close your eyes.”

“Excuse me?” I put the paper down to peek at him.

“I have something for you. Close your eyes.”

I gave him the side-eye, wondering what he was up to. “If you do anything to me, I won’t hesitate to cut you.”

“Careful now. Talking like that will only turn me on.” He waggled his brows.

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