Page 11 of The Virgin and the Mob Boss

I open my mouth and then snap it closed. Okay, so I do feel pleasantly rested. “That’s not the point!”

“Are you ready for breakfast?”

“Seriously?” I cross my arms over my chest.

“You have to eat,” he says, and my belly growls.

His eyes drop to my stomach, and I cover it with my arms. I’m hoping he won't notice the gun.

“I’m not hungry,” I lie.

“Breakfast will be in the dining room,” he tells me and then walks away.

I glare at his retreating form and notice that no one else is out in the hallway. I step out of the bedroom, wondering if I could make an escape. I’m not sure where I’d go, but I should try to at least get out of this building. That would be a start. Then I need to find a way to get in touch with Nolia.

As I creep down the hallway, I pause when I reach Vitaly’s office doors. They are only cracked open a few inches, but I have to pass by his office to get to the elevator. Should I bolt across and hope he’s not looking or move slowly?

I choose stealth and proceed slowly. When I pass by, I let out the breath I was holding, but I’m sure I didn't see anyone inside. This might be easier than I thought. Maybe he thought I wouldn't try to escape.

I find my answer when I reach the elevator, but I am unable to use it. There isn't a button but a screen that lights up with a digital keypad.

“The dining room is this way.” Francis says.

“Holy crap!” I jump. “Stop sneaking up on me.”

“If anyone is sneaking around, I believe that would be you,” he accuses.

“This is a fire hazard.” I point my thumb over my shoulder toward the elevator. “I bet it doesn’t meet the building code.”

“I assure you, if there is a fire, you’ll get out safely,” Francis says and steps back. He motions with his hand for me to come with him. “Now breakfast.” Does he really think I’ll eat anything he gives me? Who knows what else they’ll put in it?

“I’m not eating your food!” I say angrily and stomp past him.

There has to be stairs around here. Or, better yet, a phone. I’m pretty sure landlines aren’t a thing anymore. Francis doesn’t follow me. In fact, no one does.

A spark of excitement fills me when I walk through a door and see that it’s not the dining room but a library. My escape plan is going on hold for a second.

“Holy crap,” I say in awe as I look at the space.

Shelves of books line every inch of the walls that go up over thirty feet. There's even a ladder on tracks to reach the highest ones. I run my fingers across the books, not sure where to start. This place is like a dream. Then I see a desk and rush over to it, hoping to find a phone.

“Looking for something?”

My head pops up from where I’m searching a drawer to see Vitaly standing nearby. Why is everyone so damn quiet when they walk? It’s starting to scare me.

“I’m just nosy.” I shrug and close the drawer.

We stare at each other for a long moment, and then I’m the one to break it. Damn it. I can’t win anything with this man. Not even a stupid staring contrast.

“I was told you won’t eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” I say.

Vitaly strides across the library until he's right in front of me. “I don’t like liars.”

“Well, I don’t know what to tell you. You already”—I make air quotes with my fingers—“ruined me.” I glare up at his handsome face. “So what else is there to do?” I shrug, doing my best to pretend I’m not afraid of him.

Or turned on.

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