Page 80 of Volatile Vice

Eventually, I shift in his arms, reluctantly beginning to pull away. But he tightens his grip on me, his gaze intense. “Stay,” he says simply. It’s not a command, but a desperate plea.

“Vinnie—”

“I need you here, Raven. Just for a little while longer.”

His voice is laced with an emotion so raw and real that it nearly shatters my heart. I can’t refuse him. Not when he looks at me like that—as if I’m his lifeline.

I nestle back into the warmth of his embrace, letting the rhythmic beating of his heart lull me into a sense of peace and comfort. We stay huddled together in the small closet for what feels like hours, sharing in each other’s warmth and stealing moments of tranquility amidst the chaos outside.

“We should probably get back,” I finally whisper.

Vinnie’s grip tightens momentarily before he releases me, his fingers lingering on my skin.

“Let’s fight this together,” I say. “Let me help you.”

He looks to the ground and sighs. “No one can help me, Raven.”

Those are his last words to me. He turns and opens the door to the closet.

And he runs right into Jared.

26

VINNIE

This dude is bigger than a pro linebacker. Damn.

He looks at me like he wants to tear me in half, and I’m betting he could. I’m a tall and broad guy, but I’m dwarfed in comparison to this man. He’s several inches taller than I am, and he must live in the gym, based on how big the muscles on his shoulders and chest are.

But he doesn’t touch me.

He simply looks at Raven. “You okay?”

She nods. “I’m fine. Thank you for not…interrupting.”

I walk around Jared.

Raven follows me. “Vinnie…”

“I have to get back. My mom will be coming out of recovery soon, and?—”

“And I’ll be right beside you when she does, no matter who tries to tell me not to be.”

I cock my head. “What do you mean? I’m the only one who’s told you to stay away. And you’ve made it clear that you won’t.”

She pulls out her phone and shows me a text.

Stay away from Gallo.

My heart pumps directly into my throat when I see the words. “Fuck,” I mutter.

“Do you know who sent this?”

“Who do you think? My grandfather, most likely.” I lower my voice. “You should take the advice.”

“No.” She grabs my arm, squeezes my bicep. “I know how much your mother means to you, Vinnie. I won’t leave you alone.”

She’s so damned stubborn. Hers is the kind of persistence that wins wars. And right now, she’s the kind of woman who isn’t going to let a mob boss’s threats keep her from standing by my side in my time of need.

---