Page 47 of Convenient Mafia Vows

He sits on the edge of the bed with his back to me, his cell phone held to his ear, and his voice low, allowing me an unobstructed view of his broad shoulders and toned physique. Before he even ends the call, he is on his feet and heading for the ensuite.

“Where are you going?” I sit up straight, acutely conscious of my nakedness now that I’m alone on the bed.

He halts halfway across the room, his gaze lingering on my breasts before he raises his eyes to meet mine. “I have some business to attend to.” He pauses. “I want you to stay in the apartment, Victoria. Anything you need, let Lauren know, and she’ll arrange it for you.”

“Wait. What?” I’m on my knees, covering my breasts with the comforter. He has seen every part of me, has tasted me inside and out, but I feel vulnerable now that he is back in Caleb-Murray-wealthy-hotel-owner mode. “Why can’t I leave? What about Abigail?”

“Abigail is fine.”

“So, what, you think I’m in danger?”

I glance at the dressing on my arm which I barely noticed while Caleb was fucking me all through the night. I told myself that the shooting was simply a case of wrong place, wrong time, but his reaction this morning is starting to freak me out. What the fuck have I brought Abigail into?

“It isn’t a chance I’m prepared to take. I told you before, I take care of what’s mine.”

Anger courses through my veins. I refuse to be held prisoner in his apartment even if it is the most luxurious apartment in New York City. I’d rather be at home where nobody knows me apart from Sienna and a couple of neighbors. At least there I’m free to come and go as I please.

“But I’m not yours, am I?”

I wait for him to say something, but when he lowers his eyes to the floor, I realize that I have my answer. I clamber off the bed, still clutching the comforter to cover my nakedness.

“I’m going to get Abigail, and then I’m taking her home.”

“Victoria, please.” He inhales deeply, oblivious to his own nakedness. “I promise that I won’t let any harm come to you or Abigail. I know that I need to make things up to you. This should never have happened, but I just need a little time to resolve it. Please.”

The ‘please’gets to me. When he looks at me that way, I can almost convince myself that he feels something for me, that this could be more than just an arrangement to get Olivia Dragonetti off his case.

“Okay, but you can’t keep me locked up in here.”

He opens his mouth to protest that I’m not locked up but must change his mind. “Get dressed. I’ll take you to my mom’s.”

Moira and Terry live in a huge gray-stone colonial mansion on Staten Island. The center of the property is glass-fronted affording views of the spectacular interior staircase which are even more impressive when we step inside.

The gold-balustraded staircase sweeps up to the next level in a double-sided spiral, giving the entrance atrium the appearance of an exhibition center. It is decorated with heavy chandeliers taller than a grown man, vibrant tribal artwork, and life-sized, bronze lion statues that appear to be guarding the property.

I’m still gaping at the sheer scale of the house when Moira comes to greet us, holding Abigail’s hand.

“Auntie Vicky!” Abigail runs to me and jumps into my arms. “You should come and see the swimming pool. There’s a treehouse in the garden and a pond with fish in it and a basketball court.”

I set her down. “Maybe you can show me around in a little while if Moira doesn’t mind.” I glance at Caleb’s mom, who is smiling at Abigail fondly.

“Of course I don’t mind. You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like.”

“Stay here?” I turn my attention to Caleb. Is this why he agreed to bring me to Abigail, because he wants his mom and stepdad to keep me prisoner instead?

“I just thought you might be more comfortable here.” His expression is unreadable, and I wish, not for the first time, that he would tell me how he really feels.

“Where willyoustay?” Jeez I sound needy, whiny, like a teenager. Or like freaking Dragon-face herself.

A faint smile plays with the corners of his mouth. “I have business to take care of and then I’ll be back.”

“Caleb, you’re not leaving already.” The voice belongs to a young woman with blondee mermaid curls and a wide smile who is coming down the stairs. “I never get to spend any time with you these days.”

My stomach twists. Another admirer?

She goes to Caleb and gives him a hug which he reciprocates with his arms wrapped around her. Releasing her, he says, “Victoria this is my baby sister, Emily.”

“Hey, not so much of the baby sister.” She punches his arm playfully.

---