Page 52 of Twisted Games of Revenge

“I’m going to help you. I’m going to do everything in my power to destroy all of them. But this is going to get worse before it gets better. You will continue to hear all the terrible things I have done, and you will hate me by the end of this. If you don’t already.” His haunted eyes reach mine, chilling me to the core. He really believes I could hate him.

I reach up to touch his face, running a hand through his stubble. He’s so broken. And why wouldn’t he be, growing up in his broken family. It’s surprising he has any capacity to love or even care about anyone at all. “I don’t hate you, Alex. I don’t understand you, but it’s not hate I feel for you.”

“You should. I know why you don’t really want to marry me, and I understand. I’m not good enough for you. I never have been, and I never will be. Not when I stole your innocence or when I kept you locked up, trying to force you to be mine.” His finger traces over my lips. “I should have left you alone. You never would have been trapped in this life if it wasn’t for my selfishness.”

My heart feels like it’s going to explode out of my chest it’s beating so damn hard, because I can feel his pain, and I want to be the one to take it away. I fucking know he’s not perfect. But who is? What impresses me about him is that he is trying to make a change. He can see what he’s done is wrong. Unlike his papa. “I was trapped in this life from the moment my mother agreed to be one of Enzo’s spies. This isn’t on you. This is on our parents. But we will fix it, and if we can’t, I’m going to die trying.”

“I fucking love you, princess.” His lips crash into mine in a desperate kiss, our tongues battling as his hands sweep into my hair and he holds me like his life depends on it. I kiss him back with as much desperation. I know he’s broken; we all are. Buttogether, we can really make a change for the better and undo some wrongs of the past.

When I finally pull back, breathless and panting, I offer a half smile and huff out a laugh. “I fucking love you too, Alex Moretti.”

Chapter 23

I haven’t spent anight alone in my new apartment yet. Last night just after eight, Ricky showed up with an overnight bag and no intention of leaving. I asked him if the four of them had formulated some sort of roster, and he just shrugged and smiled cheekily the way he does when he’s up to no good. Before I knew it, I was over his shoulder and he marched through my apartment to my bedroom where he tossed me down on my bed, tugged off my panties, and started eating me out. It was then I stopped fussing about having a babysitter and decided I didn’t mind this new arrangement too much at all. Three orgasms later, I fell asleep in his arms, satisfied and happy. I can’t say I’m sad about the activities or the company, but I’m pretty sure it’s going to start some interesting rumors with the young couple who live across the hall.

This morning, I left him alone there, waiting on Maddox to arrive. Apparently the two of them are going to make good on my suggestion to track me or do whatever they feel the need to keep me safe, and they’re installing security cameras and astate-of-the-art alarm system. I was worried about pissing off my landlord, but they said Alex already got clearance. Knowing how much control his family has over this town, I’m sure he did. I only hope he went about it the right way.

Sitting at a table large enough for four, I glance up and offer a half smile at Alessandro as he walks through the front door of the little café. This is the place I know his papa likes to meet Mayor Chambly in every Monday for lunch. Right before he visits Enzo’s exclusive club.

Alessandro stops in at the counter and places his order then joins me with a kiss on the cheek and a grin that makes me blush. I don’t know what it is about this dynamic that makes me swoon over him so much, but fake dating him has given me the opportunity to get to know him in a totally different way than I have before, and it’s nice to see this side of him.

“Any sign of them?” he asks, glancing around the cozy café space.

I check my phone for the time. “Not yet, but it was closer to midday when I saw them here last time, so I guess we just wait.”

“Good. I get you all to myself for a little longer.” He brings my hand up to his lips, kissing the back of my fingers. I smile up at him, feeling loved up for real. He pulls me toward him so I’m teetering on the edge of my seat, and his lips drop to my neck kissing me just below the ear in a way that sends tingles through me. He brushes my hair behind my shoulder and keeps placing kisses down my neck. “Fuck, you smell good.” His hand runs down my side, finishing on the hem of my short dress, and I suck in a breath, knowing there are people around.

“Alex,” I warn him. “We’re not here to play around today.”

He kisses me again, his finger just edging under the hemline of my dress in a way that delights and teases me. “All work and no play is very dull, Vivian.” He chuckles, the sound warm and reassuring, a clear attempt to distract me. He must be able to seehow on edge I am. Today is super important, and I need it to go well.

“Alessandro, what are you doing here?” Enzo’s voice booms as he enters the café like he owns the joint. And for a second, I panic that he might. But then Alessandro would have told me if that was the case.

Get your shit together, Harley, you’ve got this. Remember why you’re doing it. For ma, papa, and Marco. For all the girls who have gone missing or been sold by this creep. And even for the boys.

I pop my head to the side and offer a friendly smile, fake as can be. His face changes immediately when he sees me, his concern turning to delight. Apparently, I’m one of his favorite people. Surprising, since everyone else seems to think he hates women, but I guess when he’s able to manipulate me as well as he is, it makes me useful for now.

“Oh, and with the beautiful Vivian.”

We both stand, and I let him kiss my cheek in greeting, cringing internally when the scent of his overpriced cologne hits my nostrils. “What a pleasant surprise. Alessandro was just taking me out for lunch. You should join us, if you’re not too busy?”

He holds my hands in his as he takes a step back from me, warmth in his eyes. One I don’t see very often. “How could I turn down an offer like that.”

I grin back at him. “It’s settled then, we already have four seats.” I motion to the table. “What will you have to drink? I have already ordered for myself and Alex.”

“No, no, dear, I will sort it out.” He moves to the counter and places an order.

Alex moves in closer. “He actually likes you,” he says quietly, like he can’t believe it.

“Yeah, I know. It’s unnerving,” I whisper back.

The mayor walks through the door, and Enzo motions for him to join us as he’s making his way back to our table.

Alessandro holds out a hand. “Mayor Chambly,” he says, his voice light and pleasant.

The mayor grins at us, and it’s cheesy and laced with a bitterness that tells me he’s not impressed his lunch meeting has been disrupted.

“This is Alessandro’s fiancé, Vivian. She’s a delight, isn’t she?” Enzo introduces the two of us.

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