Page 56 of Mafia Rules

“I…I…I’m not sure…” I can’t get the right words out as I watch Grace packing my bag, adding my sexy lingerie and skimpy clothes.

“Bring your toys!” She looks at me, then opens the nightstand, expecting to find them. “I know my brother is kinky. Heck… they all are.”

My face turns a bright red, and my legs are frozen. He sure was kinky, and I hadn’t explored all of that yet. I was still finding out what I liked.

“Well, go get them.” She says, closing the drawer, her hands on her hips as if she’s not taking no for an answer.

I walk over to his closet, open the tall door, and pull out a few smaller toys we haven’t played with yet. I bring them over,hiding them in my hands. I place them in the side pouch of my bag.

“Now, go take a shower. Wash all those tears away. I’ll book a car for you. Daddy’s secretary sent me the address.” She reads a text on her phone, and I stand there watching her, unsure if I should go along. “Go!” She swooshes me away with her hand.

I grab some clean clothes and head to the shower. I guess I’m going after Ash –and Sasha.

31

EVE

I'd had a quick shower when the car arrived, leaving little time to process everything. I keep him blocked on my phone to surprise him and see if he waswithSasha. Ash called the condo from the hotel, but I hung up on him. I wanted to send a message, but now I feel stupid and immature.

During the drive, I had a few hours to think, letting me rehearse what I would say when I arrived. The GPS in the car has a countdown to the doomed meeting.

We arrived at a magnificent hotel. Its grand facade shimmers under the sun, straight out of an old movie. Massive, fluted pillars stand in a stately row across the building's front, their shadows stretching long in the afternoon sun. The smell of salt and seaweed in the air when I opened my door. The rhythmic crash of waves a constant background hum.

“I will take care of your luggage.” The driver, with a gentle click, closes my door.

My mind is a whirlwind of scenarios, each one a different path, a different outcome. Were they sharing a room together? I force myself to move forward. I would soon discover the answer.

I glance at my phone to see what floor they are on. I take the elevator up to the floor. When the door creaks open, I step out cautiously, my senses alert to any sound or movement. My heart thumps, afraid I'll see them around the corner, but the hallway is empty and silent. Two penthouses are on this floor. Their doors close to the elevator.

I creep to their door, putting my ear as close to it as possible, straining to hear anything behind it. Except for the hallway heater's rhythmic, almost hypnotic hum, complete silence surrounds me. With a delicate rasp in my throat clearing, I knock faintly on the heavy oak door.

Silence.

I knock again, this time with more force.

Silence.

I step back, a calm breath leaving my body, giving me relief I didn’t have to deal with this right now. They must be out. My imagination takes flight, picturing them strolling along a breezy beach or perhaps engrossed in conversation at a romantic restaurant. I walk back to the elevator when the penthouse door opens behind me.

“Eve?” Sasha calls out to me.

I spin around, fury boiling at her voice's sharp, shrill sound. “I’m here to see Ash.”

She plants herself firmly in the doorway, using her body as the entrance obstacle. I can’t walk past her or even see into the room. I cross my arms and wait impatiently for Ash to appear, my face burning with anticipation.

“He’s busy.” She looks back into the room, her voice almost a hush.

“Ash!” I stretch up on my tiptoes, peering into the dimly lit room, but no sign of Ash.

“Did you read any of his texts?” A friendly smile stretches across her face.

She’s enjoying this. And maybe she knew something I didn’t since I blocked Ash from contacting me. Perhaps I went too far. “Tell Ash I need to talk to him.”

The elevator door opens, and the hall boy has a cart with my things on it. His face pales as he spots Sasha, and he stumbles back, stuttering, “Umm…madame…Your things.”

“Put them in the room.” My voice is strong and unwavering as I hold Sasha’s gaze.

“There’s no room in here.” Sasha’s smile strains her face. “Take them to the lost and found department.” She says, closing the door in our faces.

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