Page 29 of Ludovico's Vengeance

He must recognize my annoyance with his big brotherly – or at least what I assume is a big brotherly reaction to my embarrassment. Abel claps Rand on his shoulder and drags him as far away as he can to give us some space. Once they're far enough away that I feel comfortable continuing this conversation, I turn back to face my friend.

“You're glowing, I need the tea!” She giggles, clapping her hands together in excitement like she had before my date a few days ago. I smile, shaking my head at her before I lower my voice and go into detail.

We spend a few minutes delving into my first orgasm experience and her eyes nearly rolled into the back of her head when I told her I swiped his cum from his stomach to taste it.“That's so fucking hot!"is scream whispered at me as she glances over her shoulder at my shadows.

My smile grows wider the more we talk. I love having someone to talk about anything to.

“It was like the book came to life as I was reading it.” My cheeks heat as I recall the events of our first time together. He's made it his mission to start every morning and end every night between my thighs since that first night. “The main male character had just done the same thing in the book when Giovanni made the move. I was so overwhelmed after. I felt like I wanted to do more, but had no idea where to start.” My confession lifts something from my chest I didn't realize has been weighing on me.

Another squeal sounds as Brittany jumps to her feet before lowering herself back down next to me. She leans in to make sure no one else can hear whatever the hell is about to come out of her mouth. Her lips turn up into a mischievous grin before she speaks.

“You need to work on your endurance.” She motions a dick going into her mouth and I lift my hands to my mouth in shock. She did not just do that! “You don't want to have it in your mouth and only be able to keep him there for a few seconds before your jaw tightens. So, we practice!” She talks with her hands, her voice increasing in volume the more excited she gets at her idea. “My shift ends in ten minutes; do you think your boy toys over there would drive us to another store?”

My body goes rigid at the thought. I've yet to feel entirely comfortable anywhere but here since having freedom. I glance over to the men, my throat bobs as I swallow hard trying to think of how to get out of this. I decide on honesty.

“I don't see why not, but, I don't know that being around a lot of people is a good idea for me.” I admit as I twist my fingers in my lap.

Brittany’s smile is infectious and she boops me on the nose. I arch a brow at her which just makes her giggle.

“Don't worry, Tink, there's rarely a crowd where we're going.” She jumps up from her seat leaving me on my own again before she turns around. “That book is on me by the way.”

Thirty-five minutes later Brittany is in the back seat of Abel’s SUV directing him on which way to go. She has refused to just give them the name of the establishment so that they can look up the address, but she's being stubborn. Her insistence on a surprise has me both curious and anxious to find out what she's got planned.

When we arrive outside of a building with blacked out windows and neon lights that flash the words “Adult gifts," my blood runs cold. Abel begins to giggle as he and Rand step out of the car. A moment later they're opening the back doors to let us out and Rand holds out a hand to help me step down, his mask of indifference is in place and I'm so thankful for it.

We round the back of the SUV to find Abel still giggling like a teenager as we approach. I shove him in the chest which only seems to make the man laugh harder.

“How the hell am I supposed to face these two after I go in here?” I whisper to Brittany who is grinning ear to ear as she looks at me.

Her ease about being here should make me feel more comfortable, but Giovanni not being here is what fills me with unease.

“Do you actually care about them or your man in this scenario?” Her words hit home and she knows it, she giggles and claps her hands together again as I gesture for her to lead the way.

I feel the impact in my bones as I slam my fist into the latest in a long line of fuck nuggets that we have to get through. His blood splatters across my face when I release another punch straight into his nose, which will most definitely never be straight again. Not that it will matter after this.

At this point, I'm simply taking my frustration and anger out on the man. We’ve been going at this for weeks, since I brought Nina into my home, which is why I’m so fucking pissed. When he gave her to me without a second thought or taking a moment to consider what I could do to her – not that I'd do anything she hasn’t asked for, he signed his death certificate.

I roll my neck working out some of the kinks before I pull my knife from my pocket and slice him open. He’s given us everything he can or will, so he’s useless to us. Just my play toy.

A loud ding sounds from behind me interrupting my train of thought. Only two people have access to get through my do not disturb when I’m working in these situations. I turn to face Michael who has my phone in his hand reading what was sent.

“You may want to clean up before we leave, there is something more important for us to do.” His brow arches as he stares at me from where he remains leaning against the wall. His large arms folded across his chest. A knowing smile plastered on his smug face.

The text from my mother wasn’t necessarily urgent, however I’m happy to have seen it with time to run a few errands before my attendance is required at home. Michael pulls the SUV up to the spot just outside Oopsie Daisy, a local florist that most people’s go to for forgotten celebrations. However, the place is run by my aunt on my dad’s side, who I haven’t seen in years.

The exterior looks exactly the same as the last time I had been here before leaving. My heart skips a beat as I step out of the car when I see a tall woman with short grey hair through the window. She’s twelve years older than my mom, but looks damn good for her age. Time has treated her well. My aunt Celeste smiles while she helps a customer. My eyes find Michael, who nods for me to go in alone. I pull open the door, the scent of fresh flowers engulfing me in a cloud causing a flood of memories to return like a slap in the face.

“Best of luck, Sweetheart, let me know if you need another bouquet. Forgetting your first wedding anniversary usually requires some jewelry too.” She reaches across the counter and places her hand on the customer's hand to offer sympathy before offering a card with the other. “Go here and ask for Joe, he’ll help you find something.”

The customer repeatedly thanks her as they walk past me and out the door. Her green eyes raise to meet mine and I smirk as soon as the recognition clicks. She rushes around the counter, her eyes sparkle as she moves toward me, I take a few steps to shorten the distance. I feel her shoulders shake with quiet sobs when she crashes into me, and my arms fold tight around her tiny frame.

“Hey, Auntie C.” I chuckle through bleary eyes.

She pulls away to cup my hands between her aged hands, the only part of her that looks visibly older. She presses a kiss to each side of my face before speaking.

“Child! Don’t you dare Auntie C me. It’s been eight years since you’ve let me see you!” She shakes her head at me. “I have missed you so damn much kid! Your Uncle Joe will be so happy to know you are home!”

She and Joe are the only two people I’ve stayed in contact with. They tend to make an annual trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. She’s attended design classes and even taught a few over the years while they’ve attended. I may have joined them every year up until I opened my own firm. My aunt may be an understanding person, but she’s given me shit about it as often as she can get in touch with me.

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