Page 14 of Devilish Prince

“Why’d you stop?” she asks, keeping her legs spread.

“We’re at your stop, dear.” I suck one last time on my finger before the car stops, and Norm opens her door. She glances at him then at me, confused and sexually frustrated.

“But…” Her pouty protest is genuine. She wants to fuck me. How adorable.

“Perhaps you’ll play nicer next time instead of complaining about your reputation. Now, out with you. I have work.” I flick my wrist, and Norm reaches in and grabs her elbow, hauling her out. The door remains open for a second and she throws the necklace at me hastily before stomping away. I can’t help but chuckle at her as he shuts the door and climbs back in to pull away.

“Hmmm…” I hum to myself and pull my phone from my pocket. I suppose it’s time to prove to her that what she is doing is worth the service I provide. I dial the number of one very unlucky soul who had the bad luck of crossing me. He owes me now, and I’m calling in his debt.

“Uh, yeah… Renzo?” he stutters, voice trembling.

“How many times do I have to tell you, Jimmy? You call me Mr. Gatti.” I hate this man. If I had it my way he’d be at the bottom of the Hudson Bay. I bet he’s shitting himself right now.

“Uh, sorry, Mr. Gatti. What can I do for you?”

“Jimmy, I have a job for you. I’ll send you a time and a place. I need you to show my friend Dr. Carter a good time, if you knowwhat I mean. Rough her up a little, but do not harm her. She needs to be scared.”

“What? Fuck, Lorenzo, I just got out of the pen. You can’t do this to me.” His sniveling and whining only irritates me more.

“And because of you three of my men went to the clink with you. Now agree to do this job or you’ll be dead before morning. Got it?” I have exactly zero patience for this asshole.

“Yeah yeah… Send me the info.”

“And don’t harm her. Do you hear me? Only to scare her. Just be prepared for the consequences. After this, we’re even.” I hang up and text him the details before I forget, then watch out the window as the city skyline stretches out across the bay. She’ll learn who to trust and it will lead to bigger and better things for her.

Now, to ensure the rest of my plans are in place. I’m not sure I’m content with just dating her.

9

SOFIA

The music blares through the speakers, as does the bark of the Zumba instructor's voice. Each of us do our best to remain in sync with the movements of those around us, but the few uncoordinated souls who can't keep up give the rest of us a chuckle. Jen falls in place beside me as we cha cha to the music, dipping our knee and spreading our arms like wings. It burns off so much stress and a lot of calories too, keeping me in shape. But I still can't get Lorenzo Gatti out of my head.

It's been a few weeks since I made the deal with him to date him openly while enjoying the benefit of his protection. I haven't had a run-in since that time, but I'm not ready to call the deal off yet. Lorenzo is an enigma, controlling and stoic most of the time, but a firecracker in the sack, and maybe I like having him around if for nothing more than the great sex. It remains a balancing act, though. I can't have him bringing my name down, but so far I haven't faced any backlash, especially not after he offered a six-figure donation to the foundation.

"Come on, ladies, move those hips!" the instructor shouts. She picks up the intensity, moving her arms in exaggerated circles as her hips sashay and I can't keep up much longer.

I'm drenched in sweat, but I don't mind. It's the only time I feel truly free, away from all the chaos of my life. A few feet away, Jen is also sweating and panting. She's a little bit more graceful than me, her movements more precise. But I can tell she's working just as hard to keep up with the pace of the music. Her face is slightly flushed and her eyes are bright, betraying the joy that comes from dancing like this. I give her a quick smile before turning my attention back to the instructor and following along with the next move.

The gym is packed today with people of all shapes and sizes, and it's a sight to behold. Every treadmill is occupied, some with runners who are in the zone, their faces contorted in concentration as they push themselves to reach higher speeds. In one corner, two women are lifting weights side by side while encouraging each other on. Others are doing crunches and push-ups on the mats while a few brave souls take turns on the rowing machines.

The music keeps me going as I dance my way through the class, feeling more alive than ever before. The energy in this place is contagious—it makes you want to move your body and have fun with your friends. It's almost enough to make me forget about life for a while, caring for Calvin, worrying about his condition or depression, or thinking about the next good career move. It isn't enough, however, to make me forget that I have to see Lorenzo this evening again.

We've been on a few dates, dinner out, a Broadway premier, the fundraiser. Each of them seemed to be orchestrated specifically in coordination with a media presence. He's using my goodreputation to raise his out of the gutters, and it's so obvious to everyone. My coworkers have cautioned me a number of times, but I have no choice. With the number of things that have gone wrong lately, I can only assume that the sudden lack of startling events in my life is due to the fact that he's had someone watching me.

"Phew!" Jen pants. "I'm about done!" Her shout over the loud music is enough to make me laugh. I can barely keep up with her, but she's always been a bit of an overachiever.

The instructor wraps up the class and we all take a bow in unison, stretching our arms out and bowing our heads. I feel exhausted, yet energized at the same time. We all head off to the changing rooms, ready for a shower and some rest before the day's obligations resume.

"That was fun." Jen walks beside me, funneled by the herd of sweaty bodies toward the locker rooms.

"Yeah, thanks for inviting me. I normally do this by myself but it was nice to hang out with you." I'm thirsty and watching a few other people in this group chug from their water bottles makes me realize how out of shape I am.

"Happy to have you." Jen uses the hem of her t-shirt to wipe sweat from her face. "So did you do what Mike suggested? You got rid of Gatti?"

Mike, our boss, had made it a point to lecture me about the propriety of dating a man like Lorenzo. I know he has high hopes for me at Bellevue, and I have them for myself as well. But my career should be a product and demonstration of my abilities, talents and hard work. Not a reflection of the man I'm dating.Besides, I'm not really dating him. It's a business arrangement and nothing more.

"No, I didn't... It's complicated." I wince at my own tone.

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