Page 39 of Corrupted By the Capo

“How?”

“Doll, you’re just leverage. So shut the fuck up and don’t get on my nerves, and you’ll be fine. For now,” he said.

Well, that was about as succinct a summary of my circumstances as I could have hoped for.

Fucked.

Yeah.

And even as I sat there—at the mercy of Fabiano, who I knew would cut my eyes out just as soon as talk to me—all I thought about was what I had heard.

He had drugged me.

It was ridiculous. Beyond stupid.

But even here, now, in this circumstance, that betrayal stung.

Buzzed under my skin like electricity—and shame.

I had wasted time talking to Hope about what I wanted, how I felt—and yet again, I proved how stupid I was.

Falling for the man who had drugged me? Lied to me?

It made me wonder if any of those moments I played over and over in my head had meant anything at all.

Was this all part of some sick game?

It made no sense. I had nothing to offer Enzo. So why bother with the charade? String me along when I was just one big joke?

I felt tears prick—but refused to let them fall.

Fabiano would think I was afraid of him. And even though now was definitely not the time for pride, I refused to let him think that.

“How much do you think Enzo will pay for you?” Fabiano said.

“I’m assuming that question was rhetorical,” I said.

To my surprise, Fabiano smiled.

“You know, you’re actually pretty funny. I wish you had better taste in guys,” he said.

“You and me both, Fabiano,” I muttered.

He tilted his head, looking interested.

“Trouble in paradise?”

“You don’t give a shit,” I said.

“No. Just trying to make conversation. But have it your way,” Fabiano said.

He seemed unperturbed, so I was shocked when he cut a long length of duct tape and pressed it against my lips.

“Since you can’t be nice,” Fabiano said.

Enzo might not care about me—but when I got my hands on that asshole…

I wanted to giggle but swallowed it down.

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