Page 61 of Porcelain Lies

“I have people for that.” He steps closer, backing me against the doorframe. His cologne — that expensive scent I used to love — fills my nose. “But you… you have something unique to offer.”

I press my palms flat against the wall behind me. “Name your interest rate.”

“So practical.” His fingers brush my cheek. I jerk away from his touch. “But I’m not interested in money. You know what I want.”

“There has to be another way.”

“There isn’t.” He traces the neckline of my blouse. “One night. That’s my price for saving your precious brother.”

Shit.

I think of Nick sleeping on my couch, haunted and hunted. Of the Bratva’s reputation for creative violence. Of the debt that could get us both killed.

“Tick tock,bella.” Gianni’s voice hardens. “The offer expires in thirty seconds. Then your brother’s fate is sealed.”

“Three hundred thousand dollars is worth this much to you?” My voice cracks.

“Your humiliation is priceless.” He chuckles. “Choose now. Your body or your brother’s life.”

My mind races, searching for any leverage. “I’m not on birth control anymore.” The words tumble out in desperation. “After everything… I stopped taking it. You know what that could mean.”

Gianni’s smirk widens as he leans closer, his naked body radiating heat. “Even better. A baby would tie you to me forever,cara. Make you dependent on my generosity.”

My stomach lurches. The casual cruelty in his voice strips away any lingering doubt about the man I almost married.

“Though if you prefer…” His fingers trail down my arm. “We can explore other options. Ways that won’t risk pregnancy but will still satisfy my terms.” He lifts his hand, tracing a fingertip over my bottom lip before sliding it past into my mouth.

Oh fuck, no!

I press harder against the wall, trying to maintain distance as his meaning sinks in. Even my last attempt at control has backfired, giving him more ammunition instead of protection.

“The clock is ticking,bella.” His hand settles on my hip. “Which will it be?”

“Fine,” I say hoarsely, squeezing my eyes shut.

“Come on. You’ve done this before,”says Boyana, ever pragmatic.

“Get on your knees,cara.” Gianni’s voice cuts through my thoughts. He gestures to the floor in front of him, his smooth hair falling across his forehead.

Just get it over with!

I lower myself slowly, my skirt grazing the floor at my knees.

I can do this. It’s just a body, just a task to complete. But my hands tremble as I slide my hands up his thighs, still struggling to believe this is happening.

“Hurry up.” Gianni’s impatience is clear as he pushes my shoulders, urging me down. “Your sweetness will only get you so far. I’m not a patient man.”

Oh, God.

I close my eyes, steeling myself as I curl my fingers around his shaft. But it’s not enough to blunt the reality of what I’m doing.

He’s already half-hard, and as my grip tightens, he hisses, his cock twitching to life against my palm. Pulling in a deep breath, I part my lips and take the tip into my mouth.

His fingers tangle roughly in my hair as I begin, holding me in place. I gag, unused to the depth of his insistence. He makes a satisfied sound deep in his throat as I pull back to breathe.

“That’s it,dolcezza.” His praise does nothing to ease the humiliation burning my cheeks. “Just like you used to.”

I try to focus on the sensation, to play the game he wants. But I can’t separate myself from the degradation of being on my knees in front of him. It feels like every single cell in my body is screaming in protest.

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