Page 82 of Dirty Behavior

Ivy

Iheardthe shots from outside, two of them. One right after the other, intertwining with my heartbeat, making me freeze.

What the hell was that?

Remo had stopped in his tracks, his ears perking up as he heard the same unmistakable sound. Lowering his lids, his mouth curled up high. “We might have guests, Ivy. That could be good, for me of course, not you.” His laugh percolated in my chest, cutting my heart in half.

I wanted to stay quiet, keeping my position behind the giant wall of boxes and containers a secret. But I couldn't.

All my hatred toward him and who he was. . .What he was—I couldn't bite my tongue any longer. Iwasanger, Iwasthe destruction of his evil roots.

“Fuck you! You're a fucking sick man, Remo!”

“Ouch.” Gripping his chest, he fumbled over, mocking me.“Fuck you, fuck you—”His voice grew in pitch, mimicking me like a small child. “Come on, Love, don't be cruel.” Turning so slowly, I swear I could hear every vertebrae in his spine snap into place as he said, “You can't hide forever. We have so much unfinished business you won't enjoy, but I will.”

My nails scraped across my palm, burning against the skin. All the abuse he had forced on me, all the sleepless nights and tortured dreams crashed in my skull like cymbals. They rolled like thunder, drowning my thoughts in white noise.

If I had a gun I would've shot him right there.

“Boss!” A man came careening down the hall, his breathing quick and deep. “Boss, we got a problem.”

Remo's gaze tore away, silencing his hunt for the runaway pet. I had escaped his long noose for the moment. The pole was stretched out, rope weaving a necklace of tight pearls as his eyes floated closer and closer to my hidden shadow. I was thankful for the sudden intrusion.

“What do you mean we have a problem, Giorgio? We don't have problems.”

“Angelo and Gerard,” he said between gasping breaths, hands falling to his hips. “They're dead.”

Remo looked off into space, trying to follow the notes of my voice he had lost. “I guess we do have a guest, Love, but don't worry, not for long. We'll take care of it, then I'll have my fun with you.” Turning back to Giorgio, he barked. “Well? Why are you just standing there, go check the halls, go check the back room. Fucking do something, get rid of him.”

Shaking his head, Remo's guy headed off into the darkness.

Who's here?

Is Dante here, did he figure out where I was?”

I was afraid to move, I was afraid to breathe. Remo was so close I could smell him. I wanted to fucking puke and gag, I wanted to charge him and claw his face apart.

But the baby. . .

I couldn't risk the baby. Ducking lower, I pressed my back against the wall. There was nowhere for me to go, he was too close for me to be able to get away. Staying quiet, I slowed my breathing.

I'll stay hidden.

If Remo wanted to play games, we could play. But I was going to control this, for once it wasn't him picking the poison. It was me.

“Why don't you just come out, there's nowhere for you to go.”

I tried to keep my mouth shut and tongue tied, but I couldn't.

“Go fuck yourself!”

His head rolled towards where I was, eyes feverishly searching between the rows. “I know you're back there, make this easier on yourself and just come out.”

“Leave me alone! Just get the fuck away from me!” Screaming, I let out a loud, high-pitched screech. “Leave!”

His head kicked back, feet bringing him in way too close for my comfort. Holding my hand over my mouth, I slouched down, trying like hell to blend in.

“Remo!” A voice bellowed from beyond the wide doorway, deep and scratchy. “You're going to want to see this.”

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