Page 66 of Ruthless King
I’m shocked I’ll be left with only one guard. Luca must have noticed how pathetic I’ve become. He’s got me wrapped around his little finger. I haven’t even attempted an escape since my disastrous first try. Because let’s be honest, where would I go?
I’m happy here with Luca. Mostly.
How screwed up am I?
I sip on my coffee and scan the front page ofThe Wall Street Journal. Luca is weirdly old-school like that. Who gets newspapers delivered anymore? The black print blurs, and my mind wanders to my father. Somewhere I’ve forbidden it to go for weeks. But she’s a traitorous little bitch and starts unearthing dark thoughts. Is he okay? Does he feel even the slightest bit of guilt for selling me to the Kings? He has no idea I’ve been living it up in the lap of luxury. For all he knows, I could be imprisoned in a dank dungeon.
Will he have the two grand at the end of the month?
A sick, twisted part of me hopes he doesn’t. Would that buy me more time with Luca?Ugh. I’m nauseated with myself.
The ding of the elevator sends my hopes soaring. Maybe I should’ve taken up Magda’s offer to stay. Or better yet, convinced her to let me go with her. I’m in no state of mind to be alone right now. I drop my coffee and race across the sprawling space to the foyer.
The elevator doors glide open, and Dante darkens the entryway.
He shakes his head, thick brows twisting as he regards me. “You’re still here,” he growls.
I wrap my arms across my chest, shielding my nightie from that intrusive gaze. “What are you doing here? Luca’s not home.”
“Home? Is that what you think the penthouse is to you?” He sneers, and goosebumps ripple across my flesh. He steps closer, and I take one back. There’s something about the dark look in his eye that has warning bells ringing. “Why are you really here, Stella? What is this deal between you and my brother?”
A trickle of fear wraps around my lungs like a noose. I steel my spine and force the words out. “You’ll have to ask him.”
Dante grunts and rakes his hand through his dark hair. The mannerism reminds me of Luca. They have the same wavy, midnight hair and long, thick fingers but this cold man is nothing like my captor. “I have asked him, and I get the same damned answer every time. That it’s none of my business.”
“So maybe you should listen to your boss.” I toss him a sweet smile.
“Puttana,” he mutters under his breath.
“Watch your mouth,” I hiss as the swelling fear transforms to anger. “If you have an issue with this situation, take it up with your brother. I’m not getting in the middle of your little pissing match.”
His eyes flash and he lunges, fingers curling around my throat. “You know what I think? I think you’re nothing but Bo’s little whore, and he sent you to fuck with my brother.”
I whip my head back and forth, the panic returning in full speed. “No ….”
“Everything changed since you showed up, little girl. Luca’s not thinking straight. He’s got his head so far up his ass, he’s going to ruin everything. The Triad is coming after us, he lost the deal with the city commissioner and when I call him out on it, I get the brunt of his wrath. He’s turning on me, and it’s all because of you. I want to know why,” he shouts, his hot breath assailing me. His hold tightens, and darkness seeps into the corners of my vision.
I gasp.
“I’m his brother, and he uses me like a damned punching bag. He dismisses me like the help. No, worse, he treats his employees ten times better. And you, you’re like his fucking queen. Why?”
“I don’t know,” I rasp out.
“Tell me the truth! Are you working for the Triad?”
“No!” I hiss. His thumbs dig into my throat, and I can barely gulp in a breath.
“He says it’s just business between you, but I know there’s more. You’ve gotten under his skin somehow, and I need you out of his life.” His free hand travels to my hip. “You can’t possibly be that good of a fuck.” His fingers slide beneath my nightie and dig into my skin.
“Don’t touch me,” I shriek. I smack my palms to his chest, but it’s like hitting a wall. A lethal mix of fear and revulsion battle it out in my gut.
“Why not? Maybe if you give me a little taste, I’ll understand what has Luca soimpazzito. Maybe I won’t care anymore if Jianjun puts me ten feet under after I sample that sweet little cunt.”
My chest constricts, unbridled terror closing my airways. Dammit, my inhaler is in the bedroom. Too far away. “Don’t you dare lay a finger on me, Dante,” I snarl. “Luca will tear your heart out.”
A rueful chuckle slides out as he presses his body against mine. I’m trapped against his unyielding form and the couch. “You know, I believe that. And it makes no fucking sense to me. Do you have any idea how many women throw themselves at my brother? And sure, he gives in from time to time. We all have needs, right? But he fucks them and escorts them out. He doesn’t allow women to get into his head, let alone his heart. But you…cazzo, I just don’t get it.” His hand moves up my throat and squeezes my cheeks. Then his mouth descends on mine. His tongue forces its way between my gritted teeth. I squirm and push against him, but he’s too damned strong.
His mouth smothers mine, teeth gnashing. I can barely breathe against the assault. I kick and punch, lashing out with everything I have, but his hold only tightens. His rigid body is like a cage around my frail one. I’m completely at his mercy. Nausea oozes up my throat. No, I won’t let thisbastardohave me.
