Page 18 of Twisted Bonds
He frowns at my words. "That's not what I asked you. I'm not trying to bribe you into doing anything for your orgasm. I simply asked how badly you wanted it."
"Yeah, but that's how bad I want it. I'm willing to do anything.”
The venue is at a high-end hotel in the center of Florence. As we pull up to the front entrance, we must wait because a few cars are ahead of us. Bain hands me a black lace mask that ties in the back. It's comfortable once I put it on, and I look over to see that Bain also wears a black mask made of the same material as his tuxedo. They’re simple but glamorous at the same time.
Bain's been quiet since I made that little comment back at the villa. I didn't mean to upset him, but I answered him honestly. I don't understand why he's bent out of shape about it, but I don't have time to think about it anymore when our limo pulls up to the front and the back door opens.
A man in a black and burgundy valet suit stands with his hand held out for me, and I take it, letting him help me from the limo. I stand and wait for Bain to climb out, and then he's there, with his hand on my lower back, directing me forward. We are stopped many times by guests wanting to greet my escort, and all I can do is remain by his side with a smile pasted on my face.
Once inside, he leans in, saying, "I haven't the slightest clue who any of those people were, so I saw no point in introducing you. I don't want you to think I was being rude."
Gasping playfully, I bring my hand to my chest. "You, rude? I would never think that!"
He smirks.
"Ah, Bain! Just the man I've been looking for!" A man around Bain's age wearing a friendly smile stops us as we near our table.
He looks familiar, and his voice is just as familiar, but it isn't until Bain responds that I remember him from over two years ago. He's alone now, making me wonder if his wife and daughter accompanied him this time, not that they were very friendly the first time I met them. Running into Bain's friend brings me back to that night long ago. It was the first time I met the D'Angelo brothers. My life changed after that night. Will it do the same this time?
"Benji! I wasn't sure if you were going to make it." Bain clasps his hand with his friend's hand, and they shake. "Didn't the wife just have a baby?"
"As a matter of fact, she did!" The man smiles proudly. "A little boy."
"Oh, you and Lucinda had a baby? How wonderful!" I grin at Bain's friend, but then he frowns.
Bain chuckles. "Benji, you remember Lacey's daughter, Ryan."
"Oh yes, yes, of course! It must have been the mask. Please excuse my rudeness." Benji chuckles.
"Ryan, Benji, and Lucinda are no longer together. He's married to Kate now." He grabs a flute from a passing waiter and hands it to me.
"Thank you," I tell him and then turn back to his friend. "I'm so sorry. I wasn't told about your change in marital status or, should I say, wives."
I don't say it out of spite. I'm annoyed that Bain wouldn't have told me this information beforehand, so I didn't make a fool of myself. Thankfully, Benji goes with the flow and laughs.
"No harm done. I can barely keep up with it myself!" He and Bain laugh at his little quip as I lift the flute of champagne to my lips.
"I don't know how you do it, Benji," Bain states. "Twice is more than enough for me."
Benji looks at me and then at Bain's hand protectively at the small of my back. "I'm sure it is." He meets his friend's eyes again and grins. "You've played house long enough; now it's just time to play. Is that it?"
Bain's laugh is a bit forced. "Something like that."
I see a woman in a red, off-the-shoulder, floor-length gown that hugs all her curves, waving at us. Like mine, her red and black mask only covers her eyes, and her full red lips curve into a smile. She's beautiful. I lean into Bain, "I think that woman is trying to get your attention."
He glances around Benji and nods in the woman's direction. "Can you please keep Ryan company while I go see what Anna wants?" Bain passes me off to his friend, not asking if I want to go with him.
"Of course! Go, go…" Benji grins at Bain before returning his attention to me. "So, Ryan. Let me start off by giving you my condolences. Your mother was a wonderful woman."
"Thank you," I respond politely, but feel slightly uncomfortable, not knowing the man too well.
"Also, I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you. I am happy to see that you're home and, according to Bain, who sings your praises and tells me about your work for abuse victims and such, doing so well after such an ordeal. I'm happy to donate anything I can tonight to help you continue on this path."
"Thank you, Benji. Anything you can spare will be enough," I tell him.
Benji glances behind him and sees Bain is still talking to the woman. When he turns back, I think he's going to come on to me when he leans in,but it's the complete opposite. In his regular tone, he says, "My friend has been through a lot, and now, with Beau pulling his bullshit, Bain isn't in his right frame of mind.Don'ttake advantage of his kindness or play with his emotions." He sends me a warning look like I'm one of Bain's old submissive's only out for his money.
I'm baffled and momentarily stunned by what he is saying to me, but as soon as it wears off, I become enraged. "You know nothing of what is going on, but I assure you that Bain is perfectly fine where I'm concerned. I understand that you are looking out for him and that you are a good friend… but fuck you, Benji."
