Page 4 of And Twice as Twisted
It was too late. I could already feel myself slipping, succumbing to the darkness. Whether it be the booze, the sleepless nights, or the mental fatigue, the shadows just didn’toffer me the same peace. Instead, I was plagued by the images of Apollo in that hospital bed.
“Sienna!” Numerous voices drifted in and out in the distance, but they faded quickly.
“I’m so sorry. I should’ve fought harder,” I cried and squeezed his cold hand, begging him to wake up. His fingers twitched, forcing me to look up into a pair of honey-brown eyes that seemed to watch me curiously. “You’re awake!”
He’d been shot six times, stabbed twice that. Though the worst injury was a long gash from ear to ear. They’d cut his throat before throwing him into the river. The team of doctors had no idea how he’d survived all of itandthe freezing temperatures.
He’d come back for me.
The hopeless romantic in me fantasized that it was fate bringing us together. I was an idiot. God, I had never been so wrong in my entire life.
“Don’t talk. The nurses said it could be painful. But, Apollo, I’m so glad you’re going to be okay. I love—”
“Get. Out.” Cold. Dead. Not pained or whispered.
“What?” I was taken aback by the venom leaking from his lips and licking at my sanity.
“Out!” He repeated the command, punctuating it with a new wave of hatred.
It startled me, forcing me to my feet as I stepped away from the bed. Left to bear witness as Apollo began throwing anything he could get his hands on. He tore the IV from his forearm, splattering blood along the white walls and linens before sending a chair flying across the room. I watched, helpless, as it shattered against the wall.
My legs moved of their own accord and I ran for the door, fleeing as doctors and nurses stormed in behind me.My cries seemed louder in the silence of the hallway as I ran along thetile flooring with my newest guard following in my footsteps. The elevator doors closed, shielding me from Apollo’s screams but doing little for my broken heart.
Chapter 2
SIENNA AGOSTINO
There was something almost calming about the chaos of a packed dance floor. People lost to their vices as they swayed and moved to the beat of the music. I threw my hands in the air above my head, bringing them down slowly as they traced over each curve of my body. I could feeltheireyes on me. The dirty thoughts as they wished my hands were their own.
They wanted me.
Those who knew my name kept their distance. We didn’t exactly advertise thatDanzawas mob owned, but people weren’t stupid. Thanks to me, my brother wasn’t just king of the criminal underground; he was also a productive member of society. A business owner. And he thrived in the spotlightIgave him.
Whatever. No one gave a shit about what I’d done. Not for Lucky. Not for my family. It didn’t matter.Ididn’t matter.
The beat was a constant thumping sound as the dancers twirled on the lifted platforms above the dance floor. Their glittering costumes and feather head pieces matched the fantasy the room was creating. A fantasy where my pain didn’t exist.
“It’s hot as fuck in here.” Rocco positioned himself between me and a group of rowdy college girls.
“That’s the point! It adds to the fun.” I spun in a circle, my hips moving sensuously until I lost my footing, and I slammed my back into his chest.
I was a teensy bit drunk. Okay, I washammered. But I was allowed to indulge in a little self-induced pity party after everything I’d been through. My makeup covered my physical trauma and my dress forced your attention to anything but my bruises. Much to Al’s dismay.
“What the fuck is that?” He gestured to my outfit.
“A dress.” I motioned a hand down the expensive garment. “Roberto Cavalli to be exact!”
“Like fuck that’s a dress.” His face was pinched in obvious displeasure. “Trying to show everyone what gender you are?”
“Well, of course.” I did a little spin, my pregame shots making me woozy. “Let them know what they’re missing.”
Al grumbled his agitation over stupidly selecting a white shirt when protecting me always led to bloodshed.
He was going to kill someone.
As the lights pulsed above us, I leaned backwards. And Rocco grabbed my shoulders, pushing me away from his body. “Sienna. Gross.”
“I can practically see your… your…” Al appeared at my side, looking at me with disgust as he waved a hand in my direction.
