Page 6 of And Twice as Twisted
The woman nodded, her head bouncing up and down like one of those bobble dolls.
“You’re lucky it’s me and not her brother,perra tonta.”
The girl left her friend and scurried out of the room, and all I could do was watch with unattached amusement as the dancer adjusted her costume. She righted her dress, pulled a feather from her breasts, and dabbed at her makeup, before glancing at the clock on the wall and cursing.
“Sorry for getting involved.” She had a slight Spanish accent, her caramel skin flawless against the shimmering gown and her green eyes alluring— they seemed to change color in the dim lighting. “You looked like you needed that first line. That’s the only reason I didn’t step in sooner.”
“Thanks.” I extended a hand and introduced myself. “Sienna.”
“Lo sé, princesa.” Her smile revealed perfect white teeth. “Gabriela.” The way her lips wrapped around her own name was near sensual. And I stared in awe as she sashayed towards the door. My little brother blocked her way as he walked in, glancing at me before eyeing Gabriela like she was his next meal. His growing smirk told me all I needed to know, and I stepped to the dancer’s side.
“A new girl.” He took her hand and spun her out, before pulling her back into his chest.
“Nope. You can’t havethisSpanish princess too,muchacho.” She shrugged him loose before turning to me. “Let’s dance.” Then Gabriela grabbed my wrist and dragged me down the stairs. I glanced over my shoulder on the way out and took note of how Marco appeared rattled.
Interesting.
As we headed to the dance floor, the crowd shuffled slightly, letting us through. I closed off my mind, let the rhythm take control of my body, and the heavy beating of the bass erased all thoughts of my evening. Of my life. I knew what I was doing would cause more harm than good. But after all those years spent playing the picture-perfect image my family wanted, I was owed this. To fall apart at the seams until I was ready to put myself back together again.
I just wanted my friend back. The same man who always remembered my birthday and gave me the most thoughtful gifts. He noticed things, details, and he remembered them. Then, of course, there was the fact that he could make you orgasm so aggressively you swore you’d never survive. Apollo Deluca was the type of man who wouldn’t just kill for you; he’d enjoy doing it.
And I missed him.
As I moved around the floor, beads of sweat dripped down my back. My limbs were exhausted and my calves ached from my shoes, but I didn’t stop. The crowd was diminishing but I was far from done for the night.
“Sienna.”
I sensed his presence before I felt the wall of muscle at my back, his rough tone causing the butterflies in my stomach to take flight.
“Enough.”
I couldn’t help but smile as I pressed my spine into his chest, his protective arms coming around me as his warm breath tickled my ear.I knew he’d come back for me.I just had to send the right message and he’d snap out of it.
“This self-destructive behavior is unbecoming. It’s time to go home.”
I nodded, my head tilting backwards and resting in the crux of his neck. “I need you.”
Apollo’s hands gripped my arms, preparing to spin me to face him when Al’s glare appeared in front of me instead.
“Look at me.” Al gripped my chin, staring at me with accusatory eyes.And I was screwed. “Are you fucking kidding me, Sienna?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. The disgust I saw reflected back at me was so unlike him. His hand shook as he pinched my jaw harder, and his expression all but eviscerated my high, the coke long forgotten as my stomach swirled with threats of vomiting.
“Fix yourself, Sienna. I fucking mean it, or I’m telling Lucky.”
I nodded at Al, unable to speak.
“And burn this fucking thing you call a dress.”
“Al…” It came out choked, tears streaming down my face.
“I don’t want to hear it. You’re better than this! I’ve never seen you soweak.” And in that moment, I felt like he’d slapped me. “Where istheSienna Agostino? Because thisgirl, I don’t like her. Rocco, take her home.” Al dismissed me with a wave of his hand.
I was stunned silent.He was right. This path only led to death. I turned to Apollo, confused when I realized it was Rocco at my back. My chin wobbled, and I hated this feeling of complete helplessness as much as I couldn’t stop it. My mind was messing with me, the cocaine obscuring the lines between reality and fantasy. I wasn’t just seeing things. I was feeling them now too…
I swore it had beenhimholding me. But just like every other instance, when it came to Apollo, I was dumb as hell.
“Come on, Si. Let’s get you home.” Rocco pulled me to his side and escorted me to the back door.
