Page 49 of Unruly Obsession
Dmitri lets out a low whistle. “Why? Trying to win over the new brother-in-law?”
“Do you still like your pretty face?” I bite back.
Dmitri chuckles again, and I can hear shuffling in the background. “You know I’ll always be indebted to you and Luca for protecting Elanee. Vince is a party boy. Or was. Of course, we circulated in similar crowds, but since he took over a few of his father’s businesses in London, he doesn’t come back to New York often, or at least I haven’t seen him for a while.”
“Well, he’s back in town now.” I undo my belt as I look out at the bustling city beneath me. I don’t like being in the middle of everything like this. It’s too busy and noisy for my personal preference.
“What are you hoping to get from this phone call?” Dmitri asks diplomatically.
“Can you organize a meeting with him tonight? Something…organic, perhaps?”
“Shouldn’t be a problem. What if Iorganicallyinvite both of you to my club? However, this time when you show up, don’t point a gun at my head.”
“Then don’t be a dickhead.”
“No can do. It’s all part of my charm." His tone grows more serious when he says, "Is this about Lily? You know, Elanee gave me a word of warning that if you were to hurt her, she’d be extremely pissed. She’s her friend now, so with my own personal agenda of keeping my woman happy, I warn you not to do anything underhanded.”
I hang up the phone. The last person I need advice from is Dmitri, especially considering he most likely has suspicions already about our involvement with Lily in the first place.
I don’t entirely understand Lily’s friendship circle, but they’re all protective of each other, almost as much as I am when it comes to Luca. The difference being, of course, that I doubt they’re willing to die for one another’s secrets. Then again, as I’m learning, a woman’s wrath is definitely something to be feared.
I send through a text to one of the hounds. Luca won’t be thrilled that I used one of them, but I need someone here in my stead while I personally handle matters elsewhere. If I’m slipping out for the night, I need to make sure Lily is still protected. I’m certain there’s something about Vince that might give me insight into their father’s business. Often, his type becomes looser with their tongue, and shares what they consider bragging rights, after a couple of good rounds of whiskey.
I strip down to nothing, then turn on the shower at an ice-cold temperature. I’m not comfortable with leaving Lily’s side, but remind myself that the mission comes first. I'm here for her protection, yes, but I'm also tasked with unraveling the inner workings of her father's business. If Luca makes a profit from it, he won’t care as much if I use one of the hounds as a resource in the process.
It's unnerving that we aren’t any closer to figuring out who was behind the attack in Italy. Top of the suspect list is still the Bratva, but we have no evidence yet.
It’s definitely part of the reason Dmitri is willing to help, considering we were in that mess because of him. I never understood why he was willing to go so far for his woman, in the same way that Luca obeys and alters plans, all because of what Ara demands.
I notice the small shift within myself. Lily is bad for me in so many ways. I’m no longer focused on her presence because it’s my job, even when I try to convince myself that’s the reason. There’s an underlying need to know what she’s doing andthinking, which goes beyond my mission. Even the thought of being away from her for a few hours tonight has me uneasy.
Especially if she discovers I’m digging into her family affairs for my boss's gain.
I embrace the frosty spray of water, doing everything I can to cool my temperament. Being around Lily is testing my patience in a way I didn’t think it would.
My shoulders bunch as I hunch against the wall tiles, looking down at my straining cock. And that vulgar mouth of hers does things to my cock that it shouldn’t. I remind myself that in a matter of weeks, I’ll be back by Luca's and Ara’s sides, and it’ll be as if this time never existed.
Don’t get involved.
It’s been the same brutal reminder circling in my head since the moment I was tasked with this role, and I’m doing a terrible fucking job at it.
Lily’s scream splits the air, and a cold weight of dread sinks in my stomach. I’m running for the door, grabbing my gun with a speed I’ve never known, and praying to whatever God might listen that I make it in time.
20
LILY
“Brutish asshole,” I grumble under my breath. It’s not like I want to go on the date, and it’s been a constant back-and-forth argument between Lorenzo and me since I admitted my father’s demand. If anything, it’s the only topic of conversation we’ve really circled over the last week.
What Lorenzo doesn’t know about is the gift Riley Timber sent me or the time and date I’m supposed to meet with him.
It’s tonight, and as I peel off the dress I wore to work, I consider my options. I could suck it up and go on the date. Or… I could not go. That will definitely be defying my father.
I bite at my bottom lip, tight knots twisting in my stomach as I think about finally disobeying him, but it’s quickly followed by the thought of losing my mother and brother, or how he might lash out at them as well.
I pick up my phone and call my brother. He’s tried to call a few times since the disastrous dinner with my parents, but I’ve been avoiding him, selfishly considering he won’t be in town for much longer.
“She finally calls back. Hold up, give me one second.” I can hear him lower the phone and say to someone, “I’m stepping outfor five minutes. You take over the meeting.” A few more words are exchanged and then he’s back on. “About time you returned my call.”
