Page 2 of Devious
Why would the don of ourfamigliabe here, at this time of day? I need to know why Papa wants to ship me off to my fiancé so quickly.
I can get into a lot of trouble for trying to listen to my papa’s business with his don. Women are only involved with the mafia to bear children and to be used as business transactions. But I can’t help but wonder what type of trouble Papa’s in.
Once I tiptoe down the hallway, I stop at the cherrywood door. The smell of expensive cigars wafts in the air, and heavy footsteps scrape against the floor. I place my ear against the cold, thick door. It’s no use, the only thing I hear is muffled voices.
The door swings open, and my ass hits the marble floor. Standing up, I dust off my white dress decorated with pink flowers. One of Papa’s bodyguards glares at me.
My cheeks flush, and heat creeps up my nape. “I wasn’t doing anything,” I lie.
“Your presence is requested by your father.” He drags me into the office, ushering me to the chair in front of Papa’s desk. Papa’s face is redder than a tomato, and he rubs the back of his neck. There are four bodyguards, all wearing black, standing in each corner of the room, including Nicolo. Devious stands next to Papa with his hand tucked in his pocket. His lustful eyes rake over my face, then my breasts, then my legs. I’m used to men gawking at me as if I’m a piece of meat. But him, he’s more beautiful than the northern lights. His jawbone is wide and sharp like a razor blade, and a few locks of his inky hair cascade down his forehead. My God, the man can wear a suit. Speaking of which, his navy suit is made out of the finest threads and hugs his hard muscles. He chills every vertebra in my spine. I’ve heard ruthless stories about Devious and how he kills without remorse.
Shaking my head, I tear my gaze from the man everyone thinks of as a god, including myself.
“You wanted to see me?” I ask.
He clears his throat and smooths out his red tie. “Your engagement is off with Nero.”
I sigh and smile. “Thank you, Papa. Because I didn’t want to marry him. May I be excused?”
His shoulders slump. “No. You’re going to marry Devious to pay off the debt I accrued over the last three months.”
Classic Lex.Always using me as a pawn or trying to control me like an object. I won’t be putting up with his bullshit any longer.
My heart flutters in my chest, and my breathing is labored. My smile dissipates from my face.
Trying to put on a brave face, I push back my shoulders. “No, Papa.”
He pounds his large fist against the oak desk. “You don’t have a choice.”
I jump in my seat. “I saidno. I’m not going to be used anymore. You used me as a pawn to marry Nero so you can switch territories. Now, you’re trying to use me again. When I’m going t—”
Devious pulls out a gun from his holster and aims it at Papa’s forehead. “Marry me or watch your father’s brain decorate this tacky-ass wall.” His tone is as calm as a night in October.
Fear wraps around me like a cocoon.
Devious doesn’t strike me as the type of guy to make idle threats. I don’t want Papa’s life to end because of me, and I wouldn’t be able to live with the guilt for the rest of my life. My hand trembles, and my heartbeat quickens.
I nod as tears trickle down my cheeks.
Devious places his Glock back into his holster, and a soldier I’ve never seen before stomps up to me, yanking me from the chair.
I try to snatch my arm away from his grip, but he is stronger than I am.
“Papa, please. No! No!”
Papa’s face crumples together, and his eyes bounce everywhere but at me.
I punch the soldier in the chin, and he doesn’t flinch.
The soldier continues dragging me out of the condo building like a rag doll. Two bodyguards stroll beside us.
I kick and scream on my way down to the lobby. Some people stop and stare, but others continue whatever they are doing. Once we’re outside, the soldier shoves me into the back seat, strapping a seat belt over my tiny frame. The other soldiers get into another SUV. I punch him in the face before Devious’s large palm engulfs my neck, not completely cutting off my airway.
Pain radiates all around my head as if I have a sinus infection.
He’s going to kill me.
My knees knock together, and my lungs burn as I dig my nails into his flesh, but he squeezes tighter.
