Page 40 of Carnal

"Tristano!"

I groan and roll off her. I lean on my elbow, facing her. "Chill out, baby girl. Now tell me what this issue is, because I'm clueless right now."

"Obviously," she mutters.

"Sue me. Now start talking," I demand.

She tilts her head, giving me an exasperated look. I stay quiet, waiting. She finally states, "I don't cave to the Marinos."

I jerk my head back, insulted. "What does that mean?"

"Don't get all bent out of shape. You asked me and I answered," she asserts.

I sit up and face her. I tap my fingers on my thigh. "Fine. Tell me what you mean."

She sits up, too, then puts her hand over mine. "Everyone bends over backward to do exactly what you and your brothers say. I've never let any of you push me around," she admits.

My chest tightens. "So you think what we do in the bedroom somehow changes your interaction with my family?"

She shrugs. "I don't know. Does it? I mean, it's a bit convenient that the day after I sleep with you, I get banned from the club."

Rage boils my blood. "Biagio isn't someone to take lightly. If he wants something or someone, he'll do everything in his power to get his way. And you should have told Dante or one of us about the others."

She hugs her knees to her chest. "Dante's never wanted me in the club."

"No, he hasn't. But can you blame him? It's not the safest place to hang out, and you know this. It was only a matter of time before something like this happened. Frankly, I'm surprised it took this long with a woman like you," I confess.

Her eyes turn to slits. She fires back, "What does that mean?"

"Don't get all insulted. You're sexy as fuck, and you don't let anyone push you around. Plus, you're Dante's right hand. Lots of men would want to get with you," I state.

She stares at me, but her irritation doesn't disappear.

I suggest, "Maybe you should stop thinking we're out to get you and remember we're all on Team Pina."

Her lips twitch. "Team Pina?"

I grin. "Yeah. You want me to get T-shirts and hats made?"

She slaps my shoulder with the back of her hand. "Ha ha!"

"I will," I threaten.

She covers her face and shakes her head.

I remove her hands and palm her cheek. "Listen to me. You've always been part of our family. Do you not know this?"

Her expression softens. "I know."

"Okay. Then trust this is in your best interest. You know what the Abruzzos are capable of, and it's not worth the risk," I declare.

"It's still not fair. You guys get to do whatever you want. Yet all the women in your family have to abide by your parameters. Now I have to follow suit, and I'm not even related to you."

"What's the big deal about the club? You have your own dungeon here, and it's way better than any of the club rooms, so why fight us on this?"

Her face falls. "Easy for you to ask when you go there all the time and aren't banned. And it's just as dangerous for you. Don't tell me it isn't. I may not have been there when you guys shot up the place to rescue Brenna, but I know how many casualties there were."

She has a point, but the club represents many opportunities for my family. We get to find out what other crime families are up to. We learn about men's weaknesses and strengths. At times, we flip the closest advisors of our enemies. "I'm not going to deny what you say, but not going to the club isn't an option. You know why we go."

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