Page 25 of Throne of Sin

“Shouldn’t you be dismantling a body somewhere?” Sienna asks, leaning over the counter, placing her tits on full display.

I look between them. They seem friendly.Toofriendly.

“Sienna doesn’t mix pleasure with business. Stop looking at her,” I scold.

Sienna immediately straightens and I grab my brother’s shoulder, pushing him toward my office.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I ask, closing my door.

“Savio seems to think there’s some type of threat coming from within the club. Something about an IP address.” He shrugs, scratching at his cheek before taking a seat. “Why are you in a shitty mood? Does it have something to do with your girlfriend stripping?”

I count to three before I answer. My nostrils flare, but I refuse to react. “She’s the new girl.” It’s all I’m going to give him.

He grunts. “You and Sienna together, then?”

An amused chuckle escapes me. “No.” She’s like the little sister I never had.

“Then why are you cock blocking me?”

My head cocks to the side, my lips pursing. “This is my business. I’m not letting family get in the way of it. I have a ‘no fucking my family’ rule.”

“Okay. I can work with that. Romeo wants me to hang around for a little to see what’s happening, if that’s okay with you. I don’t want to be stepping on your toes or anything.”

I wave his concern away. “No, I’m fine with that. I want what’s best for the family.”

“Good. Then we agree.” He extends his hand and shakes mine.

Chapter 13

Demi

Danteissilentonthe way back to his house. There’s a thick tension that continues to coil around us in his car but I don’t dare say anything about it, scared of the outburst—when he finally explodes. He opens his car door, and I do the same. Intentionally, I stay a few feet behind him as I follow into the house.

I roll my shoulders, hoping to make them feel less tight. My arms aren’t used to the workout the club’s pole gave them.

Dante goes to his counter and pulls out a bottle of scotch. This is my cue to leave. Memories of my father, drunk and bellowing, force me to walk away.

I head into Dante’s room, taking off my clothes before I put on a silk robe and pad back through the massive house. Dante is sitting in the dark on a large brown leather throne-like chair. I turn the other direction toward the back door. Slipping through the glass door, I head toward the red lights illuminating the hot tub.

My robe slips from my shoulders and I allow it to fall to the ground. I dip one foot in first, the sudden warmth sending a prickling sensation through my toes. I add a second foot, waiting for the pins and needles to leave before I walk the rest of the way in.

The warmth cocoons me and I let out a long sigh, dropping my head back on the edge of the tub. This is what I need. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt heat like this.

My thoughts drift to my daughter. I’ve never gone this long without seeing or talking to her. I hope she’s doing okay. My eyes drift up the length of the grand building. When Dante and I used to talk about running away, I always envisioned somewhere small and cozy. He always wanted to open the universe for me. Looks like he got part of his wish.

“Remember how we used to wish on stars?” Dante’s voice sounds from the dark before I see him walk closer.

“Looks like you got everything you hoped you would.” I answer, allowing my eyes to drift shut once more.

“Why did you search me out?” he asks. His voice is closer and I can hear him take a sip of his drink.

“Not tonight, Dante. I’m too exhausted.”

“Don’t you think I deserve some type of explanation?”

I open my eyes, looking at him. “I promise we’ll have that talk, but not tonight.”

He sets his drink down on the ledge. “Hand me your foot.” His hand dips into the water as I lift my left foot. His hands massage my sore and tired arches.

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