Page 9 of Throne of Sin

“No, it’s because you deserve more and I want to be the man who makes that a reality. I want to watch your face light up. I want to be the one you allow to love you.”

“Kiss me like you love me,” she pleads.

I take a shot of whiskey, remembering how she used me make me feel invincible, like I was her everything. When she was around I used to want to be a better person. I was naive enough to think all we needed was love. I scoff. There’s no such thing as love in the life I live.

I steeple my fingers above the bridge of my nose, trying to forget all memories of Demi. My fingers fan out to rub my eyes, then temples.

A knock at my office door has me calling, “Come in.”

My stomach flutters, hoping to hear more information about Demi. My traitorous cock perks up just at the thought of her. The door opens, and it’s not Sienna as I had expected, but one of my older brothers, Maximus. Disappointment joins the party, worsening my already bad mood.

Max is the second oldest out of us four boys still alive. He’s a bit of a recluse and lives in the woods, rarely—as in never—comes out for social visits.

“Nice joint you have going here,” he says upon entering.

I push myself to stand and shake his hand. “Thank you. What are you doing in town?” My forced smile hurts, feeling like fish hooks are holding it up in place.

“Savio guilt tripped me about never meeting his new wife. He said since I missed the wedding, I can’t miss her birthday party.”

“You need a date? I can have that arranged.” It’s so much easier to talk business. I’m able to push the thought of Demi out while I consider who might go well with Maximus.

He laughs. “I can find my own dates, thank you. But I’ll take a drink if you have one.”

I loosen the tie around my neck, its silky length choking me. “That, I can do!” I walk to the side of the room that hosts my mini bar and pour us both a drink from my flask. Her face reappears in my mind but I refuse to allow her to take up space. I take a quick swig of whiskey before pouring the same amount for both of us. We clink our glasses together and I down the amber liquid, welcoming its harshness.

I haven’t thought about Demi in nine years. I honestly never thought I’d ever see her again.

Now that I have, I’m not sure I ever want to again.

I tilt my head back, opening my mouth, and wait for the flow of whiskey to enter my mouth. Nothing. My feet stumble back two steps as I bring the flask opening to my eye. One lousy drop hangs on to the metal, begging to fall into my mouth. My tongue darts out, stealing the last drop before I toss the useless container into my brother’s perfectly manicured hedge.

The front door falls open with a slight push and it has me tripping over my feet as I make my grand entrance. I squint, trying to merge all the different bodies into one image. By the amount of people, I’d say every Italian on the eastern seaboard was invited. It’s obvious my brother spared no expense for his wife’s birthday. He’s a fool, allowing himself to be guided by his heart. Love is going to get him killed sooner or later. He’s just shown his hand and now everyone knows Charlotte is his ultimate weakness.

My legs cross in front of each other as I attempt to walk straight. I don’t think I’ve ever been this out of sorts. I’m the calm one. The collected one. The one whose control is on a short leash tightly gripped in my steady hand.

Usually.

“You okay, boss?” Sienna walks up to me with concern washing over her face.

“I’m fine.” She attempts to straighten my tie and I pull it loose once again. “When does Demi start?” I ask, brushing her hands away from me.

“Who?”

I scratch at my head. Did I imagine Demi? “The girl you interviewed.” My voice wavers as I think I’ve lost my mind.

“Remember, you took over the interview.” She gives me a pointed look.

“Yes, but I told her to ask you if she got the job. Didn’t she stop by the bar after?”

“I watched her walk out of the club. She didn’t even look twice at the bar.” She places a hand on my shoulders. “Are you okay, Boss?”

I forcefully remove her hand. “You know I don’t like being touched.”

“You’re getting better at it though.”

Sienna’s concern annoys me. Demi blowing off the chance for a job she begged for infuriates me. Demi should have asked Sienna when she started. Why the hell didn’t she?

“You sure you’re okay?”

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