Page 21 of Twisted Embrace

The need stripping away my control, I filled her with my seed. My body continued to shake for almost a full minute, my tight hold remaining as I struggled to control my breathing.

Yes, this was just the beginning. What would soon come was much more demanding.

I released my hold, raking my fingers down her spine then backing away.

Joy slumped on the comforter.

“Look at me, Joy.”

She didn’t respond to my command at first. When she did, rolling over onto her side, she dragged the comforter over her, glaring at me with utter hatred in her eyes. I could sense she was already plotting my demise.

I rolled down my sleeves, taking my time to button one then the other. Her silence was a surprise, although I suspected it was short lived. I’d yet to determine exactly what I was going to do with her; the same instinct that had been so quick to condemn her also indicated she was more valuable than perhaps she understood. That didn’t change anything other than what additional information could be gleaned.

“Hold out your hands,” I instructed.

While she did so, the odd resolve that had filtered over her had me curious. She was very much like a package of dynamite, ready to explode at a moment’s notice.

“Good girl.” As I began to untie the makeshift shackles, she laughed. The sound wasn’t nervous but full of contempt.

“You won’t get away with this. Lucia won’t allow you to hurt me.”

I lifted my gaze, her green eyes piercing mine. “Do I need to remind you that the woman who you faked caring about is in the hospital fighting for her life and that of her unborn child?”

“You fucking bastard. I would never, ever hurt her intentionally. I warned her about you and your fucking reprehensible family. I encouraged her to stay right here in the city she loves. You don’t even give a shit about your sister. You made that perfectly clear when you made her a target months ago.”

I had no time or the desire to argue with her at this point. It was obvious Lucia either didn’t believe I’d had nothing to do with the attack on the street near her apartment or had decided not to tell her best friend. Either way, that was old news. However, it did remind me that my combined family had a significant target on our backs given our alliance through marriage and death. There were those who would stop at nothing to claim our combined territory inside Italy.

Including the other Dons in the Five Families of Italy who’d pledged their loyalty to the new positions within the organization.

The way she spit out the truth had a ring of sincerity, but I’d learned a long time ago that women were excellent liars. She’d chafed her wrists in her struggle to free herself. As soon as the rope had been pulled free, she rubbed her arms, shaking her head as if I should accept blame for Lucia’s condition.

“You’re going to get dressed, Joy. If you do so without attempting to escape or without making a scene, I promise you that your good behavior will be taken into account in the upcoming days.”

“Then what? Are you taking me to some dungeon?”

She had no idea that I’d contemplated locking her in a warehouse, just like I would with other rats or traitors. However, I had to confirm what I’d learned and that would take time. Whatever the case, she needed to be taken to another location where she wouldn’t be found. “After we have a short discussion, we’ll return to the hospital where two of my associates will escort you somewhere to keep you safe.”

“Safe? Do you mean from you?” She laughed bitterly. “I have a feeling no one has the skills to do that.”

“It’s not in your best interest to continue antagonizing me.”

Joy was as exasperated as I was, shaking her head as she looked at me incredulously.

“You really think I did this horrible thing. Don’t you?” She threw the words at me with a return to indignation.

“Yes, I do. I’m certain of it. You will provide every detail of the people involved. I assure you that I’m very skilled in the act of interrogations.”

“And if I don’t?” She lifted her chin, her expression hardening. The continued defiance would become irritating at some point, but right now I’d need to keep a cool head. There was still the threat of continued danger given Lucia was still alive.

I returned to the bed, placing my hands on either side of her and leaning over. Instead of cowering away from me, she leaned forward until our lips were almost touching. Where the scent of her perfume had been enticing before, now it was a reminder of a life that I’d never find acceptable.

But as insane as it was, I wanted the woman more than I had anyone else in my life.

“Then you will die.”

CHAPTER 8

Enzo

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