Twisted Games of Revenge (Sinners of Ravens Hollow #3)

Chapter 12

Oh fuck. I freeze, not sure what the hell to do. I need to get out of here, so I drop my head and go to pass them, feeling like I might just puke up my fettuccini. He is the vilest creature I have ever met. Pretending to like him is getting more impossible by the second. Before I have time to pass, he captures my wrist, stopping me.

“Walk with me to the bar,” he suggests, and I know it’s not a request. He swats the giggling waitress on the ass, and she continues around the corner back to her service station. What the hell do they see in him?

A wave of discomfort washes over me, but I plaster a smile on my face. “Sure,” I agree, and he releases his grip on my arm. I walk by his side toward the bar. Over his shoulder I find Alessandro keenly watching us. He’s not the only one. Maddox and Ricky’s eyes follow us across the room as well, but Valentina is nowhere to be seen.

“Whiskey?” he asks when we arrive at the bar.

“No, thank you,” I decline his offer.

“Two,” is all he says to the bartender. I see where Alessandro got his controlling tendencies from. Why bother asking me what I want if you’re just going to do what you want anyway?

While we wait for our drinks to be poured, he turns around, watching over the place. “Did you enjoy your meal, Vivian?”

“It was delightful, thank you.”

He nods, a slow, contented smile spreading across his face, pleased with my answer, taking pride that his restaurant is run so well. “You’re doing well. Alessandro obviously likes you, and I noticed he booked the penthouse at Sinners’ Paradise two nights ago. You’re a woman of her word, and I like that,” he says, like the two of us are in on a little secret his son knows nothing about.

“Thanks.” I smile shyly. He thinks I fucked his son. It was more like he tried to fuck me over and I left in a huff, but I won’t be filling him in on that. If he thinks we fucked, then I’m still in his good books.

His hand comes to the small of my back, and he leans in closer. “Is there anything I need to know?” His eyes bore through me, and I know this is my time to shine.

Even though my skin prickles, with his hand on me, I keep a smile on my face, trying not to give away how much he creeps me out. Since Alessandro hasn’t given me anything to go off, I go with my gut. “There is some girl, a Harley someone. Should I be worried about her?” I put it out there just to gauge his reaction and see what he’s willing to tell me.

He chuckles cruelly. “You’re the jealous type? No, that girl is long gone, nothing to worry about at all. You just focus on keeping my boy happy and busy and this little arrangement will be very lucrative for you.”

He really does believe Harley is dead. The way he looks at me makes me feel like a hooker. And I guess that’s what he thinks he has. I work for Sloane, and I have agreed to seduce his son for money, so technically he’s right. The thought disgusts me, but I have to squish it down. There is so much more at stake than my dignity.

“I’ve had a parcel delivered to The Raven’s Nest with your first payment. I will take care of you and reward you for every favor you do for me. My wife and I have big plans for you, girl, if you would like to make this arrangement more permanent?”

With curiosity, I arch a brow. “Permanent? How exactly?”

His grin widens, knowing he has me intrigued. I guess most people he works with would be. “From the moment I laid my eyes on you, Vivian, I just knew you were the one to keep Alessandro pliable. You’re very beautiful, just his type, but you’re also intelligent and you will need to be. Forgive me for overstepping, but I would like you to know what you’re getting yourself involved in.” He pauses, looking back to his son who is now leaning over the table discussing something with Ricky and Maddox. “Alessandro had a troubled childhood. I’m partly responsible, but it’s made him a certain way. He has particular expectations from the women in his life and most can’t handle the pressure of being in the spotlight of a high-profile relationship, but I feel you will be different.”

“Oh?” It’s all I can say as I look back up at him, all innocent. Is this the way he gets women on his side? Pretending to help them and give useful information, appearing like he’s in it to benefit them in some way. They fall for his trap, then it’s too late.

“His therapist believed that his need for control stems from the chaos he grew up in. Weakness isn’t an option for a Moretti, and that boy knew from a young age what was expected of him. Any woman who marries him will need to be able to cope with his controlling tendencies… and unusual sexual habits. It’s his way of handling the pressures that burden him. You can understand that, can’t you?” His eyes run over me again. “What you walked in on with me and my staff is my way of blowing off steam. Alessandro has his own ways.”

I nod slowly, my eyes wide and unfocused, like they were about to bulge out of my head. “Marries him?” That’s all I got out of that. There are more questions I need to ask, but marry him ? Fuck, not this shit again.

His expression shifts, the playfulness vanishing as a serious look settles over his cruel features. “I’m prepared to offer you a substantial sum of cash to marry my son.”

“Marry him,” I splutter again. “I only met him two days ago.”

“And already you are perfect for each other.” He chuckles, trying to keep the mood light, even though the conversation has taken a dark and uncomfortable turn, and he knows it.

My eyes widen in shock, and I stare back at him, my mind racing as I frantically try to figure out how to get myself out of this predicament. I was prepared to make it look like we are dating for a bit, not sign my life over to a Moretti. “What did you mean about unusual sexual habits?” I stutter out when I know the silence has become unpleasant.

He moves so he’s facing the table and can see the boys talking with his wife who has now returned. He looks so proud of them. I have to wonder if he really is or if it’s an act, trying to play happy families to trick me. Because I know the truth. “Alessandro likes to share his women with his brothers. I invited them tonight so you can get to know all three of them, make sure you really are the perfect fit.”

I stare back at him in shock, and his lips twitch up at the sides, impressed he was able to get a reaction. But fuck, that was the last thing I expected him to say. I know he watched us all together on the video surveillance, and the thought makes me feel ill. An awful uneasy feeling also creeps in. Was I just another girl in a long list of women who they shared? When something in the relationship we had made me feel special, like I was the first. “Why are you so keen for me to be this woman?”

“Alessandro isn’t the only one who likes to be in control, sweetheart. I hope my son marries someone I trust, then the whole family is happy. You see, Vivian, for us, marriage is more of a business transaction. It was the same when my lovely wife was sold to me.”

My gaze snaps back up to him, searching his face for answers. Did he just say what I think he did? Valentina was one of these girls, sold to a young Enzo. Manipulated, and she eventually became one of the power-hungry assholes herself.

Alessandro stands up and strides toward us, his eyes fixed on our faces. I have no doubt that he’s on his way to rescue me from his papa. I’m surprised he waited this long.

“Think about it, Vivian. I will set you up for life. You would never have to worry about money again,” he says quietly before Alessandro makes it to us.

Alessandro takes my hands in his and gently kisses my cheek. “Thank you for the meal, Papa, but it’s getting late, and Vivian and I really must be going.”

“Look after this one, Son, she’s a keeper.” His papa beams at us, a broad grin stretching across his face as he leers at me.

Alessandro’s lips curl up into a sly smirk, and he looks at me with amusement in his eyes. “Oh, I will.” His hand comes around my back, and he escorts me back past our table to say our goodbyes.

“Vivian, don’t forget about high tea with me on Sunday morning, just us girls. I would like to introduce you to some of my friends,” his mother says, causing me to cringe internally. I keep a sickly smile on my face and nod, agreeing, hoping that when I get this woman alone, she might slip up and give me some more details. Because that is the only reason I will sit through tea with her and her friends.

“Nice to meet you, Ricky and Maddox.” I offer a smile as I’m ushered away from the table. Their attention comes to me, Maddox only for a second before looking away, but Ricky lingers longer. I offer him a half smile, not sure what else to do. It kills me that he hates me now.

Alessandro’s arm, strong and warm, wraps around my waist, pulling me close as we walk out together. We hop in his car, leaving together feeling way too normal. For a split second I wonder what a life married to Alessandro would really be like. The chemistry between us is undeniable. Deep down, I also think he really only wants to protect me. I know how much he adores me, but he’s so controlling, and I’m a free spirit. He would suffocate me.

I glance toward him, and his eyes meet mine with so much desire I get momentarily lost, tempted to act on the overwhelming urge I have to sit on his lap and impale myself on his massive cock. I look away, knowing I can’t go home with him. Not tonight. “Can you drop me off at The Raven’s Nest, please.”

“You’re coming home with me, princess,” he demands, his voice rough and impatient as he kicks the engine to life.

“Sorry, not tonight. I told Sloane I would help out with a late shift. And I have a parcel waiting for me.”

I can feel his anger as he locks eyes with me, his gaze becoming intense. “What fucking parcel?”

“My reward for successfully seducing you,” I tell him, just to see what he thinks of it. I have nothing to hide from him. And I want him to know just how evil his papa is.

“I’m sure seducing involves fucking,” he snips, his attention back on the road as he weaves us through the eerie streets of the shifty part of Ravens Hollow.

“Or do we just have to look like we’re fucking.” I shrug like the smartass I am. “Looks like I’m getting paid either way,” I add just to rub it in. I have no idea why but messing with him is just so easy when he’s already on edge.

His neck cracks with a subtle sound that always catches my attention. I am really starting to get on his nerves. But screw him, I’m not doing what he says this time, even if it’s what I crave like fucking crazy.

Without another word, he pulls the car into the parking lot of The Raven’s Nest and kills the engine. Coming round my side to let me out, he’s still trying to be a gentleman even with anger radiating off him.

“Thanks for a fun night, and my new party dress.” I smile at him sweetly.

He lets out a low growl. “I’m coming inside with you.”

As our eyes meet, I hold his gaze without flinching. “No, you’re not, Alex.”

Before I know it, his body is pressing me into his car, his fingers biting into my skin. “Don’t fuck with me, princess. I let you take a job at this place, let you have the freedom you so desperately craved. Don’t fuck with me now,” he growls, a man on the verge of losing it completely.

A surge of adrenaline rushes through me, my heart hammering in my chest, as I meet his dark, penetrating gaze. I can’t be this close to him, it’s overwhelming. My hand rests softly on his chest, feeling the heat radiating from his body as I try to soothe the restless beast. “Why don’t you try again, boss. Maybe something like, when can I see you again, baby, I had a fun night? And my response would be, tomorrow, after I move into my new apartment.”

His forehead creases. “You got your own place?” he snaps furiously. He doesn’t like it when he’s kept in the dark. Well, good, now he knows what it’s like.

Rolling my eyes, I let out a sigh of annoyance. “Try again, boss.”

He stares back at me; I can see he’s trying to get his shit under control. I almost want to smirk, but I bite the inside of my lip to stop myself. Now’s not the time, Harley. “When can I see you again, princess?” he finally asks, his voice more desperate than I expected.

I push up on to my toes and give him a quick peck on the lips for being such a good boy. Then I shove at his chest for him to release me. “I’ll call you tomorrow, when I’m ready.”

His eyes flare, but I can’t resist teasing him when he’s in this state. “I’ll pick you up at two,” he demands.

I wait for the stomp of his foot like an upset child, but he seems to be able to control that compulsion. “You don’t know where I’m moving to.”

“I’ll work it out. Be ready for me.”

“Well okay then.” I give him a little something. Can’t completely piss him off. I need him, even if I don’t want to admit it. He’s my ticket to taking down his papa. And if I’m being honest with myself, there’s a constant craving and persistent pull gnawing at me, one I know I can’t resist for much longer. Even if I know I should.