Chapter 34
CEZAR
She edged me, denied me release, and then just ran away. My muscles hurt from straining, my fucking arm was killing me. I was about to go downstairs and beg her in front of everyone, no fucks given.
I finally limped my way into the kitchen, still sporting a painfully obvious boner. Tried to handle it on my own, but my body hated me right now. Lately, I couldn’t finish without Lina’s help. We’d corrupted each other so thoroughly that my dick refused to function without her cruelty.
“What the fuck, man?” Dorin looked me up and down, brow lifted like he was diagnosing a tragedy. Maybe he wasn’t actually concerned, but I was absolutely pretending he cared about my sexual despair.
“Lina is mean,” I grumbled, refusing to look at her.
Childish? Maybe.
Accurate? Yes.
I headed toward the counter for food, but she’d already plated everything for me.
Great. Now I felt like an asshole.
“Lina is mean?” Vali echoed.
“Yes, she—”
Before I could expose myself any further, Lina slapped her hand over my mouth.
“It’s nothing, Vali. Cezar is just struggling because he’s being dramatic,” she explained, still blocking my mouth like I was a security risk. I was absolutely not being dramatic. I wanted to fuck her into another dimension.
Finally, we started eating, the conversation drifting from bullshit updates to minor annoyances and whatever else filled the gaps. I was halfway through my food when something Dorin said hit a nerve, and without thinking, I admitted out loud that it was my fault.
All of them shot me a stunned look.
“Wait, Cezar, you’re the one that fucked that up?” Dorin leaned forward, way too eager for the tea.
“Yes. I fuck up a lot of shit. Is that even surprising?” I shrugged and took another bite.
“Don’t get me wrong,” he continued, narrowing his eyes. “I knew you had a hand in plenty around here—that’s how we ended up crossing paths in the first place. But how much do you actually know?”
“It’s no big deal, all right? I haven’t messed with any of your guys’ shit.
Well, not intentionally.” A nervous laugh escaped me.
“My father thinks I’m stupid, but I pay attention to the details.
Why do you think I always know where you guys are?
I’ve made a lot of connections over the years.
Codrin helps me out with intel often. You all know the hatred I have for my father. This is how I repay him.”
I swore no one would ever find out. And here I was, sitting across from the few people who knew more of my secrets than my own brothers.
“So, you purposely sabotage his deals?” Lina clarified.
“Yes,” I stated. “Not like he doesn’t deserve it, plus I don’t agree with what he does.”
“That’s why you always wear a mask and are fully covered, in case someone spots you that shouldn’t,” Dorin added.
“Pretty much,” I replied. “I’ve been more reckless lately. Obviously.”
My hand drifted toward the healing wound on my chest, and Dorin’s stare darted away.
“I can’t believe I didn’t catch on to that one sooner,” Lina said, twirling her fork like she was contemplating stabbing me with it for keeping secrets.
“I am a master of disguise.” I winked.
She rolled her eyes. “Sure, Cezar. Whatever fantasy helps you sleep at night.”
Then she stole a piece of my chicken like a fucking gremlin. I tried to smack her hand away, but she was too fast.
“Damn ninja.” I poked her shoulder in protest.
“Cezar, what if your father found out?” Vali spoke up.
“Then he’d kill me,” I answered bluntly. “Not right away. First, he’d take his time. Weeks of torture. Then he’d finish the job.”
I looked up, watching her face drain. Dorin and Lina already knew. Hearing it out loud didn’t make it any easier.
“It’s all right,” I added, trying to ease the tension. “Worth it.”
The moment the plates were cleared, I noticed Dorin and Lina slipping into that silent, shared rhythm they always had before a mission. Another mission. The helplessness burned under my skin.
I couldn’t stand being benched like some fucking fragile ornament. I needed to be with her. To protect her or die trying.