CHAPTER TWENTY
RAINA
Just when I think there could be a heart under that rough exterior, he proves me wrong.
Any affection he has for me is because of what’s between my legs. The same thing I’ve been told for most of my life. These mafia men see no worth unless it’s something to fuck. The only reason I’m not telling him how much I hate him is because I want to see Casey tomorrow.
“Cat got your tongue, Firecracker?” He says as he places a plate of food in front of me.
I shake my head no, and pick up the fork and start eating, because I’m starving. And I don’t really have a lot to say to him right now.
Kage folds his arms over his chest and stares at me with a heated expression, obviously not believing me.
“Raina, there is something on your mind. I can see the wheels turning.”
I glance up at him and roll my eyes.
“You really have a way with women, Lorenzo. All women, everywhere, love knowing how much affection a man has for her pussy. I totally enjoy knowing I have no fucking use, other than for you to have somewhere to stick your dick. You may be from a different mafia family, but you’re all the same.”
Placing my fork on the plate, I look him in the eyes and say, “Spending the last twenty minutes with you has made me lose my appetite.”
After getting up, with Kage staring at me, like he can’t believe I had the guts to speak to him the way I did, I take care of my plate and head back to the bedroom. I listen for footsteps, with him following me and threatening to use the collar, or put me in the cage. But it never comes.
The Next Morning…
I stretch my arms as I wake, careful not to wake Kage as I stir. Opening my eyes, I notice he’s not here. After climbing out of bed, I throw the bathrobe on and notice the time. Ten in the morning, and that means Casey will be here soon, or maybe he’s already here. I need to hurry. Making my way into the bathroom, there’s a note taped to the mirror that catches my eye.
Firecracker,
I know you’re mad at me, but don’t forget you gave me your word. I do not trust easily and once it’s broken, it’s almost always permanent. If you betray me, you’ll find yourself in the cage while wearing nothing but your necklace.
Behave,
Kage
I yank it off the mirror, crumple it up, and toss it in the sink for him to find. Necklace. It’s a fucking shock collar, not a piece of jewelry. I’m infuriated, but I try to ignore it, as I fix my hair to go see my friend.
My hand is on the doorknob, and when I yank it open, I come face to face with a man I don’t know. He’s big. No, he’s massive. Think the Incredible Hulk without green skin. He stares at me like I did something to offend him.
“Mr. Bonetti had business to conduct. Your friend is waiting downstairs for you. I’ll escort you.”
I glance at him with a raised brow.
“I know where it is. Thank you.”
His hand grips my shoulder.
“I’ll escort you. I’ve been instructed to keep my eyes on you at all times today.”
I roll my eyes and say, “Whatever.”
So much for trust.
As the hulk said, he escorts me, and watches every move I make. When I walk toward Casey with a smile on my face. When I hug him. When my robe slips open slightly. I have no doubt that Kage will receive a full report of everything I say or do. Best behavior indeed.
“Chica,” Casey drawls in his southern accent.
He glances around at the hulk, and the man standing near the front door.
“Are you safe?”
I nod, because if I say no, there’s nothing Casey can do about it. If he could’ve saved me from this life, he would’ve done it years ago.
“My father’s dead.”
He raises a brow and follows me to the kitchen, where I pour us both a cup of coffee. After adding the vanilla cream to both of ours, we start drinking it as we speak quietly.
I glance from hulk back to Casey.
“My brothers too.”
“Hallefreakinglujah!”
I giggle until he says, “If this guy you’re living with is responsible for that, I must meet him. He’s my fucking hero.”
I snort laugh. “He is not a hero.”
“Anti-hero?” He questions.
Sipping on my coffee, I think before answering him.
“Straight up villain.”
I’m quick to change the subject after that, because I don’t want him to worry about me, and if I’m not careful, he will.
Casey places his arm around me, with an evil grin on his face.
“Ready for some drama?”
I nod excitedly.
“Hell yes, as long as it’s not about me, I’m in.”
Casey doesn’t waste time filling me in on what’s been going on with our small group of friends.
“Jason proposed to Abby, and she said yes, blah, blah, blah. Guess how they celebrated?”
I shrug, because I have no idea.
“A swingers’ party with a gang bang.”
My mouth hangs open in shock, as I look less than lady-like, and then I crack up laughing. As always we are having so much fun together, and when I hear his voice I feel myself shrink in fear.
“Get. Your. Fucking. Hands. Off. Of. What’s. Mine.”