8. There Are Rules
8
THERE ARE RULES
GIOVANNA
Jenna texted me earlier, asking if I wanted to move our brunch date up. I hadn’t planned on doing much other than recovering from the night before, when Tyler left me standing in the doorway naked with my wrists bound together. I was still mortified that Declan was the one who had to rescue me, but I was thankful at the same time.
As soon as he and Kirsten left my apartment, my twisted mind couldn’t stop getting turned on again by the image of Tyler looming over me, the way he tasted, and how fast he made me cum. I understood why he left, but that didn’t stop me from being angry with him for leaving me bound. So angry, in fact, that my thoughts ran wild. I ended up riding one of my painfully large dildos for an hour before finally exhausting myself enough to sleep.
And now here I was, sitting across from his sister, indulging in French toast and coffee like her brother hadn’t just made me squirt twice the night before. I tried my best to push thoughts of him out of my head, but it was driving me insane. Just when I thought I had succeeded, my mind wandered back to the intense moment against the window in my living room— No . I refuse to think about that right now or at all . I shifted my focus back to what was important.
Jenna was a burst of sunshine in human form, radiating joy and laughter wherever she went. Her tough exterior only added to her charm, and her smile could light up the darkest of rooms.
But it wasn’t just her personality that was captivating, it was also her appearance. Her long, silky chocolate hair cascaded down her shoulders in perfectly straight strands, as if it had been styled by a professional just moments ago. And her eyes, unlike her brothers’ warm brown ones, were a striking steel grey that seemed to change with every emotion.
Her makeup was flawless, as if she were ready to walk the runway at any moment. The bronze smokey cat eyes paired with Gucci’s Suzanne Sunset, Rouge à Lèvres Satin lipstick created a stunning look that I admired. I knew every shade of Gucci makeup by heart, and it was clear that she shared my obsession as she always wore their colors.
“I know I told you before, but we’re all really happy to have you back,” she beamed, taking a sip of her orange juice through a straw pressed against her naturally full lips.
Returning the smile from behind my coffee mug, I replied, “I’m happy to be back too. But there was a time when I wasn’t sure if I would ever return. A time when I thought Mr. Kn?—”
She lifted her brows.
“Sorry,” I snickered, “Ian would kick me right back out the door.” I didn’t tell her the harsh reality that I thought he might kill me too.
“Are you kidding?!” she chortled. “My husband went to your old apartment several times to,” she cleared her throat, becoming serious instantly, “um apologize for what happened with… your dad.” She took a bite of a chunk of cantaloupe.
“He came looking for me?”
She nodded, finishing her bite before replying, “He did. And I guess you knew that Luke and Jade also tried to find you, but the new renter eventually told them that you had moved.”
I groaned and covered my face with my hands, feeling guilty and embarrassed. “I’m so sorry,” I mumbled. “I had no idea.”
She waved a hand. “Girl, it’s fine. I’m just happy you didn’t let us all scare you off. When I first started at that club as a dancer, I was just trying to make money because I thought Ty fucked me over.” She almost looked like she was tearing up, but quickly gathered herself. “I was so freaking sad at the time because I had no money for school after not having a worry in the world since birth. And I just wanted my brother in my life and lost my parents.” She scoffed, “Not to mention the breakup I had with the ex. Obviously, that was before I knew who Roman was.”
“Your family’s been through a lot.” My brows knitted. It wasn’t fair that they’d lost so much because of some stupid family war. “Then again, I grew up with that too. Can I ask what happened to—” I trailed off, unsure if it was appropriate to ask.
“Tyler’s face?” she finished for me, nibbling on her bottom lip nervously.
I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee and then setting it down. “I know it’s not my business, but I literally just want to hug him and never let… um, I’m sorry, I just, ugh.”
A soft, wistful smile graced her lips as she delicately blotted the corner of her eyes with the crisp linen napkin. “God, you’re so sweet,” she murmured, a shaky snicker escaping her. She set the napkin down, composed herself, and leaned in closer over the table. Her voice dropped to a hushed tone. “Yeah, long story short, and I don’t know how much I can say in public. The rest, he should tell you.” I mirrored her movement, leaning forward to listen intently. “He was kidnapped by one of the... M fam,” she arched a perfectly groomed eyebrow, and I nodded to show my understanding, “and they were using him as bait for Ian and Chance to destroy me before they… um…”
“Yeah, I get it.” I blew out a puff of air. “That’s so messed up. He deserves better.”
She sat back in her chair, smoothing out the wrinkles in her blue off-the-shoulder floral top. “Yeah, well, he did deserve better, and he still does. I just hope he allows himself to have it.”
“What do you mean?”
She rolled her eyes before answering. “I don’t want to speak ill of Mila because we did love her, and as far as I knew, she was genuine and sweet, but they weren’t compatible in any way. I was worried for him after I got to know her, but I’m the supportive little sister. My loyalty will always be with Ty.”
I nodded once. “Of course.”
Her voice still trembled as she spoke, her eyes downcast and filled with guilt. “I just wanted him to be happy,” she continued, her fingers nervously tapping on the table. “He seemed happy with her, but something just felt off about them being together. She was from a different world, and even though she loved being around us, she never quite fit in. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was hiding something, and Ian and I hate secrets.” Taking a sip of her coffee, she set it back down next to her orange juice. “In our family and circle of friends, transparency is important. We don’t pry into each other’s business, but when it comes to secrets that could affect us all, we need to know.”
The guilt was eating me alive. I didn’t want to spill my business with Tyler because it was betraying him, but at the same time, if I didn’t get it off my chest, I’d never forgive myself when they found out another way and I’d burned every trust bridge I’d built with them. “I need to tell you something.”
She snickered. “You slept with my brother.”
I almost dropped my fork. “I didn’t mean to keep it a secret, however, I didn’t know if he wanted people to know but clearly, he’s been telling people.”
She guffawed. “Girlll, I knew you and him had hooked up the minute I saw the way you two acted around each other,” she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling. “He told me he spent some time out in California too. I just had a feeling. I didn’t say anything because, like you, it wasn’t my place to tell his business, and I didn’t want to make things weird for Mila or you and him if I was wrong.” Another laugh bubbled out of her before she continued.
“Are you mad?” The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint one of the nicest people I’d ever met.
She snorted. “Truth be told? I wanted you close so I could keep an eye on you. After all we went through, I wasn’t taking chances.”
My face melted into disappointment, but I was the exact same way about everyone.
“However,” she sighed with a smile, “I trusted Luke and Jade. And when you came over to my house, that’s when I knew you belonged. You were so eager to help my family. To me, that was all I needed to see.” She took the final bite of her bacon, then wiped her hands on the napkin and placed it back in her lap.
“I’m so sorry if I came into this looking like a home wrecker or anything,” I said sincerely, feeling guilty for any misunderstandings or hurt feelings I may have caused.
She shook her head, her long hair swaying around her face. “No, you didn’t at all. You couldn’t help the past, and it’s not like you seduced him away from her.”
She shifted in her seat, and I followed suit. I could see the question forming in her eyes, the one I had been dreading since we started the conversation.
“Do you like him?” She held up her hands in a gesture of openness. “Be honest. I swear it’s fine. Like I said, I just want him happy. He’s been so miserable, but when I ask him if he misses Mila, he says he just feels guilty.”
My lips pressed together in a thin line as I considered my answer. “Yeah, but it’s complicated,” I finally replied. “He’s still healing from whatever he’s feeling at this point, and I just don’t want him to feel like he’s being pressured. He gave me a ride home last night from work, and he tried to get away as fast as he could.” And now, as much as I hate to admit it, I was craving his touch again. Ugh .
She shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly. “He’ll get over it eventually. Can I tell you a secret?”
I snorted, “Duh!”
We bent in closer to each other at the same time. “Ty’s possessive as hell,” she whispered. “The kind of guy who would kill anyone who dared to touch what he sees as his.” I nodded, and she continued, “He wants what he can’t have, but he’s also as stubborn as a sticker a kid puts on a car window. And sadly, I think if you want to be with him, you’re going to have to push him to his limit and break him.”
“You bitch!” I joked, cackling at her blunt honesty. Then, realizing who I was talking to, I quickly slapped my hand over my mouth, forgetting for a moment that she was my boss’s wife, not my best friend. My ring clanked against my tooth, and I winced in pain, thinking for sure that I had knocked it out. “I’m so sorry,” I mumbled behind my hand before lowering it sheepishly.
“No,” she laughed loudly, fanning a hand in front of her face. “It’s okay.” She exhaled, gaining her composure. “I’m doing this for his own good. I didn’t wish anything bad on her but she’s not coming back, and it’s been over a year. If he gave me a reason other than guilt, I’d be a little more guarded. So, you have my blessing for whatever happens next.”
She was sick, but funny. She reminded me a lot of my relationship with Luca before he disappeared, and it made me slightly sad to think about his whereabouts. But he was gone, and I had to fight the feeling of missing him again. One day, he’d resurface, and we’d talk. For now, I had to focus on what mattered. Work, and the life I’d made in Boston.
Jenna’s new bodyguard, Beau, approached the table, bending toward her. “Mrs. Knight?”
She looked up at the six-foot-five, threatening-looking brunette with piercing toffee eyes. “Yes?”
“Mr. Knight needs me to escort you back to the office in thirty.”
She nodded with a smile. “Is everything good?”
Stoic and professional, Beau pressed his earpiece and muttered something before bowing his head slightly. “It’s routine, ma’am.”
She flickered her gaze. “Routine at the club could mean anything from a birthday flower delivery to Luke peeling someone’s skin off again.” Turning her attention back to me, she beamed. “Anyway, I’m glad we did this, and we should again soon.”
I matched her expression with a smile of my own. “Agreed!”
As I went about my day, the words of our conversation played on a loop in my mind. The mundane task of grocery shopping was made slightly more enjoyable by the thought of getting a little revenge on her brother. After all, he’d left me in a difficult situation the night before. I even took a trip to the animal shelter to donate food, toys, and blankets, then played with a few animals for an hour.
Afterward, I collapsed onto my bed for a much-needed nap, my mind still buzzing with thoughts of payback. When it was time to head to work, I dragged myself out of bed and made my way to the club. As soon as Jade saw me enter the executive lobby, she threw her arms around me in delight.
“Ahhh, so excited to see you back here.”
“Thank you,” I croaked in her tight grip.
She took a step back. “Sorry.”
I smiled. “Don’t apologize; it’s sweet.”
She lifted her chin toward the black double doors. “Mr. Knight’s waiting for you with Luke.”
Offering her a nod, I sped across the room, knocking twice on the door.
The door flew open, and Ice Man’s gaze lowered to mine. He greeted me briefly with a nod and a murmur as I entered the office. The door clicked closed behind me.
Chance was sprawled out on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Declan lounged in a chair by the door, one leg casually draped over the armrest. Nico perched on the other end of the sofa’s arm from Chance. Tyler and Luke stood near the side of the room, both looking tense and agitated. When Tyler’s eyes landed on me, they narrowed, like he was upset with me.
Yikes . Remaining confident and trying to pretend he wasn’t in the room, I politely greeted everyone at once as I came to a stop in front of the desk. When I got ready to greet Mr. Knight, he reared back in his chair, lacing his fingers together behind his head.
“Sit,” he ordered, bowing his head at one of the chairs in front of him.
Feeling a shiver run down my spine at his tone, I obeyed, sitting in the chair on the left. I placed my duffle bag and handbag on the seat next to me before turning to face him. “Yes, sir?”
“We have some special guests arriving, and I need you to take care of them for me,” he stated matter-of-factly.
A small smile tugged at my lips, and I nodded. “Okay.”
“Ekaterina and her team are in town, and she’s making things a little difficult for me.”
The mere mention of Ekaterina’s name caused a lump to form in my throat, like a heavy weight pressing down on me. I shot Luke a piercing glare, but his anger mirrored Tyler’s. Turning my attention back to Mr. Knight, I dipped my head in a show of respect. “Yes, sir.”
“None of us are happy about it either,” he said with a sigh, “but she’s trying to take you back to L.A., and I feel this is the easiest way to get her out of my club without causing a scene, if you catch my drift.”
My heart sank at the realization that there was nothing I could do or say to change the situation. Even if I were to quit my job and move away, that bitch would find me. She was obsessed with me, and I couldn’t understand why, other than the fact that I made her money.
Her family had controlled me for so long, manipulating me with their power. And even though I prided myself on being a fearless woman, they knew exactly how to push my buttons and keep me under their control. But now, things were different. I was no longer living with them, and I hoped that the men in the room would have my back just as much as I had theirs.
“I understand,” I replied. “Whatever it takes to get her to leave peacefully, I’ll do it.”
“Good,” he leaned up in his chair, folding his hands together in front of him on the desk, “because her brother is demanding a private dance from you and?—”
“No!” I barked before gasping at my boldness. That was a fucking curveball I didn’t see coming. Last I knew, he was back in Russia, beating the shit out of people for fun. He loved to torture innocent people, especially women. “I mean, Mr. Knight, I… Ivan’s not a good person.”
“Neither am I,” he snapped, “but we need to get them the fuck away as soon as possible. I don’t like the way they run their business. I’ve dealt with them in the past. We had no bad blood between us before and I don’t want it now.”
“Fine,” I shook my head. “I mean, yes, sir. What do I have to do exactly?”
“Just give that asshole the best fucking lap dance you’ve ever given anyone.” Reaching into a drawer, he took out a cigarette, placing it to his lips. After lighting it, he drew in a deep breath and exhaled a cloud of smoke, shaking the cigarette at me. “Make that mother fucker cum all over himself.”
What he didn’t know was that Ivan had a deeply unsettling nature. He wasn’t the kind of dominant man who played by any semblance of rules or respected boundaries; words like “no” and “safe word” held no meaning for him. Ivan took what he wanted, be it a simple touch or something far more invasive.
“Mr. Knight,” I sighed, struggling to voice my concerns without inciting his anger, “Ivan doesn’t follow any rules and?—”
“I know,” he replied, “so just remember who you work for and follow my club’s rules.”
“Yes, sir.” I nodded, deciding to suppress my worries and comply with his directives. He needed me to regain his trust, and I would do whatever it took to achieve that.
“Ian,” Tyler interjected from the side of the room, drawing our attention toward him, “I have a bad feeling about this.”
Mr. Knight’s jaw tightened. “I just want them out of my damn club.”
“She’s not going to leave you guys alone,” came Declan’s voice from behind me. I turned to find him standing there, concern etched on his face. “Kat has some kinda of plan. Gia needs to be watched closely.”
“Alright,” Mr. Knight commanded our focus back to him. “Ty, she’ll perform in one of the Luxe rooms. You keep an eye on things from the private hall.”
Tyler and I exchanged a brief glance before redirecting our attention back to Mr. Knight.
“Declan,” he continued with his eyes narrowed as he took a long drag from his cigarette, “since you and Ekaterina seem far too well acquainted for my tastes, I need you to keep her busy somewhere else in Luxe. Unless, of course, you and Kirsten are officially together?”
“You want me to fuck Kat?” he asked.
“I want you to do whatever it takes to keep that bitch distracted and away from Gia until I can get one of the guards to give you a signal.” His smirk was almost sinister. “Tie her up, torture her, I don’t care. Just make sure she forgets we even exist in the moment.”
“That, I can do,” Declan replied confidently.
“Chance,” Mr. Knight called out.
“Hmm?” Chance hummed as he lazily shifted his position.
“Keep—”
“An eye on the boobs, I know.” A rustling came from behind me, and he appeared at my side, laying a palm on my shoulder. “I have a better plan,” he waved a hand lazily, “before this all goes down, I mean.”
Mr. Knight shifted in his chair, leaning back, smoking. “I’m going to regret asking this, but, what?”
“Clearly, I’m great at mixing drinks.” His grin beamed down at me, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just ask her.”
Mr. Knight shook his head. “No one wants to die while we’re working.”
I felt a familiar feeling in my throat and instantly wished Chance would sit down and hush. He gave my shoulder a small squeeze before he lowered his hand to his side and roamed the room near the desk.
“What if I do get these people wasted? You have Amber, and whoever else, give them a show in Blue. Ivan shows up at my movie premieres. He fucking loves me. He loves to get shitfaced and party so I’m definitely your guy for that.”
“Okay,” Luke raised a hand, “slow down, Dionysus.”
Chance placed his hands on his hips, an indignant huff escaping him. “I only take it as a compliment when you compare me to a god, Luke.”
“It’s a good idea,” Declan chimed in with a chuckle, coming to a stop on the other side of me. “The Russians are still like us in many ways. They love parties. And they really love when they’re catered to.”
“Hmm,” Chance lifted a finger to his chin, tightening his mischievous eyes on Mr. Knight. “Just like someone else I know.”
He shot Chance a death stare.
“I don’t like this at all.” Tyler took a step forward. “Gia’s going to get hurt.”
I found myself blushing at his protective tone, fighting back a nervous smile. Then, I reminded myself that I was ready for a little payback just to fuck with him. It also gave me a chance to stand up to the family who tried to ruin me.
Mr. Knight snuffed his cigarette out in the ashtray on the corner of his desk. “Not if you keep an eye on her.”
“Luke told me to stay out of it,” he countered.
“Well, now you’re involved!” Mr. Knight spat.
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes.
Standing tall, I crossed my arms high on my chest and stared directly at Tyler. “I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. You can enjoy the show, but I won’t need your protection. Don’t forget the kind of family I come from.”
Mr. Knight raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between us. When Tyler remained silent, he turned to Chance. “You better be right about this.”
“He is,” Declan interjected with confidence.
After meticulously reviewing their plan one final time, Mr. Knight rose from his seat and walked over to me. “How did it go with my wife this morning?”
“Really well!” I exclaimed, picking up my bags from the chair and slipping them over my shoulder. “We had a lot of fun. I love her.”
A soft grin touched the corners of his lips. “She loves you too.” His eyes shifted back to Tyler. “You can handle this, right?”
“Yeah, I got it,” Tyler snapped back, irritation evident in his voice.
“Good,” Mr. Knight responded calmly, “no blood tonight.”