Chapter 7
Laurie
After I agree, Adriano stares at me for such a long while, it unnerves me completely and makes my tears come faster.
I still can’t believe the attractive man I’ve seen twice the past week owns this club. I know because I asked the old man who he is.
I almost had a damn heart attack when Adriano shouted at me. I assumed he got my name from the man with the clipboard, and he was upset because I’m up on stage in jeans and a T-shirt.
As my eyes lower, they land on the back of his hands. Seeing the word ‘KNEEL’ tattooed beneath a star with a skull, a shiver runs down my spine.
I’ve never kneeled to anyone, but God, I didn’t know what else to do.
My pride shrivels, and my self-worth takes one hell of a hit as I stay on my knees in front of this man who’s just made me a deal I couldn’t refuse.
Slowly, I dare meet his gaze again, and more shivers rush over my skin.
What the hell did I agree to, and why does he keep looking at me like he’s about to rip my throat open and drink all my blood?
Suddenly, he moves, and I startle so badly, I jerk backward and scoot on my ass across the plush carpet to get away from him.
Instead of going for me, Adriano rises to his full height and orders, “Come back here, Laurie.”
Dear God.
His voice sounds deep and rough, and just from the way he speaks, it’s clear he’s used to being obeyed.
I climb to my feet and slowly inch closer, my eyes locked on the devil I just made a deal with.
When I stop within reaching distance of him, he shakes his head and murmurs in a tone that sounds very threatening, “Closer.”
I take another step.
This time he narrows his eyes and gives me a look of warning that makes trembles rack my body.
Even though I’m shit scared, I meet his eyes and say, “First pay me the twenty thousand.”
Atta girl. Get the money before he fucks you six ways to Sunday.
The corner of his mouth twitches, and keeping my gaze imprisoned with his, he pulls his phone out of his pocket. After he unlocks the screen, he says, “Bank details.”
I give him what he needs and even repeat my account number to make sure he gets it right.
“I made an instant transfer so the funds should reflect soon,” he states as if this is a normal business transaction for him.
Shit. My phone.
I glance over my shoulder, then say, “My handbag is backstage.”
“Stay right where you are,” he orders while he types something on his device.
Silence falls in the office, and feeling more uncomfortable than I ever have in my entire life, I glance around the room.
When Adriano just keeps staring at me, I begin to fidget, twisting my fingers together while I take in the black and gold bound ledgers on the shelves and the large piece of art right behind his oak desk.
I dare a quick glance at the unnervingly attractive man, and when he still doesn’t say anything, I look at the blue water and lilies on the painting, my heart hammering anxiously against my ribs.
Jesus, Laurie, what are you doing?
The next instant, the door opens, and I glance over my shoulder again, seeing the massive man who slammed me into the wall the other day.
He leaves my suitcase by the door, then holds my handbag out to me, a broad smile on his face.
“Thank you,” I whisper, taking it with a trembling hand before digging my phone out.
I see the notification showing the funds are in my account and an intense wave of relief pours through me.
Oh my God. I have twenty thousand dollars!
The other man leaves the office and pulls the door shut behind him.
“I kept my end of the deal,” Adriano says, his tone still carrying a dangerous edge.
I put my phone away and adjust the strap of my handbag over my shoulder before I meet his eyes again.
“Come closer,” he reminds me.
Right.
I nervously nibble on the inside of my mouth and slowly inch closer, as if I’m approaching a bear.
He just gave you twenty thousand dollars. Do whatever he wants so you can get out of here, then screw the deal and make a run for it.
By the time I stop right in front of him, my breaths are nothing but shaky puffs over my dry lips.
“That’s better,” he murmurs darkly.
Adriano leans down, causing my body to tense up even more, and I almost back away but stop myself in time. Then a frown forms on my forehead when he doesn’t touch me, but… is he sniffing me right now?
I become aware of the rich amber and leather cologne, which only adds to his dark aura.
My cheeks flush with heat because I haven’t showered in two days, and when he pulls back, I can’t force myself to meet his eyes.
“Hmm…” It’s more like a predatory growl than a sound a man would make. “You blush.”
My gaze darts to his, and when I see satisfaction in his dark brown eyes, more heat creeps into my face.
After several long seconds, he orders, “What happened to your job and house?”
“Ah…” I wet my lips again and fold my arms around my middle. “I got fired.”
Adriano begins to frown, and not wanting him to change his mind and take the money back, I add, “I was dating my boss’ brother, but he turned out to be a cheating bastard, and after he kicked me out, she accused me of stealing money and fired me.”
By the time the last word leaves my lips, Adriano looks scary as hell, and I can’t stop myself from taking three steps backward.
“I swear I did nothing wrong. I’ll put my hand on a bible. They’ve been conspiring behind my back, and there was nothing I could do.”
Saying everything out loud, the anger and hurt return full force, and the urge to cry almost overwhelms me, but I bite the tears back.
“I believe you.”
My lips part, and I blink at Adriano, a man I know next to nothing about. Still, for some reason, hearing him say that makes me feel a little better. “Thank you.”
He takes a deep breath and exhales through his nose as he pushes away from his desk. “Let’s go.”
“Go?” My eyebrows fly up. “Where?”
“To a hotel. You need to clean up, eat, and get some sleep.”
I can feel my neck and face growing beet red, and I lower my head as my pride takes another hit.
I’ve always been able to take care of myself, but this past week has stripped me of all control over my life.
And it sucks.
“I’ll be fine on my own,” I say.
Adriano stops on his way to the door and turns to look at me. “I didn’t ask, Laurie. We’re going to a hotel.”
Oh shit.
The realization that he’d want to have sex in a hotel room and not in his office hits me like a punch to the gut.
He must see my reaction because he says, “You’re half dead on your feet. I like my women a little more alive. I’m just going to drop you off and make sure you have everything you need. Once you’ve had time to rest, I’ll send for you.”
Oh. Okay. Good. I can deal with that… for now.
Grabbing my suitcase, I follow Adriano out of the office. My eyes roam over his broad shoulders and back, and only then do I notice he’s a head taller than me. Even under the dark blue suit, it’s clear he’s packing a lot of muscle.
At least he’s not a wrinkly old man.
The thought doesn’t offer me much comfort, and when the guy who looks like the Incredible Hulk’s twin walks toward us, I begin to second-guess leaving the club.
My feet come to a dead standstill between the tables and the now empty stage.
The big guy gestures with a tip of his chin at me, and it has Adriano stopping and turning around.
I cling to my handbag strap and suitcase handle. “So…yeah, I’m not going to drive anywhere with the two of you.”
Annoyance flashes over Adriano’s face, and as he slowly stalks back toward me, I swallow hard on the nervous lump stuck in my throat.
He stares me down until I glance at the stage to break eye contact.
“I don’t have time to waste, Laurie.”
His words stomp all over my self-esteem that’s been obliterated.
Exhausted, worried, and very overemotional, I struggle to lift my chin and scowl at him. “I didn’t ask you to waste time on me.”
Unable to think clearly, I rush toward the double doors, just wanting to get away from Adriano and his overgrown ape.
Out on the sidewalk, I suck in shaky breaths as I fight to not burst out in tears. Then my eyes land on the sign ‘Mitchell’s Construction.’
The next second, my suitcase is jerked out of my hand, and as I swing around, in time to see the big guy taking my belongings, strong arms engulf me and haul me off my feet.
Adriano has one arm wrapped around my front, and when my lips part to scream, his hand clamps over my mouth.
“Umpf!” My words are muffled as he carries me toward the SUV. With eyes wide as saucers and a thundering pulse, I struggle and pull against his forearm while trying to worm myself free. “Et..gwo!”
I’m shoved into the backseat, and quickly scramble to the other door, but when I try the handle, it doesn’t open.
Adriano gets in beside me as I dart between the front seats, but he just grabs hold of my hips and hauls me backward.
I’m shoved down on my back, and while I let out a desperate cry, the big guy gets in behind the steering wheel.
Adriano’s much stronger body crowds mine as he leans over me, and when his fingers wrap around my throat, I fear this is it for me.
He’s about to punch my ticket to the afterlife.
I grab hold of his wrist and let out a desperate cry. “Please. Oh, God. Please! Don’t kill me.”
Adriano’s features soften a fraction, then he does the most unnerving thing I’ve ever experienced.
He tilts his head as he leans closer and whispers, “Shh, la mia farfalla. The last thing I want to do is kill you.” He turns his face and locks eyes with me, his dark and ruthless, and mine probably swimming in tears. “But you belong to me now, and you will do whatever I say. Got it.”
“N-n-n-n-no,” I stammer. “L-let me g-go.”
Slowly he shakes his head, and to make things a million times worse, a grin tugs at his mouth. “Never.”
His eyes drift over me, and it feels like he’s mentally picturing all the ways he’s going to hurt me, then suddenly he pulls back and adjusts his jacket as he sits down.
“We can go, Little Ricky.”
As the SUV begins to move, I cautiously sit up and scoot away from the crazy man. My eyes touch on Mitchell’s Construction again, and I see Heather and Amanda laughing as they step out onto the sidewalk.
“Who are they?” Adriano asks.
Lowering my head, I mumble, “My ex-boss and the woman my ex-boyfriend cheated on me with.”
“Names,” he demands.
“Heather Mitchell and Amanda Flynn.”
Oh hell no, we’re not going to have a conversation as if he didn’t just manhandle me and act all insane!
Shooting him a glare, I snap, “I will go to the police! Stop the car and let me get out.”
My eyebrows fly up when Little Rickly lets out a burst of laughter.
While his lackey is taking pleasure in my… uh… predicament, Adriano gives me a highly annoyed look.
“Enough, Laurie.” His voice is nothing but a threatening rumble that causes shivers to creep from my head to my toes. “I paid you twenty thousand, and you agreed to do anything I want.”
“Yeah, I stupidly did, but it’s just words,” I mutter. “Twenty thousand has its limits, mister. You don’t get to toss me around and threaten me.”
The scary expression on his face eases a bit. “Don’t try to run and we won’t have any problems. I’ll have a contract drawn up which you’ll sign if you want to keep that twenty grand.”
Contract?
“Does that mean you won’t try anything else until we’ve made the deal official?” I ask, hope brimming in my voice.
“Yes.”
Relief pours through me, but then I think to add, “That contract better state that you’re not allowed to hurt me in any way. I’m not into kinky crap at all.”
Little Ricky bursts out laughing again, and I scowl at the back of his big head. “Oh, shut up!”
He instantly quiets and murmurs, “Yes, ma’am.”
This time Adriano chuckles, and when I level him with a glare, he quickly stops and glances out the window.
Jesus. What has become of my life, and what is this twilight zone I find myself in?