Chapter Four
ROCCO
Ibarely slept last night with a stranger in my home.
It crossed my mind on more than one occasion that Shay might get some funny ideas about escaping this predicament. The last thing I wanted was to wake up with a knife pressed to my neck. But it never came, and her gentle snoring echoed through my dead-quiet house.
I slept less than two hours and woke with the rising sun. I followed my morning routine of hitting the weights, showering, and having a small breakfast, all the time waiting for Shay to wake. But she didn’t. She slept through the entire morning and well into the early afternoon.
It’s probably for the best. With the shock to her system, Shay needs the rest. I’d rather get the details of our situation ironed out, but it can wait until she’s feeling better.
I’m sitting in the living room, thumbing through a copy of Moby Dick. It’s a good read, though I haven’t retained a single word I’ve read since I picked it up.
My phone starts to ring, and I have it against my ear before the second ring. I’d welcome any distraction from the chaos in my head.
“Mr. Lombardi, how are you?” I answer.
“Doing mighty fine, Rocco. Mighty fine,” Vincent’s tone is incredibly cheery. “How are you? How’s the gift?”
As if summoned from the ether, Shay steps through the door as soon as Vincent mentions the gift. A little, squeaky yawn leaves her lips, and she waves hello in my direction. She rubs the sleep from her eyes, and a tiny smile even manages to creep across her face.
She’s so fucking adorable. Her unexpected greeting brings a broad smile to my face, and I return the wave.
“Very good on both accounts,” I lie.
“Wonderful. I knew you’d love it.” The way Vincent refers to Shay as an it instead of a person pisses me off.
No matter the circumstances, Shay is still a person and should be respected.
“It’s short notice, but I know your schedule’s clear.
Why don’t we have a party? We’d celebrate your birthday, have a few of the boys around and enjoy ourselves.
You can show off your pretty little thing while we’re at it. ”
A birthday party? I’m not twelve and I don’t need one. Hell, I forgot all about it until Vincent reminded me. I know the offer isn’t kind-hearted. Vincent loves to throw extravagant events to mingle with his crew and ensure everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to.
Usually, I’d be thrilled to see a few familiar faces and have a good time, but with Shay at my side, I’m not that enthused. Emilio won’t be happy with his father’s sudden decision to give me Shay, either.
“Sounds like a blast. Where and when?” I’m against it, but I’m not stupid enough to say no to Vincent Lombardi.
“Tonight, my place,” he says.
I check my watch. It’s two in the afternoon. There’s hardly any time to prepare.
“We’ll be there.”
Shay raises a brow.
“See ya then,” Vincent hangs up the phone.
“We’ll be where?” she asks as soon as I lower the phone.
“Vincent Lombardi’s throwing a party, and we’re the guests of honor,” I rise out of my seat. A part of me wants to approach her and offer her a hug because that’s how people greet each other in the movies, right? But I decide against it and sit back down, realizing how foolish the notion is.
“You’re kidding me?” Her eyes are wide.
“I’m not. I don’t want to do it, but I don’t think we have a choice,” I say.
“You could’ve said no.” She rolls her eyes.
“After what happened to you last night, does Lombardi really strike you as a man who takes no for an answer? We’ll go, show our faces and pretend we’re happy. If we let them believe we’re both on board with this whole thing, no one will ask any questions.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. The motion presses her breasts together and stretches the thin material of her comfortable shirt. My cock instantly shoots straight up. I’m glad I sat back down.
“You’ve got a point, but you can’t expect me to go like this?” She waves her hands over her body.
Tracksuit pants and a teddy bear T-shirt? Hardly an outfit fit for a mafia princess.
“It’s hardly an outfit for a mall, either, but it’ll have to do. A shopping spree on me. What do you say?” I adjust my position uncomfortably, trying to hide my erection.
“It’s every girl’s dream, right?” she responds, but the accompanying groan reveals her disinterest.
“We don’t have much time.” I check my watch again. “We should head out now. But don’t limit yourself to an outfit for tonight. I haven’t seen a bag of belongings around the house, and I want to make this as comfortable for you as I can.”
“Thank you,” she says, offering me a smile.
It’s not the best situation, but it’s the one we’re in. Shay is handling it better than I expected. I guess the threat of the mafia hunting her down is enough to make her play along.