CHAPTER SIX #2
A smirk slides over his face. “Maybe I’ll make sure to be home early as well.”
I gracefully squat down to pick up my purse which is lying on the floor where I dropped it when he kissed me. I stalk toward Donya and mutter when I pass Clemente, “We’ll see who beats who.”
Clemente reaches out and snags my wrist. Leaning in close he murmurs on a hot breath, “No one is beating anyone. I will however swat your ass a nice shade of red and will enjoy seeing my handprint on your skin while I take that sweet pussy from behind. Soon, Rina. Very soon. Now, stay safe and enjoy spending time with friends. Do not go anywhere alone. Take Mattia with you at all times, even into the bathroom instead of staying in the hallway. I don’t fucking care if he hears you pee. ”
“No bathroom breaks, gotcha,” I snap, making him chuckle.
I lace my arm through Donya’s and take her along. When I pass Mattia, I casually say, “Coming?”
Mattia rushes forward and opens the door for us. Gian is waiting with the limo. Donya and Mattia slide into the back. Right when I’m about to step inside the limo, Clemente prevents me by wrapping an arm around my waist to pull me close.
He buries his face into the crook of my neck. “Stay safe,” he murmurs again.
I tilt my head to give him more access, easily letting him drift me off again. A low rumble of laughter flows over my skin before he places a kiss on my lips. He steps away and I hurry to get into the limo and escape the man who can throw me off balance with the mere tips of his fingers.
The ride over to the nightclub is quick. I’ve never been here but Gracy picked this nightclub because Clemente owns it. It’s easier to make reservations for the VIP booths and having the extra barrier of protection, knowing the security will keep an extra eye out.
Because of this we don’t have to wait in line like the handful of people at the entrance but slide in through the side door. When we walk into the VIP booth, Gracy and Flora are already there along with Henley and Beck. Both guys stand and I’m sure they get ready to head for the other VIP booth.
I hold up my hand. “No need to leave us girls alone for my account. I’m happy to spend the time with all of you for an hour or two. Clemente and Arturo had to handle some last-minute business, and as a result I won’t be pulling an all-nighter.”
Gracy releases a deep sigh. “I’m glad. I’m not feeling all too well.”
I take a seat next to her and place the back of my hand against her forehead. “You’re burning up, why did you come in the first place when you’re clearly not feeling well?”
“Why do you think? I’m the one who made all the arrangements, I can’t be sick,” she complains and her shoulders sag.
I put my arm around her. “You need to get home, crawl underneath the blankets, and focus on getting better. Otherwise you’re going to miss the wedding.”
Her eyes widen, clearly horrified with the mere thought of missing the wedding. She’s such an amazing woman and has become a friend since the moment we met.
“Just don’t worry, okay? I’m sure you’ll be okay after a good night’s sleep.” I direct my attention to Henley. “You better drag her out of here before she feels obligated to stay for one drink.”
“We can stay for one drink,” Gracy instantly states.
Flora pats her hand. “No, Gracy. Listen to Caterina. If you get some rest now, you’ll be well in time for the wedding. Beck and I will stay and have a few drinks and then we will all go home.”
Henley takes her hand and drags her off, but not before I make her promise to call me in the morning.
Donya is talking with Mattia who gives our drink order to the waitress. Beck is sitting right next to Flora when she starts to rave about her animal shelter called Winnie’s place. When she mentions being in need of volunteers my heart squeezes painfully.
“I would love to volunteer, but I think at this point Clemente might get a little overwhelmed if I committed myself to new tasks. Even if I would love nothing more than to help.”
Beck leans forward and places his elbows casually on his knees.
This man has a slight accent and somehow makes words flow out in a soothing way when he says, “Pretty sure Clemente is okay with you volunteering. In fact, he was the one who suggested it in the first place and the reason we brought it up.”
Confusion hits me. “Clemente actually suggested for me to volunteer at the animal shelter? Are you sure?” Who am I kidding? I shouldn’t be questioning it in the first place. “Never mind. I accept. Let me know when and where you need me,” I rush out, making both of them smile.
Flora continues to explain and before I know it, I’ve consumed three drinks and really need to pee.
I glance at Mattia who is leaning against the wall.
Donya is talking to Beck. Donya spent six weeks in France last year and those two have been talking about France for at least the last thirty minutes.
“Bathroom break,” I tell Flora. “I’ll be right back.”
She gives me a warm smile and I make my way toward Mattia. “You and me, farts and pee.”
Mattia snorts and shakes his head. “Classy, Caterina.”
“Hey,” I fake scold. “Your boss is the one telling me you have to listen to me pee. I’m not to be alone, remember.”
He’s still shaking his head when we stroll through the busy nightclub to head for the bathroom.
Mattia checks the bathroom and there’s only one girl in there when we go inside. I try to apologize but the girl gives me a wink and two thumbs up. Ugh. She probably thinks I’m going to get laid within the next few minutes.
I slide into one of the bathroom stalls and quickly do my business.
Swinging the door open, I stroll over to the sink and wash my hands.
I hear the door opening and another male voice rings out.
I don’t even have the time to think “How weird for another man to enter the ladies’ room,” before a gunshot bursts through the air.
My head swings left and I recognize the shooter as Daniel Sneyder, the drug dealer and the ex of Beck’s sister Ivy. Another gunshot cracks and I see red blossom through Daniel’ shirt.
With wet hands I reach inside my purse and try to find the tiny handgun Clemente makes me carry with me at all times. I watch with horror as Daniel shifts his arm and aims his gun right at me while I flip the safety off my gun.
“Clemente took one of us, now I’m taking two of his,” Daniel says.
I barely manage to squeeze the trigger but another gunshot fills the air before the bullet leaves my gun.