Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 61692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61692 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 308(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Get out. Take your contract. I don’t want it,” he spits at me and I can’t help the smirk. He knows I’m right. Heads will roll if something were to happen to me or my brothers.
“My sovereignty over the West Coast will never die, even if I do. It’s my territory, Cristiano, remember that.” With my warning in place, I turn to walk out of his office, but not before he gets the last word in.
“And my territory is right here, behind you. Watch your back, Franco. Not everything is as it seems.”
I don’t respond because I know exactly what he means. I’m not stupid. I’ve done my homework. All I need to do now is keep one woman safe. It’s not difficult. I failed once. I won’t do it again.
14
Raina
Packing this morning was easy. I didn’t have much that I wanted to bring along. Also, I would be here temporarily. If I needed anything, I’m sure I’d be free to leave. As soon as the car pulls up to the house, Franco’s driver exits the vehicle and makes his way to my side. Opening the door for me, he proffers his hand.
“Thank you.” When I smile up at him, it’s as if he knows why I’m here, not only to work for the Morettis, but to be whatever Franco wants me to be.
Yet, he doesn’t say a word, only escorts me to the door where the housekeeper is waiting with a friendly smile.
“Ciao, I’m Donatella.” Her accent is thick, more so than any of the brothers’. “I take you to your room,” she informs me before turning to head up the sweeping staircase. The house is silent, without so much as a sound coming from the kitchen or even the grounds outside.
There’s a long hallway that we meander down at a slow pace and I notice Donatella’s limp. Once we pass by four doors, she stops at the fifth and pushes it open.
“If you need something, I’m in kitchen,” she once again speaks in her broken English and then leaves me to enter the incredible suite I’ve been offered.
It’s an ultra-modern space with a king-sized four-poster bed. With a jet-black chest of drawers and the walls painted an off-white, it’s almost clinical, but the enormous deep red rug that covers most of the floor adds warmth. The bedding, with white and silver, adorns the mattress. To the left of the entrance is a walk-in closet with enough room for a small army, and beside that, hidden behind two large mirrors, is a large en-suite.
My cell ringing drags me from the memories of what happened last night, and all the pleasure Franco bestowed on my wanton body. As I pull the phone from my purse, I swipe my thumb to answer, but I hear my cousin before I can say hello.
“How is the mansion? Sitting at the pool with cocktails?”
“You’re so frustrating,” I retort while rolling my eyes at her. “I’m actually in my new bedroom. It’s incredible, Cali.” Awe in my voice is evident and I flop onto the bed. Staring up at the ceiling, I hear her take a deep breath.
“I can’t believe you’re living with Franco. Like in the same house. Are you two…?” She allows the question to taper off, hanging like a lead weight between us.
“No, we’re just working. He needs me here. I… I’ve signed the contract for the six months. It will give me the stability I need. Away from Andrea.” She knows how I feel about my brother. About the way he handles our finances and rules over us with an ironclad fist.
Sighing, she responds, her voice dropping, “I’m sorry, Rai. He’s an asshole. Soon I’ll be gone. The contract I told you I got offered, I signed this morning. I’m going to be modeling again soon. I can’t wait to get away from your ass face brother.” She sighs, then asks, “Do you still get alone time? I mean, can we go to dinner or something?”
“Of course, babe. Franco isn’t locking me up in a cage.” As soon as the words fall from my lips, the image presents itself. Me in a collar, kneeling in a cage with him commanding me to touch myself.
A deep rumble comes from the doorway and I jolt upright. The man himself leans on the doorjamb, his shirt hugging impeccable toned shoulders.
“I have to go,” I murmur into the phone, and before Calista can respond, I hang up.
“A cage? I didn’t think you’d be into that sort of thing, but if you’re willing, so am I,” he quips, his tone thick with desire. Dripping over me, instilling that hunger that he seems to ignite deep in my veins.
“I was… I mean… my cousin was worried.” Stumbling over my words, I push off the bed and stand.
“Of course. Do you like the room? I know this isn’t the most conventional arrangement, but…” His eyes take in the room and when they land on me again, there’s something that’s hidden in those dark depths. “I’d like to make this work.” The way he voices those words, it feels like more. Just so much more than what he said he wants and I wonder if he would ever love. Perhaps not me specifically, but anyone.