Part of the reason I found CJ so appealing in the first place was his huge heart, free spirit, and giving nature. I tarnished those things, and yet, somehow, he’s willing to look past it.
I smile for the first time in three days, a dangerous happiness budding inside me.
I just hope it’s not delusive. “I can help you.”
I really fucking pray he can. The last thing I want is to get him involved, but what other choice do I have? They really do own me, and I see no escape in sight.
Philly ties up the last garbage bag as I wipe down the tables.
“Can you take this out back while I close up the register?”
I walk over and pull the can from under the server’s station.
“Only for you,” I say lightheartedly.
Philly grabs my hand as I go for the bag. “You seem a little better.”
I smile at him. “I feel a little better.”
“Wasn’t so bad getting out of your apartment then?”
“Jury is still out,” I kid, pulling the black plastic bag out of the can. “I’ll be right back.” I scrunch my nose. I hate taking the garbage out.
The back alley smells the same as always, cold air mixed with the sour stench of garbage. I hold my breath, hauling the bag into the dumpster. Once in, I turn to retreat back into the warmth of the café only to be stopped by a body standing directly in my way.
“Hey, Tara.” His voice is ice cold, and his brown gaze is even colder.
“Nino.” I step back trying not to show fear.
He’s not here to fuck around tonight.
He grabs my cheeks and squeezes hard, backing me up against the brick wall. “Who the fuck have you been talking to?”
I shake my head frantically unable to speak. He pinches harder, his fingernails digging into my skin. I just keep shaking my head, clueless about what he’s talking about. Nino then gets in my face, so close I can smell the mint on his breath.
“The cops were sniffing around the club. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that?” he accuses me. I shake my head some more unaware of anything he’s talking about.
“I watched the security cameras. You brought some random into the back the other night. Who the fuck was he?”
He lets go of me so I can answer. Internally, I panic. He sawme with CJ.
“I have no idea who he was. I just thought he was another John. He knew the password. I don’t keep track of all your ‘subscribers.’”
That’s the code word he uses.
His eyes flash with rage. I wish I could step back, but I’m pinned against the wall. Nino has a violent side, and when he snaps, there’s no telling what he’s capable of. I know this because when we were dating, he broke a guy’s nose just for looking at me the wrong way. Or, according to him, like he wanted to fuck me. How ironic he now pimps out his ex. Over the years, he’s just gotten more unstable.
“If I fucking find out you were talking to the pigs . . .” He pulls out a gun, and my heart instantly stops beating. “I’ll make good on my promise. I’ll kill your mother, then your father, then I’ll take a nice little vacation to Hawaii and knock off your sister and her husband, too.” He presses the barrel of the gun into my cheek. “Then . . . I will come for you.” He slides the tip across my face and into my mouth. I shake like a leaf. “Don’t fuck with me, Tara.” He unlocks the safety, and I close my eyes, terrified. Nino then pumps the barrel of the gun in and out of my mouth. “You know how good your lips look wrapped around my gun? It makes me think of how good they used to look wrapped around my cock.”
My stomach turns at the memory. Part of the reason we didn’t work out, besides him being a little crazy, is he used to like other women’s lips wrapped around his cock, too. A committed relationship just wasn’t for him.
“I have plans for you.” He pulls the gun away, and I nearly pass out with relief. “Don’t get in my way.” He backhands me across the face so hard I see stars and fall to the ground. “Now, be a good little whore and stay out of trouble.” He kicks me in the ribs, and I cry out. “And no more fucking free pussy. Understand me?” He smacks me once more for good measure. I taste blood in my mouth mixed with salt from my tears. I nod, as I lie on the cold concrete, shivering. What else can I do?
“I’ll be in touch.” He goes to hit me again and I flinch. He ends up laughing at me instead. “A bitch who finally knows her place.” He kicks some gravely dust at me before he walks away.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Once I can no longer hear his footsteps, I attempt to move. My side is absolutely killing me, and my face is throbbing. I crawl carefully to the door, trying to not aggravate my injuries.
