Page 18 of Unlock My Heart

Blood pounds between my ears as the room falls silent. I keep my head held high, a demure smile on my face despite the overwhelming urge to run. Or puke.

Or puke, then run.

“Two hours with the beautiful Cherry is up for grabs. Let’s start the bidding at five thousand.”

“Five thousand.” I’m unable to see the bidder.

“I have a bid of five thousand, do I hear six?”

Silence.

“Five, do I have six thousand?”

Nothing.

“Five thousand for two hours of pleasure and exploration with the virginal Cherry.”

Crickets.

“Five thousand, going once. Going twice. Sold, to Mr. Calvani.”

Embarrassment colors my cheeks as I hurry off stage. Jade joins me, and I grab her arm and whisper, “I don’t get it. Why wasn’t there more interest?”

“Because Fabien Calvani bid on you, and no one is dumb enough to bid against him,” she whispers back.

“Why?”

“He’s the boss’s son.”

“Mr. D’Amico’s son?” I ask, confused.

She looks over her shoulder before whispering, “No, sweetie. The boss. The Calvani family runs this city. Mr. D’Amico answers to them.”

Jade realizes I’m still not getting it, because she sighs. “Oh, for fuck’s sake. You gonna make me spell it out?”

“Yes!” I whisper-hiss.

The mob, she mouths.

Fabien

Twenty-one-years-old

“Calm down, cugino,” Nic warns quietly, eyeing the gun that’s now in my hand.

I holster it, my body vibrating with rage as I storm across the room. Had my cousin not told me about something big going down tonight at the hotel, I wouldn’t have been here, and some other asshole would be going home with Sienna.

“Fabien, baby. Long time no see.” Chantelle grabs my arm. “You look tense. How about a private hour? We both know a virgin can’t fuck you the way you like it.”

I made the mistake of fucking Chantelle one time, and it was one time too many.

Shrugging out of her hold, I continue my march to Michele’s table. Slapping both hands down, I lean in. “I thought I made myself clear: She was off limits.”

“I didn’t recruit her.” Michele takes a puff of his cigar, blowing a smoke ring in my direction. “She sought out Jade and asked for the job. Who am I to turn down easy money from a whore?”

“Watch your fucking mouth. One call is all it takes,” I warn him through my teeth.

“Would Vito answer?” Michele challenges. “Funny how no one’s seen the boss in weeks. You wouldn’t be hiding something, would you?”