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Chapter26
Respect, really? How about you just bend me over?
Oriana
What was I thinking? I should have asked more questions when Jake invited me to go with him. It would have been the smart thing to do. But I stupidly said yes without getting more information. It’s been a while since I traveled and I was excited.
I shouldn’t have been.
Because I don’t know what I have gotten myself into.
The car comes to a stop out front of a large house with a garden that the car has to drive around before a man opens the door. I get out, and Jake comes around and stands next to me, offering me his arm. I slide my hand into the crook of his elbow as we walk up the large staircase leading into the house. Two armed guards stand on the outside and nod to Jake as he enters.
What is going on here?
I don’t think I’ve been to a party where guards stand so visibly holding guns.
Gripping Jake’s arm a little tighter, we head inside, with me sandwiched between him and Maria. I audibly gasp when we enter. The lingering smell of cigar smoke and whiskey is overpowering. There are quite a few women who are all dressed the same—in black dresses—and their eyes are downcast as the men walk around freely eyeing them. A few turn to look at us. Some hold our eyes, while others simply look away and continue whatever it is they’re doing.
“Jake,” someone calls in a thick Italian accent.
I find the man instantly and see him already watching me. He speaks in Italian, which I have no idea what he’s saying, but Jake looks at me and smiles.
“The lady speaks English, so let’s speak that out of respect for her.” I smile at both of them, and the man offers his hand. I place my hand in his, and he leans down and kisses it.
“Jake only ever brings the darling Maria with him.” His eyes flick to Maria before they come back to me. “It’s nice to see he is human, after all.”
“Leonardo,” Jake warns, and Leonardo drops my hand and gives his attention to Jake.
“How many are we after tonight?” Leonardo asks.
“Two.”
“Good, good.” Leonardo nods his head and turns away. “This way.” He motions for us to follow him, and Maria stays close by the whole time. I glance back at her when, all of a sudden, Jake stops and grips my arm tight.
“Why are you here?” Jake snarls.
And when I face forward again, I see his brother standing there. A drink in hand and a smirk on his face.
Leonardo is the first to speak, “This is your brother?” he asks, confused while Grayson stands there, smiling.
“If you can give us a minute?” Jake asks Leonardo, who glances between the two and then walks out of the room, leaving the four of us together. Grayson’s eyes flick to me, and I can see the mischief in them before he looks back to Jake.
“You have a thing for redheads now,” Grayson comments. “You even brought her with you.”
“What are you doing here? You weren’t invited,” Jake bites back, ignoring Grayson’s words.
“Oh, come on, brother, you know you want me here.” He goes to touch Jake’s shoulder, but Jake pulls back, not allowing him to touch him. “Still have an issue with being touched, I see.” His eyes flick to me, and I feel guilty automatically, but Jake says nothing, just glances back at Maria.
“Have him escorted out,” Jake orders.
“You always had a thing for being in charge. I’m staying, brother. Or…I will come back and visit, and your friends will not be happy.” Jake grinds his molars. “Now, show me how this works.” Grayson taps Jake’s shoulder, making Jake pull away, then he walks past us and out the door.
Jake’s eyes find mine, and when I search them, I see hate. It’s directed at me, though there is definitely an undercurrent of distrust toward his brother. Maria leaves the room, and Jake and I are left by ourselves.
“Jake.”
He turns to face me but says nothing.
