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The SUV fills with a tense silence, and I close my eyes briefly, praying that whatever we’re headed out to accomplish won’t further shatter my already fragile existence in this unknown world.
13
OLIVIA
As we’re ushered through a discreet back door, the feeling of Luca’s firm grip on my bicep as he leads the way up a set of stairs just inside the pulsating nightclub is a reminder this isn’t afunouting. Soft blue and purple lights bathe the open space, casting an ethereal glow upon white couches and tables filled with lively patrons. The steady beat of music reverberates through the air, creating an atmosphere of vibrant energy that I can’t seem to connect with.
Ascending to the second level, my eyes catch sight of several private rooms with tinted glass windows, shielding the interiors from prying eyes. We make our way to the third room, accompanied only by Jaxon and Justine. As the door closes behind us, a profound silence envelops the area, causing me to reflexively open my mouth, attempting to alleviate the pressure in my ears from the sudden change in noise.
Luca firmly pushes me toward the wrap-around couch, his voice laden with authority. “Stay there. You’re not to leave this room or open that door for any reason. Do you understand me?”
Raising an eyebrow, I question his decision. “You’re leaving me here alone?”
“No, Justine will be with you,” he replies, his gaze shifting to her with a lethal intensity. “And she knows what’s at stake if you leave.”
“I’ve got your girl, Luc,” Justine chimes in, striding away from Jaxon and settling next to me on the couch. “We’ll order some food and drinks and be just fine right here.”
Nobody corrects her use of “your girl,” and though I’m tempted to, I opt to remain silent. In this moment, being away from Luca’s watchful gaze takes precedence over making a needless point.
The door swings open, revealing Damon peering in. “They’re ready.”
Luca points at me and then at Justine, his voice seething with urgency. “Stay fucking put. Someone will be outside the door at all times.”
Justine blows a kiss to Jaxon, who returns it with a wink, before diverting her attention to me. “What do you want to drink?” She picks up a tablet from the table near the couch, her fingers deftly navigating the options. “They have the best fried calamari here, too.”
“I’ll have whatever you’re having,” I absentmindedly reply. The excitement I anticipated would come from being outside the compound fails to materialize. Instead, my stomach churns with unease, and the silence of the room feels suffocating.
My fingers twist together as I glance around the private area. I can see out the window, but without standing, all I see are the lights hanging from the ceiling. To my right is a curtain and another door half hidden behind it.
“Where does that go?” I ask with a nod.
Justine glances around me. “Service area. They’ll bring our food through there.” Her fingers continue flicking through the screens and adding items to our order effortlessly, as if she’s been here a dozen times before. “Alright, one order of fried calamari, two Apple Fuckers to get us started, and two Leg Spreaders to knock us on our asses.”
I tilt my head and blink. “What the fuck did you just say?”
She laughs, her auburn hair cascading behind her. “Just go with it. We’re celebrating your freedom tonight.”
“Freedom?” I echo, my skepticism evident. “Sitting in a room I can’t leave that I’m sure has a guard outside the door doesn’t spell freedom to me.”
Undeterred, she finalizes the order and sets the tablet down. “This is the first step, my friend. Just you wait and see.”
I mean, it’s not as if I have any other choice, and her continued confidence is rubbing off on me, brightening my mood and finally relaxing my shoulders. “So, what now?”
The door opens on my right, and I nearly piss myself. Apparently, I’m taking the perceived threats to my life more seriously than I realized.
Thankfully, there isn’t a deranged member of the mafia walking into the room. Only a waiter, carrying a tray of four drinks.
“Ladies.” He bows lightly, then sets the alcohol in front of us. “Your food will be up shortly. Enjoy.”
I eye the green-colored shot and yellowish cocktail. “Do I want to know what’s in these?”
Justine offers me one of her signature devious grins. “Nope.” She reaches for both shots, hands me one, then clinks hers against mine. “Bottoms up!”
I hesitate only for a second, then follow her movements.Fuck it, I think. She’s right. I need to enjoy this modicum of freedom. At least it’s a change in scenery.
An explosion of tangy Vodka hits my tongue, then burns down my throat. I pinch my eyes closed and swallow quickly, doing my best not to gag. Hard alcohol has never been my preference, but I’m hanging out with the mafia. Trying new things seems like something I shouldn’t say no to.
“Delicious, right?” Justine wipes a trace of the drink from the corner of her mouth. “The Leg Spreader is even better.”
