CHAPTER FIFTEEN: WINTER
I’veneverbeena good swimmer.
Or actually, to tell the truth, I can’t swim at all. Instead, I’ve always been one of those people who just kind of sat in the shallow end of the pool, doing absolutely nothing.
When Enzo had originally told me I was allowed to use the pool, which had apparently been covered for the Winter and Spring, I’d been disappointed. And then I figured, fuck it, at least wading in the water and pretending like I was doing something would get me out of the house.
That’s what I was doing the day I saw him and Maximo in the window having sex while they watched me. I hadn’t moved from the spot even as my pussy had throbbed. When they’d finally disappeared from the window, I’d run to my room, ignoring the ache between my legs until it disappeared on its own.
But expecting another sex show from Enzo and Maximo isn’t the reason I’m out here today, Amarie is.
When I’d made the request of her to help me find a hitman I’d had to do a lot of explaining.
She’d always said there was no way I was really Giovanni’s mistress so I’d verified that she hadn’t been wrong, explaining the deal my brother made with Giovanni. Which led to me telling her about my conversation with Diamond and my run in with Giovanni not being a coincidence. She hadn’t interrupted me once, listening intently.
When I’d finished she’d agreed to help me, on one condition.
I needed proof that Giovanni had actually played a hand in my mother’s death.
She wouldn’t risk her head off of unconfirmed facts, and she didn’t trust any gang member, so Diamond’s word didn’t mean shit to her. She pointed out that it shouldn’t mean shit to me either.
I’d agreed, but now I’m left with the task of trying to figure out a way to get proof. All ideas have pointed to needing Diamond, but since I can’t just meet with him, I have to wait for him to come to me, my plans have been stalled.
Sighing, I haul myself out of the pool, pushing thoughts of revenge out of my mind for the moment. I stare down at the simple black bikini that I found in my closet this morning. When I saw the first two pieces, I’d been self conscious. It meant everything would be on display, my thick thighs, my flabby stomach, the stretch marks that started decorating my skin at an age younger than I thought they would.
But then I’d remembered that everyone in this house has seen me naked to some degree and whatever dignity I used to have is long gone.
I grab my towel before moving into the pool house. There’s a little shower inside that I can use to get cleaned up and changed. I prefer it since it means I don’t have to walk into the cool air of the house dripping wet.
My hair sticks to my back, feeling heavy as it's weighed down with water.
The pool door slides open easily and I push it shut behind me. I move through the pool house, passing by all the supplies and spare lawn chairs. I open the door that leads to the small bathroom.
I have a set of clothes that I’d brought out early this morning already waiting on me. I turn the shower on, hopping in once it's steaming.
I take my time, washing the chlorine out of my hair and skin.
I’m almost done when a hand wraps around my mouth and I try to let out a scream but it’s muffled. A hard body pressed against mine, crowding me.
I struggle but another hand wraps around me, locking me in place.
“I love to watch you squirm, Mouse,” Maximo’s voice is too close to my ear and crystal clear even with the shower water still running.
I struggle some more, despite the fact that I can feel he isn’t lying. My struggle is making him grow hard.
He pulls me backwards before pulling me out of the shower completely. It feels like I’m choking as the shower spray jets onto my face, water slamming into my face. Some of the water slips between Maximo’s hand and my skin, flooding my nostrils and mouth.
I cough, choking on the water. The water shuts off but when Maximo’s hand presses hard against my face and nose, covering them completely, my vision blurs. I struggle to breathe, my limbs flying around.
He only laughs before he finally releases me, tossing me to the ground.
We’re back in the main poolroom now.
The wet tile is slippery as I try to get a grasp. My chest heaves with deep breaths and I let out another cough. Glancing up, I find Maximo standing a few feet in front of me. His body is soaked from the shower, his white dress shirt melding to his torso and framing his ripped body. His black slacks are also drenched and when I look at his loafers, I know they have to be soaking as well.
I prop up on one hand, once I have a full grasp, using my other hand to hold onto my throat as my breathing continues to try to return to normal.
Movement behind Maximo catches my eye and I blink twice before realizing that Enzo is standing near the door of the poolhouse. His lips are pinched into a frown, his eyes watching me closely. His arms are folded over his chest, his muscles bulging.