Ravaged By Passion

“I have some clue,” he says quietly but shakes his head. “You’re right though. I’ve never suffered that way.”

“It’s like my whole life has been spent struggling just to survive. The next breath, the next meal, none of it is ever guaranteed. My mother worked dozens of jobs to keep us both afloat, but she had too much pain in her and she was never able to get ahead. I blame Malcolm for that. She was waiting on a miracle that never showed up.”

Gavino doesn’t move as I walk away. I lean against the wall, catching my breath, trying to find some center again but it’s like I’m spiraling into hate. I haven’t told that story to anyone in years, and now, spewing it out feels like puking my guts up on my shoes.

“All right,” Gavino says finally and I look up. “That was vague and didn’t really give me a straight answer, but all right. Trust goes both ways. If I want you to trust me then I’ll need to trust you in return. I’ll start by letting you keep your secret.”

I work my jaw, because that pisses me off—like he has any choice in the matter—but I nod once. “Thanks.”

“You’ll need to meet with Casso. He’s my older brother and the head of the Famiglia. We’ll have a contract drawn up and hammer out the details of our arrangement. You’ll get a salary, benefits—”

“Wait, hold on. You’re paying me?” My eyebrows raise and I stand up straight. “Seriously?”

“You’re going to be my personal secretary. Did you think I was going to make you work for free?”

“Basically, yeah.”

“No, that’s not how we do things here. I pay my people.” He tilts his head, smiling, and comes closer. “I like that you were willing to be all mine for nothing.”

“Not for nothing,” I say, meeting his gaze. “For Malcolm’s blood.”

“High price, but you’re in luck, because I’m willing to pay.” He stops close to me, his body big and hulking, his lips gorgeous and his chin chiseled. “But remember. You will be mine. All of you.” With that, he slips past me, pulls open the door, and steps into the hallway.

“Wait, what do I do now?”

“Make yourself at home. Write up a list of what you want from your apartment. Wait until you’re summoned. I’ll come for you soon.”