Twisted Pride (The Camorra Chronicles 3)

I tugged my arm free. “So what? Maybe he wants to save the bloody fun for later.”

Fabiano’s blue eyes searched my face with a small frown. “Maybe.”

For some reason, his scrutiny annoyed me. “When people said you were a traitor who ran off with his tail between his legs, I didn’t want to believe them, but now I see they were right.”

Fabiano leaned down, and the look was one I hadn’t seen on his face before, one that reminded me that he was now Enforcer. “I didn’t run. I’m loyal.”

I huffed.

He took a step closer, and I backed off. “I am. My fucking father sent one of his men out to kill me. That man couldn’t go through with it and dropped me off in Bratva territory so they could finish the job for him. Without Remo, they would have succeeded. I’m alive because of my Capo, because of those four Falcone brothers who stood together when the world was against them and against me.”

I blinked, utterly shocked by his words. “Your father tried to kill you? Why didn’t you tell Dante?”

He glared. “I’m not a fucking snitch. And the Cavallaros have stuck with my bastard of a father for too long. I don’t give a fuck if your grandpa thinks highly of him. My father is a disgrace.”

“My grandfather is very sick. He probably won’t live much longer.”

“Good,” Fabiano said fiercely.

I swallowed. “Even if my grandfather doesn’t hold a protective hand over your father anymore, Dante won’t give him to the Camorra. He’ll deal with him.”

Fabiano smiled sadly. “Dante will hand my father over. Trust me.” He took a step back. “I only wished you weren’t the one who’s going to make it happen.”

I touched Fabiano’s arm. “I know you can’t help me escape, but at least let me talk to Samuel, Fabi. I miss him so terribly.”

“That’s not his decision,” Remo said in a low voice as he stalked into the room. Fabiano gave a terse nod, exchanging a look with his Capo that I couldn’t read. Then he walked out without another look at me.

“Trying to talk my Enforcer into betraying me?”

“Unfortunately, everyone I’ve met so far is loyal to you.” It was true and they couldn’t even blame it on fear. Despite his reputation, the people close to Remo seemed to tolerate him, maybe even liked him. Remo left the door open as well, and he kept a few arm lengths between us. Something about him was off, and it set my alarm bells off.

“Let me talk to my brother,” I said. I couldn’t bring myself to say please.

Remo tilted his head, his expression assessing. “What about Danilo? Don’t you want a chat with your fiancé? After all, he’d be your husband by now if it weren’t for me.”

“Samuel. I want to talk to Samuel.”

His eyes narrowed briefly before they traveled the length of me. “What do I get in return for allowing you to talk to him?”

“I’m not a whore,” I snapped. “I won’t give you that in return for a call.”

Remo approached slowly, like a predator. “You will give it to me for free?”

“Hell will freeze over before that happens.”

He backed me into the wall. The violent vibe he gave off was even stronger than usual, and it was starting to make me nervous. I wasn’t sure what had him on edge like that, but I knew to be wary.

“Isn’t your brother worth a kiss?” he taunted.

“My brother wouldn’t want me to give away a kiss for him.”

“You already gave away your first kiss, Angel. What do a few more matter?” His dark eyes raked over my face until they lingered on my lips.

I scowled. “One kiss and you’ll let me talk to my brother? Tomorrow?”

“One kiss,” he agreed with a dark smile.

I pushed to my tiptoes, gripped his neck to pull him further down, and smashed my lips against his for a second before drawing back. “There you go. One kiss.”

Remo shook his head, his face still close to mine. “That wasn’t a kiss.”

“You didn’t stipulate the details of the kiss. I kissed you. Now fulfill your part of the bargain.”

Remo cupped my face, caging me in with his body. “I showed you what I consider a kiss. I won’t settle for less.”

I glowered, but trying to stare Remo down was a ridiculous notion.

“Not brave enough?” he murmured.

I shivered at the low vibrato of his voice. Gripping his shirt, I tugged him down violently. Our mouth clashed but Remo held himself still, waiting for me to make the next move, daring me to do it. With a burst of indignation, my tongue nudged his lips and despite the heat rising into my cheeks, I held his dark gaze. My moment of control was ripped from me the second Remo deepened the kiss. He took the lead, demanded with his mouth and tongue for me to surrender. I had trouble keeping up. His scent and heat sucked me in, made my body spring to life in the most terrifying way possible.