“Me.” I answer, my voice low attempting to curtail the keening moan bullying itself out of my mouth.
“I love you, baby but what I want is that pink gash being kept from me. You have been walking around with prime real estate between your legs and I own it.”
“Oh God. I know.” his tongue traces my neck.
“Do you know how hard it makes me every time I see my name all over you? I can’t wait for your fucking piercings to heal so I can string those diamond chains through them and watch as your pussy is battered every time your titties swing. No bras will be allowed in our home. Your greedy cunt and breasts will always be bare and ready.” His fingers tease just around the outside of my breasts, not able to touch but I don’t need it. Anytime he is around me my body is an inferno.
“Boss we have arrived.” Volt says behind the glass. Click, Scar and Tim are coming inside with us, so some of the other guys are driving. Dario turns to me and grabs my chin.
“Inside of this mansion are dangerous people. We have an alliance, but in this life, you can never really trust anyone. So, you are to speak to no men, at all unless instructed by me. The women you may converse with, but you never give them personal information. When I say something, you do it, no matter what it is and no matter what happens, you never leave the room unless you are with one of the guys. Do you understand?”
“Yes Sir. I understand.”
“Very well.” he exits the car and holds his hand out for me. Walking in, I feel a bit exposed as everyone stops to stare. “They have never seen beauty such as you, my treasure. Wear it.” We continue inside until we enter a room full of people. I recognize no one, but it cannot be overlooked, the power or weapons in this room. Every square inch is covered in security guards.
“Dario, my friends. So glad you could make it.” I watch as Dario shakes hands with this guy who is definitely handsome in a pretty boy sort of way. His accent I can’t place, but he is definitely not from here.
“Lozado. Thanks for the invite. Has O’Connor made it yet?”
“You know the Irish, you can find them where the liquor is.”
“True that.”
“So, are you going to introduce me to this beauty?” he grabs my hands to kiss it. Instead of acknowledging him, I turn my eyes to Dario. He smiles at me and rubs my cheek before nodding his head. Only then do I turn my eyes to the man holding my hand and smile.
“Lozado, this is my fiancée, Jewel.” he studies me for a moment, his gaze intense and uncomfortable. I am trying not to squirm. He finally lets me go but doesn’t walk away.
“I think she is more than your fiancée, no? The way you hold her and after your steps so she is slightly behind you to shield her from everything, I would gather she is going to be your Queen, no?” who the hell is this guy.
“Perceptive as usual, my friend. She is my Queen. Speaking of, where is the young lady we are celebrating tonight?” I note how Dario answers all of his questions, but he doesn’t elaborate or allow Lozado to.
“She is over the other side of the room, holding court with the other ladies. Say, why don't you let this young lady go and mingle so us old men can talk.” My eyes have been on Dario this entire time, so I notice the tick in his jaw at the suggestion, but I also note when he gives in.
“Treasure, Anais is here, and she will shadow you. Please do not leave this room other than to go to the lady's room. Remember the rules.”
“‘Yes, Sir.”
“Good girl.” He kisses me and walks away.
I must walk around this party for hours smiling and nodding at conversation as women come up to me jabbering away. All they really want to know is about Dario. They don't bother trying to know me and I find I am ok with that. These are not the kind of women I would ever befriend anyway. The thing is, as I wander the room looking at the relics and art and tables of jewelry for sale, I can hear their snickering and whispering as I pass them. Some of them don’t even try to hide their sneers. They are loud and vocal about how often he goes through women and how stupid I have to be to let him mark me when I am going to be old news by tomorrow. I know none of it is true, but it certainly stains my dream for a second.