“Leave Avery alone.”
“Too late. She already gave herself to me. The only chance you’ll ever get to see her is if you get out of this fucking hospital bed and earn me back my money. Until then, you’ll never see her again.”
“You think this is fun and easy for me? I don’t want you to take my daughter.”
“Then tell me, Mr. Finch, why did you allow her to see me?” Gino smiled as the man before him closed his eyes. “It’s a shame, really. You don’t hold the same kind of passion to keeping her safe as your daughter does to keeping you alive. The clock has stopped ticking, but I will use your daughter in any way I see fit.”
“She had nothing to do with this. I didn’t think you’d take this out on her. She’s innocent.”
“And by the time I’m done with her, she won’t be.”
Gino got to his feet and walked out of the door. He didn’t say a word as he left the hospital, climbing into the back of the car.
Drawing out his cell phone, he saw Avery pacing once again. A brand-new porn collection had been sent her way.
He hadn’t taken the time to watch any of the stuff he’d sent her. He knew the work the porn crew did was good quality. The sex toys, however, he was interested in.
The fire in her eyes, he wanted that directed at him.
Her father didn’t deserve her compassion. Regardless of what he thought, the man should have known he’d come for his money. When Gino was owed a debt, he’d find any means to take it. Her father was clearly stupid if he thought he was going to get away with shit like this or that Gino wouldn’t take Avery in his place.
Pocketing his cell phone, he finished his errands for the day, stopping by his office, to discover which debts had been paid, and the others that were outstanding. When he discovered the mayor hadn’t paid that week, he knew he’d have to pay the man a personal visit. The one way to do that was at the charity gala in two weeks’ time. It gave the mayor the chance to pay, plus interest, but also put him at a disadvantage. The good thing about politicians was they always wanted a squeaky-clean reputation, but often had very dark skeletons in their closet.
Gino didn’t believe in hiding his true self. By hiding who you are, it only risked the wrong kind of person finding out that information and destroying you. By the time night had fallen, he was hungry and ready to see his little captive.
Her dinner hadn’t been sent up to her yet, and on entering his home, he found it waiting for him, just as he’d requested.
Taking the tray, he made his way upstairs, going to the top floor where her room was located.
There was a guard outside the door, and he nodded his head to relieve him.
Entering the room, he saw no sign of Avery. Closing the door behind him, he removed his shoes, jacket, and released his tie.
Seconds later, she came out of the bathroom, dressed in only a towel.
She paused the moment she caught sight of him. “I didn’t think I was getting fed today.”
“You had breakfast.”
“Yes.”
“We will be eating lunch together.”
“At a table.”
“No. Right here in this room.”
“You said I could earn the chance to leave this room.”
He raised his brow, waiting for her to say more.
“I want to leave this room. It’s driving me crazy being here. I’ve been good. I don’t understand what else it is you want from me.”
He smiled. “I don’t want anything from you. Good behavior was all I requested, and all you need to do to win, is to earn it.”
“How? If it’s through sex I can’t do anything until we actually do something. You won’t sleep with me.”
“Sleeping is the very last thing on my mind.”
“Look, I don’t want to spend any more time staring at sex toys and watching porn. This isn’t fair.”
“You thought taking your father’s place would be easy?”
“I don’t know what I thought, but I’ve never done anything to you. I’ve never taken your money or gotten involved. I’m here of my own free will to be your toy. Can’t I at least go for a walk? Read a book? Sit at a table like a civilized human being?”
“You want to start eating at the table downstairs?”
“Yes. Is it so hard to ask?” She looked close to breaking. Out of everything he’d done so far, which wasn’t a lot, being trapped in a room was getting to her.
“I have conditions.”
“I’ll meet them.”
“Every single meal you will have to sit with me. You will share your food with me.”
“Fine.”
“I will expect you to dress for me. I want you to look stunning.”