My blood runs cold. My worst fears have been confirmed.
I have no way out.
“I’m telling the truth,” I whisper.
He lets me go and steps back, straightening his jacket.
My face is throbbing, but I keep my cool, glaring at him.
“Ice that. Rafael will ask questions.” With that, he leaves.
I sink to the floor and cry.
I sit on that floor until Ajax starts to bawl. Slowly, I push to my feet and walk towards him. My face is swollen from sobbing and the harsh slap Riccardo dealt earlier.
I reach my son, take a deep breath, and scoop him up. Things feel as if they’ve gone from bad to worse. It was one thing when Riccardo was making demands—it’s another when he’s laying his hands on me. It’s gone to a whole new level now.
“Hey honey!”
I flinch at the sound of Celia’s voice and hesitate to turn around. If she sees me like this, she’ll flip out.
Who am I kidding? I can’t hide it from her. There is not a single thing I can do to avoid this.
I take a shaky breath and turn.
Her face drops and she rushes over, clutching my shoulders. “What happened?”
“It’s nothing . . . I was just upset.”
“So upset you gave yourself a black eye?”
I flinch and press my fingers to my cheek. Is it going to be black? He hit me hard, sure, but I didn’t think he’d connected that hard that he left a mark. Dammit. “I don’t have a black eye.”
What a pathetic comeback.
“You will if you don’t put ice on that,” Celia says, taking Ajax from my arms. “Now come here into the kitchen and let me get some.”
“It’s fine, Celia, honestly. I need to feed him.”
She waves to the stool, ignoring me. “Then I’ll get his bottle while you ice your eye.”
She hands my son back to me and I nuzzle him. He’s perfect. The only thing that keeps me sane. I hold him there, his soft skin against my face, until Celia is done preparing his bottle. She pries him from my arms and replaces him with an ice pack. “Now, you’re going to put that on your face and tell me who the hell laid their hands on you.”
I sigh. “Riccardo.”
“That dog. I’ll gut him. I’ll cut his dick off and shove it up his ass.”
I crack a smile. I don’t know where I’d be without her. “He got angry because he thought I was lying to him.”
“Were you?” she asks.
I swallow, then nod. “Yeah, I was. Well, I withheld the truth. Something happened and I realized I might be able to use it to my advantage, so I didn’t tell him. He suspected I was lying, hit me, threatened me, and then I made up some bullshit story and he left.”
“So,” she says, eyes wide, still furious, “what exactly did you hear?”
I sigh.
Then I tell her everything.
CHAPTER 9
“Don’t freak out.”
I stare at Marcus, who is standing at my front door. He’s just arrived shortly after calling for directions, told me we’re going out tonight, and then proceeded to inform me not to freak out. I have no idea what he doesn’t want me to freak out about, but whatever it is has my chest clenching with the constant state of worry that has become my life. “Ah, okay.”
He narrows his eyes and leans in close, as if seeing me for the first time. He uses his thumb to swipe over my cheek, and I flinch. His finger comes away covered with concealer. His eyes flash and he steps back. “Who did that?”
I got quite the shiner from Riccardo’s slap yesterday. I put makeup on a few minutes ago as I’m about to head out to work. Obviously, it didn’t cover it as well as I’d thought—either that or Marcus has X-ray vision and can see right through my pathetic attempt at covering it.
“How did you . . .?”
“Your eye is slightly swollen, and the two times I’ve seen you you’ve not worn makeup. Doesn’t take a genius. Now, I ask you, who did that?”
I open my mouth, then close it. “I fell.”
His jaw tics. “I can handle a lot of things, Julietta. I can handle your secrecy, your need to keep your family safe, but I can’t handle abuse.”
“It’s not your problem, Marcus.”
He makes a grunting sound, but nods. “For now. What time do you finish work?”
“I am on day shift, so I’m usually out by five p.m. Want to tell me what it is we’re doing?”
“I just want you to see something. No pressure. Completely safe. I’ll come by and get you at seven p.m. Bring your friend if you want.”
I huff. “I’m not actually going to get a choice in this, am I?”
He shakes his head. “No.”
Ajax croaks in the next room, and Marcus’s eyes flicker in that direction. “Can I . . .?”
His gaze holds mine in question. He wants to meet Rafael’s child. Of course he does. I would probably feel the same if it were me.
I exhale and nod, stepping out of the way and letting him in. He walks into the living area where Ajax is in his rocker, gurgling at a toy hanging above him, dribble running down his chin.
“He’s a Lencioni, through and through,” Marcus murmurs, squatting down and running a big hand over Ajax’s head. “He’s fucking perfect.”
Pride swells in my chest. “He is, isn’t he?”
Marcus looks up at me, grinning. “You already knew that, of course.”
“Of course.” I smile.
I lean down and scoop Ajax out of the rocker. “Ajax, meet your Uncle Marcus, Marcus, meet Ajax.”
Marcus extends a finger, and Ajax curls his little fist around it.
“Strong. Definitely a Lencioni.”
I flinch, but say nothing.
Sometimes I wish more than anything he wasn’t a Lencioni. That would make my life so much easier. But my son is who he is, and I love him so much more for it.
Marcus releases his finger and looks to me. “Seven, okay?”
I nod. “I can’t . . . I can’t be seen. Is this location safe?”
Marcus nods. “I swear it.”
“Okay, Marcus. I’ll play into whatever it is you’re doing.”
He nods, looks down at Ajax again, and then turns and leaves.
I sigh.
What am I doing?
~*~*~*~
Rafael – I can’t stop thinking about fucking you in your scrubs.
I flush at the text message on my phone. It’s break time, and I’m sitting with my coffee and sandwich, scrolling through my phone.
Julie – Is that so?
Rafael – It’s so. Don’t make me wait too long. I’m not a patient man.
I grin.
Julie – Then perhaps it’s time for you to learn.
Rafael – My cara forgets who I am.
Julie – You don’t let anyone forget who you are, Lencioni.
Rafael – Good. Then you’ll know that I like you doing as you’re told.
Julie – I’m more than aware of that, except you haven’t told me to do anything.
Rafael – Outside. Now.
I blink, then read the message again.
Julie – What?
Rafael – Come outside. Now, Julietta.
I stand obediently, my body reacting long before my mind kicks in. I put my sandwich in the fridge and finish my coffee before walking out of the hospital and out the front doors.
Rafael stands against a brick wall, his arms crossed over his chest, his suit perfect, as always. My heart flutters as I move towards him, unable to stop the smile that spreads across my face.
He steps forward, catches me around the waist, and hauls me up against him. His mouth crashes down on mine without hesitation. He kisses me long, and deep, and so fucking good. I tangle my fingers in his hair and kiss him with equal force and passion. His hand goes down, slipping beneath my scrubs to cup my ass. He uses it as leverage to pull me against him.
So.
Good.
After a fe
w moments of his caressing my ass and grinding me against him, I pull back and press a finger to my swollen lips. “Well,” I breathe. “That was a great lunch break.”
He grins, touching his finger to my lips, too. He studies my face, narrowing his eyes. Can he see my black eye?
“What happened to your eye?”
“I had an allergic reaction to some food; I got a bit of swelling. It’s easing.”
He nods, then cups my jaw. “I can’t wait much longer, Julietta. I need my cock inside you again.”
I flush, then look away.
The bleeding has stopped. There is no reason for me to not be with him, except I’m terrified he’ll know the difference and I’ll have to explain it.
“Soon, I promise. I’ve been, ah, having troubles.”
His eyes flash. “Is it something I should be worried about?”
“No, I’ll be fine in a few weeks.” My eyes drop to his erection. “Until then, I’m sure we can find other ways to deal with that.”
He growls. “Be careful what you offer, I’ll take you around the side of this building and slide my cock into your mouth without hesitation. I’m already running thin on patience.”
I lean up on my tiptoes and kiss his lips softly. “As I said, learning some will do you good. I have to get back to it.”
With that, I turn and stride off with a grin on my face.
I’ve missed playing with Rafael Lencioni.
CHAPTER 10
“So, any idea where we’re going?” Celia asks.
We just dropped Ajax off to my parents’ place and came back to my apartment to wait for Marcus to pick us up.
I shrug. “No idea.”
“Hmmm. Do you think it’s safe?”
I nod. “I don’t think Marcus would put us in any danger.”
She smiles. “Well I’m excited.”
“Ladies.”
We both turn on the sidewalk to see Marcus striding towards us, and beside him is an extremely handsome, extremely scary-looking man. I swallow as they get closer and I see he’s wearing a leather jacket. There are patches on that jacket. Some that say . . . president.
He’s a biker.
He’s a very hot biker.
His hair is dark, messy, and as rogue as him. His eyes are the lightest blue and he’s chiseled in the most masculine way, from his forehead right down to his jaw. He’s also massive, a bundle of pure muscle and raw power.
“This is Maddox; he’s president of the Joker’s Wrath Motorcycle Club. They’re doing some time in Chicago. I wanted you to meet them,” explains Marcus.
Them.
Them.
The bikers he was talking about. No.
“Marcus you said,” I say, stepping back. “I told you . . . no.”
“Don’t freak out on me, Julietta,” Marcus says, his voice careful but firm. “Just give me the night. I promise your safety.”
Maddox looks to me, and he smiles. He seems so genuine—scary, but genuine. He’s yet to speak, of course; he could possibly be an absolute asshole.
“I understand your perception of me and my kind,” he says, and his voice is low, and deep, and husky. God. “But I promise you, we’re nothing like what you think, and we can offer a protection that is impenetrable.”
“I’m not trying to offend you, Maddox,” I say, my voice shaky. “But . . . my life is a mess right now, and I don’t need any more complications.”
“I respect that,” he says. “Just come out with us tonight. I swear, at the very least, you’ll have fun.”
I look to Marcus, who nods.
I look to Celia who already has her hands clasped together in a plea. “I swear I’ll babysit for the rest of my life if you let me go and see what the rest of the bikers look like.”
Maddox chuckles.
I roll my eyes. “Fine, we’ll go.”
“Yay!” she cries, clapping her hands. “I’m Celia. Tell me there are single members in your club?”
Her eyes are hopeful and on Maddox.
He grins. “Good to meet you, darlin’, and there are plenty of singles in my club.”
“Did you hear how he said darlin’?” she breathes. “Swoon.”
Maddox chuckles. Marcus grins.
I roll my eyes again.
“Let’s do this,” I say, grabbing my best friend’s hand.
God, what are we getting ourselves into?
~*~*~*~
Marcus drives us to a huge warehouse out of town, somewhat like the one I was taken to when Maria was killed. This one is nicer, cleaner, and there are bikes and men everywhere. I swallow down my nerves as I take in the bikers milling around, some with women tucked to their sides, others just standing in groups or alone. All of them wear the same style of leather jacket as Maddox does, without the ‘president’ insignia.
I take a deep breath, and Celia makes a pleased sound. Marcus stops the car and we all climb out. A woman, a very pretty and bubbly woman, comes racing towards him, full throttle. She launches herself into his arms and cries, “Marcus Tandem. You devil. How are you? It’s been so long? Did you bring Katia?”
“Jaylah,” Marcus says, hugging her tight before placing her on her feet. “Good to see you.”
“And who are these lovely ladies?” she says, her eyes finding Celia and me.
“This is Julietta and Celia. Friends of mine.”
“Any friends of yours are friends of mine. Hi, I’m Jaylah.”
The woman, who is possibly our age or close to it, smiles so brightly it’s addictive. I can’t help but smile at her. “Nice to meet you, Jaylah,” I say.
“Okay, I thought the men were good,” Celia says. “But if all the girls are as nice as you, I’m staying.”
Jaylah laughs and throws her arm around Celia’s shoulder. “If you’re looking for a man, I have just the one.”
They disappear inside, and I shuffle closer to Marcus. He puts a hand on my arm and says, “Come on. I want you to meet some people.”
We move closer to the warehouse, and I flush as a few men whistle at me. We go over to a group of people, a mix of men and women, and they all stop talking when we enter. “Marcus Tandem!” another gorgeous woman says.
“Santana.” Marcus nods.
A Native American man who is absolutely breathtaking steps forward, clapping Marcus on the shoulder. “Long time no see.”
“Mack.”
“Something happen to Katia?” Mack asks, nodding at me.
“No. This is Julietta. She’s a friend of Rafael’s.”
All their heads swivel my way, and I wave lamely. “Ah, hi.”
“Didn’t know Rafael had a new ‘friend’,” another man says. He’s a little scarier, but equally as gorgeous with his mess of dark hair and tattoos.
“Long story,” Marcus says. “Julietta, these are very good friends of mine and the main members of the club. You’ve met Maddox—well, this is his vice president, Krypt.” He points to the scary tattooed one, who nods at me. “And this is Mack and Tyke.”
I wave to the other two men. Both grin at me.
“These are their better halves. Santana.” He points to the gorgeous woman who greeted him. “She’s with Maddox. Jaylah ran off with your friend, but she’s with Mack, and this is Pippa and Ash.”
I stare at the other two stunning women. Both of them wave and give me the same bright smiles Jaylah did.
“Nice to meet you all,” I say, my voice still weary.
“Between us,” Marcus says, “Julietta is in some trouble and is possibly looking for protection. We brought her here because she was a little anxious when I mentioned all of you.”
Santana comes up beside me. “A girl who isn’t afraid of the mafia, but is afraid of us.” She smiles warmly. “You’re gorgeous.”
I laugh; I can’t help it. “I wasn’t scared, per se. I just . . . I’ve never met, ah, bikers.”
“Trust me, we’re a lot less scary than Rafael Lencioni and his group.” She winks. “Come on, ladies. Let
’s take Julietta inside and get her a drink.”
The girls all move from the group and take me inside, where even more bikers are milling around. Celia is at the bar with Jaylah and another man. They’re all laughing. Well, she’s clearly not worried.
Maybe I need to loosen up a little, too.
Right?
CHAPTER 11
I throw my head back and laugh. “You’re all crazy.”
Jaylah laughs and makes a snorting sound. “We used to do that kind of stuff all the time. Before babies, of course.”
“Truth or dare does sound fun.” Celia laughs. “I mean, can you imagine playing with these hotties?”
I chuckle at her. “You’d do anything for the love of a good-looking man.”
She wiggles her brows. “It’s true, and I’m not ashamed.”
“Take it and own it, girlfriend.” Ash giggles.
“What about you, Julietta? What do you do for fun?” Pippa asks.
“Right now, not much. I, uh . . . I have a baby.”
“Ohhhhh,” Ash croons. “A baby!”
“Yeah. He’s gorgeous.”
“He really is.” Celia sighs. “So perfect.”
“Is he Rafael’s then?” Jaylah asks, throwing her legs on Santana’s lap.
I look away.
“It’s a long story,” Celia says for me. “But he doesn’t know about it, and for now, it needs to remain like that.”
“You don’t have to tell us twice,” Santana says. “We completely understand.”
“Marcus mentioned you were in trouble,” Pippa says. “Anything we can help you with?”
I shrug. “I think that’s why I’m here. I think he wants me to ask for help from your club, but right now I’m not entirely sure anyone can help me.”
“If anyone can,” Ash says, “it’s this club and these men. They’re incredible. Don’t hesitate to trust them with your life and your son’s life.”
“The mess I’m in is a lot deeper than just getting protection,” I say, glancing at Celia.
“Well, you know we have you covered if you need it,” Santana says, “And, if all else fails, we make incredible babysitters.”