“I’ll be fine on my own,” I say.
Adriano stops on his way to the door and turns to look at me.“I didn’t ask, Laurie. We’re going to a hotel.”
Oh shit.
The realization that he’d want to have sex in a hotel room and not in his office hits me like a punch to the gut.
He must see my reaction because he says, “You’re half dead on your feet. I like my women a little more alive. I’m just going to drop you off and make sure you have everything you need. Once you’ve had time to rest, I’ll send for you.”
Oh. Okay. Good. I can deal with that… for now.
Grabbing my suitcase, I follow Adriano out of the office. My eyes roam over his broad shoulders and back, and only then do I notice he’s a head taller than me. Even under the dark blue suit, it’s clear he’s packing a lot of muscle.
At least he’s not a wrinkly old man.
The thought doesn’t offer me much comfort, and when the guy who looks like the Incredible Hulk’s twin walks toward us, I begin to second-guess leaving the club.
My feet come to a dead standstill between the tables and the now empty stage.
The big guy gestures with a tip of his chin at me, and it has Adriano stopping and turning around.
I cling to my handbag strap and suitcase handle. “So…yeah, I’m not going to drive anywhere with the two of you.”
Annoyance flashes over Adriano’s face, and as he slowly stalks back toward me, I swallow hard on the nervous lump stuck in my throat.
He stares me down until I glance at the stage to break eye contact.
“I don’t have time to waste, Laurie.”
His words stomp all over my self-esteem that’s been obliterated.
Exhausted, worried, and very overemotional, I struggle to lift my chin and scowl at him. “I didn’t ask you towastetime on me.”
Unable to think clearly, I rush toward the double doors, just wanting to get away from Adriano and his overgrown ape.
Out on the sidewalk, I suck in shaky breaths as I fight to not burst out in tears. Then my eyes land on the sign ‘Mitchell’s Construction.’
The next second, my suitcase is jerked out of my hand, and as I swing around, in time to see the big guy taking my belongings, strong arms engulf me and haul me off my feet.
Adriano has one arm wrapped around my front, and when my lips part to scream, his hand clamps over my mouth.
“Umpf!” My words are muffled as he carries me toward the SUV. With eyes wide as saucers and a thundering pulse, I struggle and pull against his forearm while trying to worm myself free. “Et..gwo!”
I’m shoved into the backseat, and quickly scramble to the other door, but when I try the handle, it doesn’t open.
Adriano gets in beside me as I dart between the front seats, but he just grabs hold of my hips and hauls me backward.
I’m shoved down on my back, and while I let out a desperate cry, the big guy gets in behind the steering wheel.
Adriano’s much stronger body crowds mine as he leans over me, and when his fingers wrap around my throat, I fear this is it for me.
He’s about to punch my ticket to the afterlife.
I grab hold of his wrist and let out a desperate cry. “Please. Oh, God. Please! Don’t kill me.”
Adriano’s features soften a fraction, then he does the most unnerving thing I’ve ever experienced.
He tilts his head as he leans closer and whispers, “Shh,la mia farfalla.The last thing I want to do is kill you.” He turns his face and locks eyes with me, his dark and ruthless, and mine probably swimming in tears. “But you belong to me now, and you will do whatever I say. Got it.”