Chapter 5: Enraged and Engaged

Reno's POV

My head was pounding. It took a few moments for me to be able to open my eyes. When I did I was surrounded by men in suits with guns.

Oh shit.

This could mean only one thing. Vigo Ramsey had found me.

"Hey guys," I said casually. "Catch the game last night?"

"Be quiet!" The one nearest me grunted.

"Reno!" A voice declared. "I've been trying to get a hold of you for some time!"

Vigo had a smile on his face, which was a good sign I think.

Vigo was an eccentric guy. He was all about manners while administering consequences for not paying him back. 

He was also pretty lenient. He should have definitely already cut my finger off or something by now.

"I-I know, I've been kinda busy."

"Yeah I heard you got into some therapy, good for you." His green eyes crinkled as he smiled.

"Um thank you."

"Now, Reno, do you know how much money you owe me?"

"No sir I do not."

"Well I do!" He looked around. "Who has my notepad with Reno's debt?"

All of the hitmen looked confused.

"Um…"

"Are you kidding me, I asked you guys to do one thing! Who did I tell to keep track of the notebook?"

"Owen…" they chorused.

Vigo turned to Owen. "So where is it?"

"I uh…I don't know boss…"

"Oh you don't know. Okay." Vigo pulled a gun out of his jacket and shot Owen.

I jumped at the sound and watched in horror as Owen thudded to the floor.

"I'm sorry about that Reno, but I asked him to do one thing. Anyways the notebook was just for dramatic effect. You owe me two milllion dollars."

I gasped. Holy shit, I did not know I was in this deep! 

"Oh," I whispered.

"Well do you have that?"

"Um, well no."

Vigo sighed. "Then I'm afraid I'm gonna have to kill you Reno." He held the gun up to me.

"Wait, wait! Um it's been a tough week! I-I had to go to therapy and I met the girl of my dreams and my wife left me-"

"Your wife left you?"

"Yep, kicked me out of the house and everything." I nodded furiously.

He lowered his gun. "You know Reno, I can relate. Just last month, my Carla kicked me out too."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thank you. I'm lost without her. I understand your turmoil. And because of that and the fact that I do like you, I'm gonna give you a lifeline. I'm giving you two months to pay me back. Does that seem fair?"

"Absolutely." I said even though I had no idea how I was going to get that money.

"Good! So let's set a meeting for two months from now." Vigo smiled. "Tommy, put that in my planner and don't you dare forget!"

"Of course boss."

I rubbed the back of my head and winced. They hit me really hard!

"What's the matter with your head, Reno?" Vigo asked.

"Um, they just hit me a little hard."

"You hit him? I told you to kindly bring him to me! Is conking him on the head kind?"

"No, boss." They mumbled.

"I apologize, Reno, these guys have no manners. I will handle them. You're free to go for now."

"Thank you, Vigo," I sighed in relief.

"Oh and Reno? If you try to scam me, I will kill you. Understand?"

"Yes, Vigo.  I do."

***

Jovie's house is really nice. It was almost like being in a museum. This sure was some celebration. I took a glass of champagne as I looked around. Where was she? I had to see her. To be in her presence. Maybe things would feel okay again.

"What are you doing here?" Jasper asked.

"Um Jovie invited everyone in group therapy."

"Hm. You all must be getting close."

"Yeah,  I guess." I shrugged.

"Don't get too close to my fiancee, Reno." Jasper warned. "Jovie is mine."

"If you say so,"

Suddenly the music cut and a spotlight shined at the top of the stairs. "Introducing the future Mrs. Sterlington!" A voice announced.

Jovie's POV

I was only excited for this engagement party because I knew Reno would be there. I hadn't talked to him as much as I'd like to this week. He seemed to be distracted by something. I would find out what it was tonight. 

I looked at my reflection as I got ready for the party. One of the straps on my slip hung carelessly on my shoulder as I surveyed the heels I had on. 

"I don't like these heels," I announced

"They look great," Jasper said.

"You're only saying that because you picked them out."

"And everything you wear looks good."

"Whatever,"

He came up behind me and put his hands on my waist. "It's true," he kissed my neck. "Like this slip looks so fucking good on you. I think I would look pretty good on you right now too."

"Jasper, we have to get ready for the party." I laughed.

"I can be quick." He twirled me around and kissed me hard. "Come on, we haven't had sex since you've moved in."

He kissed me again, dragging me away from the mirror and towards the bed. He laid me down and climbed on top of me.

While I wasn't really in the mood, this was much better than talking to Jasper. At least he wasn't boring during sex. 

Before I even realized it, he was in me. "Oh fuck Jovie."

It felt amazing. I don't know how Jasper is so good in bed when he thoroughly bored me in all other aspects.

I closed my eyes and let the pleasure take over me. Suddenly Reno's face flashed in my mind. What if it was him I was doing this with?

I could imagine it. His dark hair hanging on his forehead as he moved in and out of me. The smile  he would have as he drove me insane. The thrill that would flash in his eyes when he realized how close he was to taking me there. The smirk that would come across that perfect face at the mere satisfaction of having me under him.

Not only can I see him, but I can hear him too. "Jovie you feel so good,"

His fingers intertwined with mine as he went deeper and harder. His lips collided with mine. Feeling his tongue glide across mine left my body craving even more of him.

"I'm close," He moaned. "Oh fuck."

His body shook on top of mine as I reveled in watching him bite his lip as his eyes rolled to the back of his head. He was so sexy. And he was all mine.

"That was fucking incredible." Jasper gasped, breaking me out of my fantasy. "You were really into it babe."

"Yeah, it was so good it was almost like a dream."

***

This whole idea of me making an entrance felt so silly. I mean a spotlight at the top of the stairs? How tacky.

"Introducing the future Mrs. Sterlington!"

"Wait, I'm not keeping my last name?" I asked loudly. "Mine is so much better."

"Get in the spotlight!" Mom hissed.

I felt stupid, until I saw him. Reno looked up at me in awe. Everything felt okay again.

Jasper and I had to go around to all the tables and greet everyone.  I was happy when I reached the group therapy table. I only invited all of them so that it wouldn't be suspicious that I invited Reno.

As Jasper was talking to Nelson I turned to Reno. "Meet me in the garden in ten minutes."

"If you're late you owe me a kiss.” 

"Then I won't show up for an hour." I smiled. 

"See you in ten."

Slipping away from Jasper was easy. All I had to do was tell him that I needed to freshen up for him.

Reno was waiting for me. I hugged him tightly. I felt incredible in his arms. "You look stunning." He whispered. "But you shouldn't be on his arm."

"Who are you telling? Come on!" I grabbed his hand and pulled him through the garden. 

Fairy lights twisted through the branches and bushes and everything felt magical. We stopped near the lit up fountain. 

"Dance with me?" Reno asked. 

"There's no music." I pointed out.

"Who cares?" He pulled me to him. His arms wrapped around my waist as my arms draped around his neck.

Reno was looking at me intensely. I was trying to figure out what he was seeing. It felt like he thought I was responsible for the stars in the sky.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked.

"Because I'm a complete and total fool for you."

"We fucked in my mind today."

Reno looked surprised. "How was it?"

"Amazing. You're very passionate."

"Jovie, what are we doing?"

"Dancing, silly." I giggled.

"If I asked you to leave him, would you do it?"

"Ask me and we'll see."

"I can't. I'm not any better for you. I'm bad news."

"What's going on?"

"I'm pretty sure I'm going to be dead in two months." He whispered. 

"Are you sick?" I asked.

"Not in that way. I'm in deep trouble Jovie. You should probably stay away."

"You can't offer me trouble and expect me to stay away."

"I can't involve you, Jovie." Reno whispered. "You mean too much."

"You've only known me for five days," I said quietly. "Are you confusing wanting to fuck me with actually caring about me?"

"If I just wanted to fuck you I would have already done it, believe me."

"Then let me in, Reno. Maybe I can help."

"We should get back in there. I'm sure he's looking for you."

"Just a few more minutes." I held on tighter and rested my head against his chest.

His heart was beating rapidly. I wondered if he was excited or scared.

"Let's go, babe." He whispered. He tried to pull me away but I didn't move. "We really should go."

"I can't," I responded.

"Why not?"

"My heel is stuck."

Reno laughed as I lifted up my dress to show him my heel lodged in one of the cobblestones. I told Jasper these were bad heels.

He leaned down and grabbed my ankle, trying to pull it up. 

"Ouch, Reno, not so hard, I actually want to keep my foot!"

"I'm sorry, but it's fucking stuck! You could help you know."

I lifted as he pulled until finally I felt release! 

Too bad that release sent us flying straight into the fountain.