“What?” I ask, looking as well. “Oh,” I say, a little surprised to see a bruise starting there, just above the crease. “Well, that’s new…” “Those assholes,” Christian grumbles, dropping my arm and raising his eyes to mine. “Bonetti’s men are always so needlessly brutal. I’m sorry, we’ll get you so
I don’t get much sleep after that, though I do finish my whole sandwich, hungrier than I thought I’d be. But when I push the empty plate away I stare at the ceiling in the dark for a long time, feeling disheartened. Honestly, what has my life become? I’m a little glad, really, that Christian nev
Christian groans, glaring at his cousin and then storming into the kitchen, pulling a phone out of his sweatpants pocket on the way. He leans against the counter with his back to me, murmuring furiously to whoever is on the other line. “What’s up!” Frankie’s voice calls out from behind me, and I s
Frankie and Nico move quickly around the kitchen, assessing the supplies as I just stand here, looking down at my feet, trying to put the pieces of my reality back together. Apparently, I stand there for a long time, because before I know it Frankie’s pressing a hot mug of coffee into my hand. “Cr
“How much do you need?” he asks, his words quick. “What?” I ask, tilting my head. “How much?” Christian pushes, narrowing his eyes at me. “My people found out your address, Iris. I know where you’ve been living, what your rent is. I also know how much money a girl like you pulls in at a club lik
“Christian,” I say, pressing my hands to my chest and willing him to see the truth in every ounce of me, “I swear to you, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I am not intentionally keeping something back – if there’s something I’m missing? I don’t know what it is.” “Think hard, Iris,” Christ
“She’s right here,” Nico says, his voice a little angry. “She’ll tell you herself.” “Anthony?” I ask. “Oh my god, Iris,” he gasps. “Are you okay!?” “I’m fine,” I say, all in a rush, “seriously, I’m fine, are you!?” “I am – what the hell happened last night!? One second you’re counting cash,
Christian breaks our gaze first, clenching his jaw and glancing down at his phone. “I have work to do,” he murmurs, pushing off the counter and brushing past me, already dialing and lifting his phone to his ear as he walks through the door to his room. “Come on, Bambi,” Frankie says after a long m