Page 103 of Unlock My Heart

“You have been used and abused by the Calvani family for years. Sick of it yet?”

Well, now that he mentions it, yes. But not taking the bait, I inform him, “I don’t fuck around with feds.”

Before I can end the call, he retorts, “Nah, they just fuck around with you and leave you for dead.”

An icy feeling flows through my veins, but I keep my tone light. “What is it you want? And I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”

“You didn’t catch it because I didn’t give it to you,” he says with laughter in his voice, and I decide that I dislike whoever the hell this man is. “Name’s Kirksey. Ain’t no fed,” he says the last part with enough venom that I believe him.

“Well then, Kirksey, you’ve obviously gone to the trouble to contact me, so what is it you want?”

“Scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”

“Meaning?” I press him.

“Information.”

“And what information do you think I possess?” I fish.

“Doll, don’t sell yourself short,” he chides.

“Don’t call me doll, and I can assure you, Kirksey, I’d never do such a thing.”

He chuckles. “No, I’d guess not. But what I would guess is that you’re sitting on a goldmine of information. From goomah to capo’s wife to madam of the family’s call girl ring, and now wife of the eldest Calvani heir. Impressive rise for a sheltered girl from Utah.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I feign ignorance. “But to hear you tell it, I’m practically famous.”

“I’d say more infamous. Especially your beauty.”

“Sorry, but flattery will get you nowhere,” I inform him.

“Would a quarter of a million get me somewhere?” Kirksey counters.

I scoff. “Please. I don’t get out of bed for less than two million.” My price has increased since Fabien bought me off. “But just so you know, my back isn’t in need of scratching.” My heart pounds as I end the call.

The note gets crumpled and flushed down the toilet. As for the burner phone, it should go in the dumpster, but then I recall my time spent in one, and so I hide it in the bottom of a decorative tissue box.

My back isn’t in need of scratching, but it might one day.

Chapter Thirty

Sienna

The present

A large hand weaves its way through my hair, and I sigh contentedly.

Until my mind catches up, and I realize something isn’t right.

My eyes snap open to find Fabien seated next to me in my bed, petting my hair. I blink rapidly. “What are you doing here?”

“You’re so damn beautiful in the morning.” He moves his hand down to my cheek, and I jerk my head away from his touch.

I sit up, trying to make sense of what the hell is happening while giving myself some space.

Fabien’s eyes dip to my camisole, and my nipples pucker under his gaze. “Fuck, I’m a man starved,” he murmurs as I yank the covers over myself.

“Go eat somewhere else. How are you here?” He should still be in prison, and yet here he is dressed sharply in a suit, looking far too handsome for my own good.