Page 33 of Savage Ambition

“I’m not implying anything. I’m explicitly saying you’re being a huge asshole right now,” Trent said. “Stop being such a dick. Shouldn’t you be in a better mood after coming on that hot chick’s tits?”

Jace stepped into his space. “Are you trying to make me hurt you tonight?”

“Go ahead and try,” my cousin challenged. “I’ll have you laid out on the sidewalk in one hit. Or maybe I’ll let you punch me so that redhead will kiss me to make me feel better. I can make her dress up like a nurse, too!”

“You’re so dead.” Jace lunged, but Trent was already running, forcing Jace to chase after him. “Yeah, you better run, asshole!”

I stared after them as Trent’s laughter echoed down the street.

The fear that followed me home that night had nothing to do with the Gennaro family and everything to do with the terror Jace’s bigotry had inspired.

CHAPTER TEN

DANTE

Ireturned to my personal room after the classroom session and sank onto the mattress. Shaw was becoming a vulnerability.

If Salvatore caught on to my distraction, he would leverage it, which meant a death sentence for us both.

A soft knock interrupted my thoughts. I called for Ishi to enter.

She handed me a cold water bottle and settled into the chair beside my bed. The sheet covered my hips, but Ishi had stitched me up too many times to care about modesty.

“Congratulations on another satisfied client,” she said, her teasing tone a stark contrast to the hellhole surrounding us. “He’s quite sweet. Not to mention very cute.”

“You like him, don’t you?”

Her lips curved into a knowing smile. “Almost as much as you.”

“Am I that obvious?”

“Only to me.”

If she noticed, Salvatore would catch it when he reviewed the tapes, searching for any weakness he could exploit. I needed tighter control.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” Ishi asked.

I wanted to ask her to check on Natalia to see how she was dealing with having Jace as a client, but I couldn’t do so without tipping off Salvatore. Other than Ishi, Natalia was the only true friend I had in the brothel. My curiosity would have to wait for our weekly clandestine meeting at a coffee shop, away from the prying eyes of the brothel.

“Not that I can think of right now, but thanks,” I said.

“You know I’m always happy to do anything I can to take care of—” Ishi’s words cut off as the door swung open without warning. She stood and bowed, her physical demeanor transforming into perfect subservience.

Salvatore Gennaro entered my room. The man who had adopted me after orchestrating my parents’ “accident” filled the doorway with his broad frame in a tailored three-piece suit. A jade-green pocket square matched his tie.

His cold gray eyes cataloged every detail. I had watched his manicured hands strangle a man for daring to interrupt him during dinner. Those same hands had rested on my shoulder at fifteen when he’d first explained what my “duties” to the family would entail as my training to become his perfect sexual weapon began.

One day, I would cut them off before killing him to free myself and my brother. And if it meant I became the new head of the Gennaro Mafia, then so be it. But today, I waited.

“Welcome back, Master,” Ishi greeted, her voice honey-sweet. “How was your trip to California?”

“Mostly a waste. It seems they’re not ready for Gennaro Corporation yet.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, sir.”

He crooked his finger, beckoning her closer. “You should reconsider my offer, girl. You’d make a fortune working with clients.”

“Perhaps after I graduate.” They were empty words. I’d rather she quit and abandon me than be forced into sexual servitude.