Page 59 of Savage Ambition

“And you’ve obviously gone back since then.”

I nodded.

“Damn, Shaw. That place isn’t cheap, especially if he’s getting top billing. How much are you dropping on him?”

“More than I should.” I twisted the beer bottle in my hands. “But less than I’d pay a therapist to deal with how I feel about him.”

Trent barked out a laugh. “Fair enough.” He grabbed another slice. “What’s the plan here? Keep paying him until your trust fund runs out?”

“There is no plan.” I finally looked up. “The problem is I can’t stay away from him.”

“Even though it could get you killed? The Gennaro family doesn’t exactly have a reputation for mercy.”

“You sound like you’ve been talking to Uncle Seymour.”

“I can’t help it after two decades of listening to Dad’s Mafia lectures.” Trent shrugged. “Besides, it’s interesting stuff. Did you know they found three bodies in the East River last month? All rumored to be competitors who tried moving in on Gennaro territory.”

My stomach turned. “No, I didn’t.”

“That’s who you’re getting involved with, Shaw. People who solve problems with cement shoes and piano wire.”

“Dante’s not like that.”

“How do you know? Because he’s good in bed? Because he smiles at you in class?” Trent’s gaze held no judgment. “What do you really know about his life outside the brothel?”

“Next to nothing.”

Trent sighed. “Look, I’m not trying to be an asshole. I’m worried about you. This whole situation is fucked-up in ways I don’t think you’ve fully considered.”

“Like what?”

“Like the fact that Jace would kill you both if he found out. Like the possibility that Dante is using you for something more valuable than your money. Like the very real chance that you could end up as collateral damage in whatever game the Gennaro family is playing.”

I stared at my beer. “You think Dante’s using me?”

“I think it’s a possibility you should consider. You saw all that paperwork they had us fill out. They’re digging for dirt on their clients.”

“Even if they dig, they aren’t going to find anything. Besides, Dante has never asked about our family.”

“Not yet.” Trent sighed. “But even if he’s not using you, there’s still Jace to worry about.”

I groaned. “It’s complicated.”

Trent tipped his beer toward me. “For what it’s worth, I think you should be able to be with whoever makes you happy, even if it’s Dante Gennaro.”

“Thanks.” I groaned, dropping my head into my hands. “What am I supposed to do, Trent?”

“Hell if I know. But is any of it real when Dante sells his body for a living to anyone with cash?”

The truth stung, but I’d already wrestled with it countless nights. “You think I don’t have the same doubts? You think I don’t hate myself for every dollar I spend to be with him?”

“Then why do it?”

The words burst out of me. “Because it’s the only way I can be with him! When I’m with him, everything makes sense in a way nothing has since my parents died. I don’t feel like the orphan kid who lost everything.”

Trent stared at me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Okay.”

“Okay? That’s it?”