Page 96 of Savage Ambition

Jace’s face flushed dark red. “Have you always been gay, or did you randomly decide to start taking it up the ass for fun? Or does he make you do the fucking? Is that how it works with you two?”

“You don’t get to ask me those questions,” I snapped.

“Why not? We’re supposed to be friends.” He laughed, the sound ugly and harsh. “But I guess you’d rather be on your knees for Dante fucking Gennaro than be honest with the people who have stood by your side loyally for years.”

I fought to keep my hands from shaking. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“So, which is it? Do you silence him with your dick, or does he make you beg for his like all his other clients?”

“Shut your damn mouth.”

“I could almost forgive you for being gay,” he spat in disgust. “But of all the guys you could’ve picked, you chose him? That disgusting, diseased piece of shit?”

“Don’t talk about him like that.”

Jace threw his arms up in anger. “Why are you protecting him?”

“Why are you even here?”

He tried to force his way inside, but I planted my feet, angling my body to block the gap. Behind me, Dante hadn’t said a word. It killed me the four missed calls from earlier would look damning under the circumstances.

“Because you won’t stop seeing him, even after I warned you not to betray me.”

I bristled. “Since when do I need your permission? I can do whatever I want, Jace.”

“And whoever the hell you want, apparently.”

“It’s none of your damn business. You need to leave. Now.”

He crowded the doorway. “Or else?”

“I will never forgive you.”

Jace’s lip curled. “I’m not the one who needs forgiven. Does he make you pay top dollar like everyone else, or does he give you a discount for being such an eager little bitch?”

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”

Jace’s laugh was hollow. “What’s wrong with me? You fucking betrayed all of us, Shaw. For what? A piece of ass that half of Manhattan has probably fucked?”

“You’re the only bigot with a problem,” I spat back. “This is your sick obsession.”

“Obsession?” Jace’s eyes narrowed. “You think I’m obsessed with that worthless whore?”

If it wouldn’t leave Dante exposed, I would have thrown myself at Jace, consequences be damned. “Don’t call him that.”

“I suppose he makes enough money here that he’s not worthless to them. But even you can’t deny that he’s merchandise with a high price tag.”

“Touch him and I’ll kill you.”

“I’m going to do a lot more than touch him,” Jace snarled. “And you can’t do a fucking thing about it.”

“Sir,” the female employee interjected, “as this guest has already paid, you cannot extend your time with President Dragon. However, if you would prefer to wait, I can escort you to the lounge.”

I shot her a look that silenced her. Turning to Jace, I searched desperately for a way out of my worst nightmare, but words failed me.

He scoffed. “What are you getting so pissed about? He gets fucked for money. That makes him a whore by definition.” His eyes met mine, something almost pleading beneath the hatred. “Is that really what you want? Someone who spreads his legs for anyone with enough cash?”

I stared at him, sickened by finally seeing the ugliness of someone I’d once called a friend.