Page 48

I get in the car and forget the guy immediately.

I get home and take the rest of the stardust I have left. Vito Caruso ordered more than usual. I wouldn’t normally cut it, but desperate times call for desperate measures. I mix some of my best stuff with the fresh batch from rat-face. I know I shouldn’t, but Vito still owes me from last time. I bag it all, get into the BMW, and we head to the Pit.

Usually, Caruso sends one of his guys. Today he wants me to come myself. Probably power play. Or maybe he doesn’t want his men knowing exactly how much he takes. I don’t know if my estimate about twenty grams sank in, or if he’s experimenting, but the old wolf has some problems. It’s not my job to fix him. I just sell the product.

In the car I stare at my phone. I sent another text to Max. Still nothing. I won’t send more. I still have some dignity left, but it doesn’t stop it from hurting. Even if he is a succubus, I feel dropped.

Memories of Lex keep flashing back too. How fast my body heated up for him. I let myself go too far. I only seem to make terrible choices with men. Maybe I should switch to girls, but something tells me it won’t be any easier.

One more shadow keeps slipping through my thoughts. I shove it away as fast as I can.

Maybe I should go out with Josh. He’s always fun, and it wouldn’t be anything serious. We reach the Pit, and I lock my phone.

The place sits unusually quiet.

“This will be quick,” I tell Sava and head inside. A guard opens the office door. They all know me.

I step in. Vito isn’t behind the desk. Nero is.

Fuck me. Can I never escape this guy?

He looks different in this chair, too serious, almost like a younger Vito. The sight sends an unpleasant shiver down my spine. One monster for another. Someday it will be him.

“You’re not Vito.”

“His meeting ran long. I’m here to pick up the stardust.”

“Well, let’s get it over with then.” He doesn’t move. Doesn’t pull out cash. This won’t be quick. I drop into the chair, cross my legs. My skirt rides high.

“I have fifteen grams as ordered. You owe me eighteen thousand.” Still nothing.

“Is it a lot?” he asks. “Of stardust.”

Right. He doesn’t touch the stuff. “Yes. But for your father… not that much. He’s a big boy.”

Nero’s face twists.

“Since when does he buy from you?”

“A couple of years. He buys heavy and often. One of the few wolves who does.”

“Why?”

“Ask him. He’s your father.” Nero stays silent. Guess they aren’t that close. “Ever tried it yourself?”

“No.” Pure contempt in his voice.

I shake my head and laugh under my breath. So fucking full of himself. “He takes it to control the monster. That’s how it works on wolves.”

He scoffs.

“What?” I say. “You never feel like you’re losing control? Like you want to separate from your life? Everything is perfect in your world?”

“I don’t need drugs to exist.”

“Well. Some of us do it just to survive. You would never understand.” Anger rises in me. “I know what you think of me. You complain about spoiled rich witches, but look at you. Pretty judgmental yourself. I don’t judge anyone. Old money, new money. To me you’re all the same. Just. Money. So pay up, take the dust, and fuck off.”

Nero stands, circles the desk, and sits on the edge, right next to me.