Chapter 9

Sunday was my rest day, but I made myself take my run. I ran to clear my mind. Six miles of just me and Miami Beach. The possibility that this could all backfire filled my thoughts; he could kill me and this would be my last mission. I had to stop and catch my breath. If he caught any of us, we’d all die. Sophia’s death would be on my hands because I got her in further. She could die a fate worse than death for betraying the family. My thoughts ceased as my phone began to ring from Antonio.

“Hey,” I said while staring at the water.

“The date was a success. Good idea on your part.”

“I’m glad,” I said miles away from him and his conversation.

“Is this about the other day?” He paused, waiting for me to answer.

“No, I’m just tired. I’ve been busy,” I said as I took in a deep breath.

“Should I come over?”

“No, I’m not home and I don’t think it’s safe that you show up there anymore,” I spoke with my eyes closed and pictured his sweet smile turning into a frown.

“After yesterday, I thought we could get to do things like that more often.”

“It’s just not safe,” I found myself hating my next words. “We have to be really careful,” I gave him hope that I shouldn’t have.

“I agree. The mission is most important.”

“I have to go. Talk later,” I hung up before he could even speak.

I pulled my knees up and rested my chin on my arms. This was going to get messy. In less than a week, I broke my cardinal rules for dick. One was after my heart and the other was after only god knows what. Let’s not forget, I might possibly have to kill one. I headed home and shook all of this away. I had a job to do and that’s what I was going to do. This mission would not be a failure because my life depends on it.

Two weeks had passed and things seemed to be ok. I continued waitressing. If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought Gio was keeping his distance, which was fine because I took Sophia’s advice. I snuggled up to Emmanuel, quick drinks during my shift and he had invited me to dinner tonight. Griffin and Sophia were both alive, while Antonio was busy with Isabella.

“Hey, Manny!” I said as he sat at the bar.

“Hey, Rox,” He said as he sipped his whiskey.

“What are you doing down here?” I said pulling my long tresses behind my ear.

“I have to make sure you don’t bail on our date tonight,” He said as he rubbed my thigh and I shuddered from his touch. He was the last one inside me and although it was out of spite, I liked the way he fucked me.

“I will be there,” I said as Lorenzo returned with my drink order.

“Be where?” Lorenzo said looking directly at me.

“I’m taking Rox on a date tonight,” Emmanuel said looking at me like I was his meal and god, did I want to be.

“I have to go. Pick me up out back.” I said before rushing off. Their eyes were all on me and that’s how I liked it. I was also the customers favorite. I didn’t mind the free fills more than what I’ve gotten in years. My big tipper came in just about every night. I knew sooner or later, he’d want a VIP room session.

“For my birthday, I want you,” He said in my ear and I blushed. But then as he stroked my arm, I felt his eyes; the eyes I hadn’t seen in weeks. My eyes darted up to his and my body reacted with a bite to my bottom lip.

“I like your hair down like this, Roxy,” He said as he ran his hands through my hair, pulling my eyes back to him.

“I wear it like this just for you,” I said placing a kiss on his cheek before he placed $200 in my bra with a wink. I made sure to shake my ass a little extra hard for him as I walked away.

Emmanuel was gone from the bar, I imagined he went to talk to Giovanni. My shift was ending soon and my feet were tired as hell. I couldn’t wait to change into something more comfortable for my date with Manny.

“Be careful, Roxanne. They’re trouble,” Lorenzo said as he placed the drinks on my tray.

“Lorenzo, I know what I’m doing,” I said with a smile.

Truth is, he was right to be worried because Emmanuel is just as dangerous as Giovanni.

I changed into a pair of black leggings, a red lace bra under a white silk, buttoned-down blouse with red pumps. I left my silver hoops in and my silver infinity bracelet. I looked myself over before heading out to meet Emmanuel when I saw Giovanni waiting at the back door. I stopped in my tracks as he stood feet apart and his hands behind his back. “Fuck” is all I could think.

“Going somewhere?” He said in his husky voice that I hadn’t heard in weeks.