Chapter Nine

When I’m roused from sleep again by a deep voice, I expect to find Jay in my room. But it’s not him.

“What do you want?” I question breathlessly, as I’m startled when I note Cross standing at the end of the bed. I pull the blanket tighter to my chest as he strokes his chin, excitement in his widened eyes while he watches me.

“His little prized possession,” Cross rasps into the night as he stares at me with a murderous gaze. I point to the door, hating how my hand shakes.

“Get out!” I shout but he ignores me and leans to press his palms flat on the bed. Fear makes my heart flutter until I’m coated with a layer of sweat and my tongue feels dry.

God, where is Jay?

“Who sent you?”

Cross chuckles.

“No one fucking sent me. I’m here of my own fucking agenda.”

Which isn’t a good thing.

“What do you want?” I ask, knowing that I most likely don’t want to hear the answer because whatever violent, sexual thing he has running on repeat in his mind is better kept a secret. I picture him in that room with Dominico, making lewd remarks.

“Mm, just getting a glimpse of what I’m going to have soon.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

My nervousness makes a smug smile spread on his lips.

“Your little sex idea,” He comments. “I can’t fucking wait to feel how tight you are.”

He stands and thrusts his hips while grinning and I frown.

I will legit lose my mind.

“Hell no,” I hiss. He chuckles and cocks his head to the side.

“What’s the matter? It doesn’t matter which dick is in you. And I'll be damned if it isn’t mine.”

I shake my head, fingers gripping the blankets tight enough to turn them purple.

“I don’t want you. J-Jay’s going to do it.”

Cross shakes his head.

“Jay isn’t going anywhere near you. In fact, he’s in there telling Dominico to make you mine as we speak.”

“You’re lying!”

He presses a hand to his chest as his eyes crinkle with amusement.

“You sound so disappointed. You got a crush on the boss?”

“The boss? Dominico is the boss.”

Cross taps his chin. “But Jay is his second in command. Family is family. And if Jay says I’ll do it, then I am going to fucking do it.”

Cross yanks the blanket down so my thighs are exposed and I glare at his hands.

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy my cock more than his.” He laughs and the sound of it makes me cringe.

“Never.”

I will never be with him.

“Does Jay know you’re crushing on him?”

“I’m not,” I rush quickly. Cross guffaws, nodding to my shirt where my nipples have hardened.

“Bullshsit. Look at that, even getting wet while we talk about him. I can warm you up if you like? Fuck you now to prepare for when I have to fuck you in front of a camera.”

“Shut up!” I scream. Cross clicks his tongue before releasing my blanket.

“Fuck. I know it’s a few hours from now, but it’s not soon enough.” He sighs before he spins around and I’m surprised he hasn’t just taken advantage of me now.

“You’re fucking lucky Jay ordered us all not to touch you.” He calls over his shoulder before he disappears.

He did?

“Why would he do that?” I mumble into my now quiet room.

The room has no windows. I sigh, wishing I could see outside. The sound of footsteps grabs my attention again and I nibble my nails nervously.

Please don’t be Cross. Please don’t be Cross.

My door handle moves and the door is opened revealing Jay with food in his hand and drinks. I sigh with relief but as soon as that blows over, I glare at him.

I’ll be damned if he’s going to toy with me and then pawn me off to Cross.

Jay sets the food and waters down on the bed.

“Have a nice nap?” He says sarcastically. “Like you’re a fucking hotel guest.”

I ignore him and eye the food for a moment.

“Eat. You’ll need it.”

That’s it.

“Why? So everyone can force me to have sex with Cross?” I counter aggressively. “ No fucking thank you. Cut off another finger.”

His eyes narrow and he emits danger. He’s fully clothed now but regardless of garments, I still see his naked body in my mind every time I blink.

“Do you think you have a fucking say?”

My face falls and my cheeks heat up. Begging hasn’t been beneath me, especially married to Will. I’ve done a lot of that in the past, but right now the notion of it feels degrading.

“Jay, please. I’d … I'd rather have you,” I admit.

Jesus, Cross wasn’t far off. I sound like I’m crushing like a schoolgirl.

“Well, you don’t get me!” He booms. “I’m not someone who’s here to pleasure you, Akira. I am here for when this shit goes south. I’m the one who cuts off the limbs and peels the skin and does all of the things you see in nightmares. So stop wanting me and start fearing me!”

I’m shivering when he’s done.

I don’t even know what to say.

“Nevermind,” I mumble before reaching for the food, sighing when I unravel a plate of fried chicken, potatoes, and green beans.

Relatively fine eating for a prisoner. Probably making sure I’m ready to perform.

I regret it now. I mean, I was dumb to think I could control this.

I take a bite of the food, surprised when he doesn’t leave the room. Instead, he sits in a chair along the right wall and watches me closely.

“Did he respond? Will, I mean. To the finger?”

Jay has a stone expression on his face as he watches me.

“Not the way we’d hoped.” He drags his fingers through his hair and I continue to eat. “You must know your husband more than we thought.”

“I do,” I state matter-of-factly. He scoffs.

“This video better make him jump like he’s a fucking puppet and we’re controlling the strings.”

“It will… especially when I make it seem like he asked me to do this. You can threaten him with the video and make him do your bidding. The only thing he hates more than the thought of me sleeping with someone else is the thought of his career being ruined. I don’t doubt that he is using this situation for press coverage right now. Sympathy is great for elections.”

Jay clenches his hands into fists. “If he doesn’t heed our demands, then he won’t have to worry about votes.”

“You’ll kill him?” A bark of laughter leaves Jay.

“Oh, I’ll do more than that. And trust me, you’ll want me to.”

I frown as I swallow the mouthful. “Akira… put down the food.” Alarm bells go off and I slowly put the food down.

“He killed your dog, Akira.”

Those words sound far away: foreign, surreal. My mouth falls agape as I stare at him. He’s lying. He has to be. My dog’s fine. Phoenix is fine.

“No,” I reply and shake my head. My voice cracks horribly. “No, it’s not true.” My throat becomes raw as tears well in my eyes.

“I had someone check, Akira. Your dog is gone.”

I lose control.