Protect Me: A Mafia Romance (The Rossi Crime Family Book 1) Read online

  I pick up the phone again and dial the bar. “Send Hayley to my office now,” I growl into the line when Candy picks up, then I slam the phone back down and wait.

  Two minutes later, I’m leaning back in my office chair while Hayley kneels in front of me, her pink painted lips wrapped around my dick, worshiping it like it’s a fucking god. She sucks hard and fast, and I close my eyes, enjoying her skills, wondering how much sweeter Kiera’s lips would feel wrapped around my cock instead.

  Chapter 7

  Keira

  I’m angry. At myself. At the situation. I thought Damon was better than the man he just proved himself to be. How could I be so stupid? I knew he wouldn’t force me. I knew it, but that didn’t make his advances any less scary.

  I wander aimlessly around the club trying every single exit Damon and I walked past earlier. Every single one has a bouncer standing in front.

  Am I a prisoner now?

  I notice people’s stares, how their eyes linger on me just a little too long. It leaves an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don’t look like any of the other girls here. In fact, I stick out like a sore thumb. I tuck a couple strands of hair behind my ear as I continue to survey the club. The staff watches me curiously, as if they don’t get Damon’s obsession with me. I want to tell them I don’t get it either, but I keep my mouth shut. I want to get out of here as soon as possible, and without making trouble for myself.

  A couple strippers sneer at me as I walk past the dressing rooms, but they don’t say anything—which I’m thankful for. The club is open now, and I notice some men sitting around the center stage.

  I see one of the strippers working the pole. She’s wearing nothing but a thong, her tits bouncing with every movement she makes. My cheeks heat at the image, and I avert my eyes. When one of the guys turns his attention to me, looking me up and down, I decide I’ve had enough searching for the day.

  It’s painfully obvious no one here is going to let me leave, and after the way that guy stared at me like he wanted to eat me alive, there is no way I’m staying in this room, so I leave my pride behind and make my way back to Damon’s office.

  He might be a monster, but I get the feeling there’re darker bastards lurking in the shadows here.

  I walk swiftly down the hall and stop directly in front of Damon’s door. I twist the knob, opening it with ease, and instantly regret not knocking. Damon is behind his desk, leaning back in his chair, his eyes closed and arms behind his head. His features are full of pleasure. And as my gaze moves lower, I notice a head with long blonde hair bobbing up and down on his lap.

  Oh my god, not on his lap...his cock.

  She’s giving him a blow job.

  My eyes bulge, the air in my lungs stills, and I swear I can hear my own heartbeat in my ears.

  I don’t know who I hate more right now—him for being such an ass, or her for giving him a blowjob. Or maybe I should hate myself for feeling jealous.

  Damon's eyes open a moment later and find mine like a magnet. “Ahhh, Kiera…want to join in the fun? I’m sure Hayley could give you a lesson or two, teach you the way around a dick.” The smug look on his face makes the whole situation worse. He tips his head back in pleasure, a moan escaping his full lips—lips I kissed not long ago. My hands shake, and bile begins to rise in my throat.

  I can’t look at them another second.

  I need to get out of here. I need to find some way to leave.

  Slamming the office door for a second time tonight, I scurry back down the hall, tears threatening to escape. I try my best to blink them away, refusing to cry over Damon. He doesn’t care about me or my safety. He just cares about making me his, controlling me. I hate this place, and maybe even Damon.

  Everything about him reminds me of a prison, and I want to escape—need to escape. He doesn’t intend on protecting me, so why am I still here?

  You have nowhere else to go, idiot.

  I huff out a breath and walk down the hall, unsure of what to do. I’ll have to wait for the perfect moment to escape, for one of the bouncers to take a break or something—which basically means I’ll have to watch as many of them as I can without drawing too much attention to myself. Until then, I’ll just walk around the bar and try to blend in. I almost laugh. I’m not dressed in sexy clothes. I look like I belong in a nunnery. There is no way in hell people aren’t going to notice me.

  I move slowly out onto the floor while scanning the exit doors. Then I finally see it: my chance, my out. One of the guys at the side door leaves his post and walks up to the bar. He starts telling Candy something, and she laughs, but I don’t wait around to see what he plans to do or say next. This might be my only chance.

  Trying not to run or draw any attention to myself, I move toward the door. A nervous sheen of sweat coats my hands. Every step, I expect someone to grab me from behind and drag me back to Damon’s office. My body trembles as I reach the door. My hands rest against the heavy metal, and as I push it open, I nearly pass out. When the outside air hits my lungs, I sigh in relief. I can’t believe I actually made it outside.

  I glance over my shoulder, assuming someone is surely going to come through that door at any second and run after me. After a few moments, I realize no one seems to have paid me any attention. I let the heavy, metal door shut behind me and make my way into the parking lot. Only then, with my newfound freedom surrounding me, does something occur to me: I have no phone, no money, and no place to go.

  What the hell am I going to do?

  “Keira?” I turn at the familiar voice, and blink, shocked to see the one person I never expected to see here. Lily Baker. My lab partner and close friend. She stands about five feet away staring at me, looking completely confused. Probably as confused as I am.

  “Lily!” I look at her like she’s an angel sent to me from God—and maybe she is. I close the distance between us and take her into a fierce hug. “Oh, Lily, you have no idea how good it is to see you right now.” I wonder if she can tell how sad I am. How exhausted I am.

  “Keira, what are you doing here?”

  Oh god, what am I going to tell her? I could ask her the same thing, I suppose.

  “I’ve had a rough couple days. I—I honestly don't want to talk about it right now. Anyway, what are you doing here?”

  She doesn't bat an eye. “I’m here with Gunner.” She points her thumb over her shoulder, and only then do I realize there’s a guy standing a few feet behind her.

  “Oh, hey.” I give him a small wave, but can’t even bring myself to force a friendly smile. All I want is to get out of here, away from here, as far away as I can get. I’m sure Damon will feel the same relief to be rid of me when he discovers I’m gone.

  “Are you here with someone?” Lily asks softly, her eyes peering into mine.

  “No, I’m alone.” I almost break down and cry, realizing just how true that statement is. I am alone…so fucking alone.

  “Do you need a ride somewhere? We were just about to leave.”

  Gunner grunts behind her, and I’m certain he doesn’t want me to tag along with them. Then again, I don’t understand why he’s hanging out with Lily anyway. Last I knew, they hated each other.

  “Sure, I…actually, I don't really have a place to go to right now.” I pause. “I mean, my brother just passed away, and I don’t really want to be alone right now.” I’ll take Lily’s pity, so long as it gets me away from Damon.

  “Oh, Keira…is that why…you’re here?” Her gray eyes soften as she looks at me like she just put some puzzle pieces together. She couldn't be more wrong, but I figure this is easier than telling her what I’m actually doing here. So I let her believe I’m here to strip.

  I nod my head, lowering my eyes to the ground in shame.

  “Why don’t you come with me tonight? You can crash at my place, and tomorrow, we can figure something out.” Lily wraps an arm around me and pulls me into her side. Her touch is kind, calming. She’s a good friend. I want to tell her the
re’s no figuring out my problems, but the thought of getting away even for a night is too tempting.

  If I have to lie, then I will. I’ve already partially lied, so what is the harm in another?

  “Okay. That would be great.” I force a smile. I feel eyes on me, and notice Gunner’s dark gaze. He’ll just have to deal with it. I’m not scared of him, not as much as I am of the man inside those walls behind me. There is no way in hell I’m passing up the chance to get out of here.

  “All right. Let’s go.” Lily smiles, and for the first time in days, I feel like everything is going to be okay.

  Chapter 8

  Damon

  As soon as I step outside my office, I know she’s gone. I don’t know how to fucking explain it, but this strange sensation overtakes me. I should’ve been more focused on her instead of getting my cock sucked. But it was either get my cock sucked, or have her do it, and something told me she wasn’t going to do it.

  Keira is like a kitten—if you hold her down, she will scratch and bite you until you release her, and I kind of like that about her. What I don’t like is she can’t follow the damn rules—even if they are to protect her.

  I stomp down the hall, out to the packed bar and dance floor. Music blasts through the speakers as girls dance on stage. Money flies through the air, and men call out to the women, begging them to fuck them. All is running as it should...and I guess that’s one less thing for me to worry about.

  I spot Candy working the bar. I feel calm, relaxed even, as I make my way to her—until the realization hits me: little fucking Keira escaped again. I’m done with her not obeying my orders. I’ve let this slide too many times. This time, I will show her a lesson, one she will never forget. I will have to hurt her to prove my point.

  Leaning over the bar top, I motion for Candy to come over. She eyes me cautiously, almost as if she’s afraid, and she has reason to be. She’s been working here long enough to know when I’m in an explosive mood.

  “Have you seen Kiera?”

  “She was walking around here a while ago just looking around, eyeing the back doors. I haven't seen her for a while. I thought she went back to your office.”

  Motherfucking fuck. Of course she slipped through the cracks. She might stick out like a sore thumb, but she could make herself invisible if need be.

  “Did anybody leave their positions, even for a moment?” I crack my neck, ready to beat someone’s ass.

  Candy doesn't say anything, but I see her eyes flash to where Diego is standing. I turn around, heading straight for him. As soon as he sees me coming, his face goes pale. He is a big guy, but I’m bigger…not that it matters. He wouldn’t dare retaliate, not if he values his life.

  I don’t even stop to ask questions. I swing and hit him square in the jaw. His head snaps back, but—props to him—he doesn't pass out. Which is good. I still need him to man the door.

  “What the fuck is more important than doing your job?”

  “Nothing, boss.”

  Clenching my fist, I pull it back before slamming it into his nose. He grunts, but remains standing. Blood trickles down his nose and over his lips, but he doesn’t dare make a move to wipe it away.

  I grip Diego by his shirt and lean into his face. “Lie to me again, and I’ll cut out your fucking tongue. I trusted you to guard this door. You know the rules, and I expect better from you.”

  Diego swallows and nods his head as if he understands. Well, maybe if his head wasn’t in the fucking clouds, I wouldn’t have to go searching for Keira.

  Without another word, I march back to my office, feeling eyes on me. Slamming the door shut behind me, I get out my laptop and pull the surveillance tapes up. As I comb through four different screens, I spot her. Her silky brown locks and perfect body. I watch as she walks around the floor, eyeing the doors for a weak spot. Diego leaves post, and the light bulb inside her head turns on. She slips out the door and appears on another screen, an outside camera.

  As I stare at the screen, I realize she’s not alone.

  Who the fuck is the girl she’s with?

  They talk like they know each other, which makes me wonder if Keira called her. Then I realize who is standing behind them. Gunner.

  He’s one of my bookies for the college, and now he’s got something in his possession that is fucking mine. Clenching my teeth, I watch them get into Gunner’s car and drive off.

  I take a calming breath, trying to get my temper under control. If I don’t, I’ll seriously hurt Keira when I get my hands on her, and that’s the last thing I want to do. If anything, I just want her to listen to me. Her brother sent her to me for a reason. She doesn’t have to like it, but she has to follow my rules—and if she doesn’t want to, maybe I should just wrap her up in a tight little bow and send her off to my brother.

  My stomach lurches at the thought. Yeah, that’s not going to fucking happen.

  While I’m already on my laptop, I pull up Gunner’s address from my files and punch it into my phone. If Gunner knows she belongs to me and took her anyway, I’ll have no choice but to put a bullet in his brain.

  I slam my laptop shut, lock up my office, then head out back and get into my Cadillac. The faint smell of strawberries enters my nostrils. My car smells like her...my fucking car. Is there anything this girl isn’t going to take over? It feels like she’s under my skin, inside my head. I grip the steering wheel hard, turning the ignition on and throwing it into drive. As I follow the directions to Gunner’s place, I’m already thinking of ways to make her pay for leaving again. I hate that she’s pushing me like this, forcing my hand.

  After tonight, she won’t leave again. I’ll make sure of it.

  The punishment will fit the crime.

  I pull up to the curb, parking directly in front of his place. I stare out the window at the house, wondering if I’m in the right place. There’s a white picket fence and flowers out front. The lawn is well-manicured, and I’d bet anything there is a BMW and 2.5 kids inside.

  This place looks more like a single-family home than a college student’s.

  I exit the car, my jaw clenched, anger burning through me. I walk up to the door, trying to rein in my anger, but I know I’m too far gone.

  I feel this overpowering urge to punch something or someone. I clench and unclench my fists, attempting to overcome the urge to kick down the front door.

  Ringing the doorbell, I wait patiently…well, as patiently as I can, my fingers gripping the doorjamb.

  The door opens moments later, and Gunner’s surprised face appears behind it. Before he can mutter a single syllable, I push the door open all the way and force entry into the house. I don’t give a fuck who owns this place. I take a couple steps forward, and as soon as I come around the corner, I see her.

  Sitting on the couch is the other girl from the video—the one I don’t know. She and Kiera look to be deep in conversation.

  That’s going to fucking end—right now.

  Keira’s eyes go impossibly wide when she spots me.

  She jumps up from the couch, and yells, “I was going to come back.”

  Ha, sure you were.

  I smirk, shake my head, then pull my gun from the back of my pants and hold it to my side. I don’t want to point it at her, but I need her and Gunner to know I mean fucking business.

  Gunner moves past me and positions himself between me and the other girl.

  Is he protecting this other girl?

  I don’t fucking know. My mind is whirling; my only thoughts are on getting Keira back.

  “Damon, boss, we...I mean...I…I didn’t know she was with you.”

  Looking into his eyes, I know he’s telling the truth. He had no idea.

  “And that’s the only reason there isn’t a bullet in your brain right now. But if I ever find out otherwise, if I find her again, with either of you, you and the girl hiding behind you—you are dead.” I look into the girl’s eyes, making sure she gets the message as well.

  “On se
cond thought, she looks innocent as fuck, so I might just kill you and auction your girl off to the highest bidder.” Gunner’s entire body tenses. He wants to say or do something, but he knows better. He knows to keep his mouth shut when his boss is fucking talking, unlike someone…

  I’m about to order Keira to get out, but she is already moving toward me, looking like she is about to attack me. Then she does—and I almost laugh.

  I mean, I guess if you can call hitting my chest with her palms attacking me. She’s weak, and her slaps do nothing but feed the burning inferno inside me.

  She’s never seen me angry, not like I am tonight. Tonight, she’ll be wishing she would’ve stayed at the fucking club. I tuck my gun back while Keira keeps hitting me.

  “I fucking hate you!” Her voice cracks at the end.

  “Good, because your hate for me is only going to grow as the night goes on.” I bend down and grab her by the waist, tossing her over my shoulder like she weighs nothing, and she doesn’t—not really.

  Gunner’s girlfriend looks like she is about to come for me too. At least she seems to be a loyal friend—I’ll give her that. Gunner stops her in her tracks, making her visibly angry. He leans down and whispers something in her ear, and I’m sure he’s warning her, telling her the consequences of fucking with me.

  Of course, Keira makes a scene and continues yelling at me while hitting my back with her tiny-ass hands. Her attack is futile. I’m not letting her go, and I’m not putting her down until we get to the car. When we get to the house, I’ll tie her to the bed, making certain she can never escape.

  “Goodbye, Gunner,” I holler, then walk right out the front door, bouncing Keira against my shoulder, listening as the air leaves her lungs every time she falls back down.

  She can’t talk if she can’t breathe, right?

  “Put me down. It’s not like you care anyway. You were getting a blowjob. You wouldn’t have even known if someone came and got me.”