Are you fucking crazy? Sergio’s words echoed in Nick’s brain.
Crazy? Nick thought. No. More like certified motherfucking insane.
Six Months Ago
Nick Stone was released from Sacred Light Hospital after two years of in-patient psychiatric treatment. Dr. Samuel Grayson, Nick’s psychiatrist, felt that he had made significant progress, noting that Nick had not been actively psychotic or delusional for the last six months, and that he appeared emotionally stable. Dr. Grayson believed Nick was ready for re-entry into society. Nick sat at a conference table, across from three psychiatrists, including Dr. Grayson, and one therapist. They each asked Nick various questions, posed different scenerios to him, asking what he would do in each situation. They asked Nick if he was suicidal, homicidal, psychotic, delusional, experiencing auditory or visual hallucinations, and anything else they could think of to create a stressful situation for Nick.
Nick answered all of their questions, calmly and with confidence. He said all the right things, made all the right moves. He smiled when he needed to, looked serious when he needed to, and in general was the picture of perfect mental health.
The team was impressed with Nick’s significant improvement, and felt that Dr. Grayson was correct in his professional evaluation and assessment of Nick.
Two days later, Nick Stone was issued a discharge date.
Two months later, Dr. Samuel Grayson was found in his home, dead, hanging from a belt tied around his neck, an apparent suicide, his lifeless body found by his cleaning lady.
Once Nick was discharged, he had holed himself up in a rat-bag of a flat, and to begin planning his revenge. He had his list of people – starting with his favorite doctor, Dr. Grayson. He went down his list, evaluating, thinking, plotting. Nick thoroughly researched each individual, located addresses, began surveillance on each target. His MI-5 skills coming back to him easily.
Just like riding a bicycle, Nick thought, humming to himself.
Nick worked quickly, wasting no time. Dealing with Dr. Grayson was easy enough, as Nick thought it would be. Besides, Grayson had it coming to him. Requiring Nick to endure endless therapy sessions, talking about his feelings, forcing him to swallow crazy pills. Hell, he was crazier coming out of the looney bin than he was when he went in.
Now it was time to turn his attention to Nicole. Nick thought about Nicole, fantasized about her often while he was in the nut house. He recalled her beautiful face, her soft lips, could almost taste her on his lips. Then he would remember what she did to him, jolting him out of his fantasies, making Nick remember how much he hated her. Nicole had been with Vincent Rossi the whole time, helping Rossi, Nick reminded himself. That bitch would pay for what she did.
They all would.
Chapter 26
Caprice returned from her trip with Sergio, relaxed and carefree. It was good to be back with him, Caprice thought, even though he could be a real son-of-a-bitch. Still, Sergio had some good qualities – rich, powerful, well-connected. And the best sex Caprice had ever had in her life. His cock was a spectacular piece of male equipment. It gave Caprice shivers just thinking about it.
Sergio had again brought up the topic of Caprice moving in with him, full-time. That would mean giving up her own apartment, which Caprice was very reluctant to do. Caprice told Sergio she would think about it. Perhaps they could strike a deal, Caprice thought. She would move in with Sergio, full-time. In return, he would help launch her acting career. Caprice liked the idea.
Of course, Sergio would have to prove himself to Caprice first before she moved in with him. Introduce her to the right movie producers, get an acting coach for her, secure an agent. Caprice was no fool. If Sergio did all of this, if he really took her acting seriously, then she would be his and would gladly move in with him. Caprice felt this time Sergio would be more receptive. It was all just a matter of how she presented it, she thought matter-of-factly, while painting her nails.
Caprice decided she would discuss it with Sergio tonight. And this time, the conversation would be different. She would make Sergio see things her way.
Sergio’s driver would be picking her up later, taking her to his villa. Caprice admired her nails, painted bright red. She needed to look especially ravishing tonight, she thought, standing in her closet, deciding which dress to wear. Caprice decided she would wear something a bit different this night. Something that might help Sergio take her a little more seriously. She selected a demure, black crepe Dolce & Gabbana dress with a pair of black, peep-toe platform pumps. Simple and classy, but still sexy. Sergio wouldn’t have a chance.
Sergio sat on the balcony of his villa, sipping a glass of red wine, watching the sun dip into the sea. He was in a good mood, surprisingly, after his conversation with Nick. Sergio was determined not to let that spoil his evening. He was looking forward to seeing Caprice. His driver had just left to pick her up, bringing her to him.
Sergio, however, was not looking forward to taking an unexpected trip to London. He would meet with Nick, listen to whatever the motherfucker had to say, find out the issue that was stalling progress. Nick had better get the problem resolved quickly, or Sergio would have him taken care of. Sergio was fed up with him fucking around - Nick had wasted enough of his time. If he needed to Sergio would proceed on, this time using his own men to do the job.
“Ciao, bellezza,” Caprice murmured, bending down to kiss the back Sergio’s neck, sliding her hands over his chest. He was so deep in thought, he didn’t realize she had arrived.
Sergio took Caprice’s hand, bringing her around to face him. With Caprice standing in front of him, all thoughts of Nick Stone vanished from Sergio’s mind.
“You look beautiful, mia bella. Stunning.” Wearing a gorgeous black dress and heels, Sergio’s eyes were practically popping out of his skull. It was a simple look, but on Caprice’s body, it was absolutely breathtaking.
“Grazie,” Caprice smiled, pleased.
They dined outdoors, by the pool, enjoying a meal of bruschetta and tortellini, followed by Caprice’s favorite, tiramisu.
“You’ve asked me to move in with you, permanently,” Caprice stated, while she finished her desert.
“I have. I want you here with me.” Sergio stated bluntly, still unclear as to why Caprice was hesitating. Any other woman would have been chomping at the bit to move in with him. Of course, that was exactly why Sergio wanted Caprice so much. He had to work to get Caprice. It infuriated him, while at the same time ignited his desire for her even more.
“I know. And I want to be with you, too.” Caprice waited, choosing her words carefully.
“So, mia bella, what is the problem?” Sergio asked impatiently. “It’s time to make a decision.” Sergio could feel his anger brimming, just under the surface, but resolved to remain patient with Caprice, determined not to lose her again.