The two brothers stare at each other, waiting for the other one to make a move, when Antonio pulls his arm back, and his fist connects with Salvatore’s jaw.
“Be careful, brother.” Salvatore grips his chin, rotating his jaw a few times. “What is it about this girl that has you on edge?”
“She’s… interesting. I’ve been bored lately and want a new toy. What better way to get our little bird to sing?”
Salvatore’s frown deepens as he clenches his hands by his side, his eyes flicking between his brother and Celia’s body resting in my arms. Deep down, Salvatore wants to give in to this attraction we all have to her, but he also has no choice but to resist. It may be my job to protect this family, but everything else rests on his shoulders. Being the head of one of the largest crime families in the city has its limitations, and now, with plans to unite all the families under one banner, every step we take is under scrutiny.
“Sexual arousal is a good motivator.” Antonio shoves his hands into his pockets, never once taking his eyes off his brother before smiling brightly. “Besides, maybe a good nut will do you good. You’re no use to anyone if you drop dead from a heart attack.”
“And then what? Once we let her into our lives, there’s no going back.” Salvatore rests his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “We need to be cautious, Antonio. Start thinking with the brain in your head, not the one between your legs.”
“But that’s the bigger of the two.” Antonio smirks, his eyes light with mischief.
Humor is one of Antonio’s defense mechanisms, that and sex. If he can make a joke out of something, he will.
“We could always torture it out of her,” Salvatore responds seriously.
“Don’t even think about it,” I bark, pulling Celia tighter to my chest.
I’ve never once gone against Salvatore. His commands are absolute and must be followed to the letter or the lives of our family could be lost, but not this time. This time, I’m willing to do anything to protect this woman, even if it means going against my best friend.
“I pay you to follow instructions.”
“You don’t pay him at all, asshole,” Antonio chimes in before flopping down onto the seat beside me.
“Try to think this through, Sal,” I respond gruffly as Celia stirs slightly in my arms before settling down again. “We need to keep our friends close and our enemies closer.”
Salvatore’s frown deepens, clenching his hand at his side.
“Is this why my brother has no friends?” Antonio snarks, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re the only one not on board with Celia being our new toy. What gives?”
Salvatore runs a hand through his already tousled hair before his focus zeroes in on Celia. His dark eyes are a storm of emotion brewing in them as he leans toward her. Antonio’s arm shoots out, gripping his arm tightly and holding him in place.
“I won’t hurt her, asshole.” Salvatore pulls his arm out of his brother’s grasp.
“That’s the exact opposite of what you were saying a few moments ago.”
“I can change my mind.” Salvatore plucks Celia from my arms, and she goes willingly, curling herself tightly into his arms with a sigh. “I’m taking her home. I want to see if I can discover what secrets she’s hiding.”
Without another word, Salvatore turns on his heels and heads out the door
“You need to put the brakes on this infatuation with her, Antonio.”
“As if you’re any better,” he snaps, his gaze hot on his brother’s back, anger rolling off him in waves.
“Maybe, maybe not, but antagonizing your brother won’t change his mind.”
“But it’s so much fun.” Antonio pushes to his feet and shoves his hands into his pockets. “I need to blow off some steam. I hope he left the whore conscious back in the room. Last time I saw her, she had a plastic bag around her head.”
With a smirk, I follow him out the door, repeatedly telling myself that Salvatore won’t do anything to her. Maybe if I tell myself enough, I’ll believe it.
CHAPTERNINE
CELIA
My body protests as I try to move, all my muscles screaming in agony. Why the hell is my mouth so dry? For having just gone to work at the club and come home, there’s no reason I should feel like I got hit by a freight train. Trying to push myself into a seated position, my body crumbles immediately.
Hopefully, I don’t get fired for falling asleep on the job again.