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“How?”
“Doll, you’re just leverage. So shut the fuck up and don’t get on my nerves, and you’ll be fine. For now,” he said.
Well, that was about as succinct a summary of my circumstances as I could have hoped for.
Fucked.
Yeah.
And even as I sat there—at the mercy of Fabiano, who I knew would cut my eyes out just as soon as talk to me—all I thought about was what I had heard.
He had drugged me.
It was ridiculous. Beyond stupid.
But even here, now, in this circumstance, that betrayal stung.
Buzzed under my skin like electricity—and shame.
I had wasted time talking to Hope about what I wanted, how I felt—and yet again, I proved how stupid I was.
Falling for the man who had drugged me? Lied to me?
It made me wonder if any of those moments I played over and over in my head had meant anything at all.
Was this all part of some sick game?
It made no sense. I had nothing to offer Enzo. So why bother with the charade? String me along when I was just one big joke?
I felt tears prick—but refused to let them fall.
Fabiano would think I was afraid of him. And even though now was definitely not the time for pride, I refused to let him think that.
“How much do you think Enzo will pay for you?” Fabiano said.
“I’m assuming that question was rhetorical,” I said.
To my surprise, Fabiano smiled.
“You know, you’re actually pretty funny. I wish you had better taste in guys,” he said.
“You and me both, Fabiano,” I muttered.
He tilted his head, looking interested.
“Trouble in paradise?”
“You don’t give a shit,” I said.
“No. Just trying to make conversation. But have it your way,” Fabiano said.
He seemed unperturbed, so I was shocked when he cut a long length of duct tape and pressed it against my lips.
“Since you can’t be nice,” Fabiano said.
Enzo might not care about me—but when I got my hands on that asshole…
I wanted to giggle but swallowed it down.