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…Capri is going to make a fine stripper.

Chapter 10

Cipriana

Today was freakin’crazy.

I’m staring in the mirror of the only bathroom in this psycho’s house. Is every day going to be like this? I don’t think my little heart can handle it. Looking at my fingers clasped around the sink, I realize I bit one of my gel cap nails clean off. Opening my blazer shows blotches all over my neck from stress… or maybe heat.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to kiss Trino just now, in the garage. The way he towers over me with his warm embrace – it’s like nothing could touch me while he’s around. So capable…

So dangerous, Capri! Cut it out!

God, now I can never go back to work. I’m mortified. Not to mention the fact two Italian hitmen might’ve shoved me in a basement somewhere until they found my father.

No.No. No. No.

I’m stuck here, aren’t I?

I squeeze my eyes tight and then open them to look myself in the mirror. It’s all hitting at once – this feeling of being trapped. Maybe I can go backpacking with Jacky to a festival or something, get out of the country for a few months. I’m sure Dad has money packed away that I can use.

Hearing Trino’s heavy footsteps a floor below makes me think otherwise. He’d never allow it. As a matter of fact, I shouldn’t underestimate him ever again.A picture of Jerry’s kid? Like…what?

He may look like a hot shell of a man, but he isruthlessunderneath the hood.

And… he’s mine.

My chest weakens at the thought, more blotches forming across my neck. Hm. Maybe it’s not the danger that’s causing those.

“Capri,” Trino growls from downstairs.

“What?”I can’t help but yell back. He has to know how crazy this is, even if he’s numb to it all.

“When you’re done being Mrs. Hyde, please come downstairs.”

I huff, smirking. That was actually funny. The big grump made a joke. Maybe he’s not so stiff.

Alright, better go see what he wants. I lean down to take the designer heels he bought me for work, which I should appreciate. He didn’t have to do that, after all. He’s actually treating this like a relationship in some small ways. It’s weird.

“Coming.” I approach the marble steps, noticing him at the foot of them waiting with a shadow of a smirk on his face. Fine. I’ll smirk back.

But then I see what he’s holding, and I freeze on the staircase. Beneath the clear dry-cleaner wrapping, there’s a skimpy dress that might as well be lingerie.

“Is this you flirting or something?” I’m taken aback. “Or some sick joke?”

“Neither.” He stands his ground. “This is your new work outfit.”

“Screw off.”I make my way down the stairs and step right up to him. Jeez, I’m way shorter without those heels on. I’m barely up to his neck.

“What did I tell you before, Capri? You want to stay in one piece? Follow exactly what I say.” He shakes the outfit in his grasp. “And I say…thisis your new work outfit.”

“And what am I going to be doing in that?”

“Stripping. At my club.”

“Not in yourwildestdreams.” I push him, and he doesn’t move. Actually, I move. What, is he made of freaking concrete?

He hides his smirk at that too. “Listen. We’re going to change your hair up a bit, overdo your makeup and get you dressing completelyopposite of your personality. This way I can keep you hidden from the other families out to get you. The last place they’ll fucking look is Star Dust.Understand?”