Page 143

Story: Mutual Obsession

“Oh, both of you?” she asks, her gaze flicking between us.

“Actually…” I start, stuttering over my words. “It’s, erm…well, you too.”

“What?” she blurts out, her eyes widening.

Miles rolls his eyes at me as he elaborates. “Jacob’s father has informed him that he knows you’re living here, and he wants to meet you. He’s asked that Marcus and I be present too.

“We tried to get more information, to see if he knows about all three of us, but he’s remained quiet. He implied that the two of you are dating, but that doesn’t explain why he wants Marcus to be present.”

“He thinks it’s just me and you that are together?” she asks, staring straight at me.

I nod. “I’m not sure if he knows about Miles. It doesn’t explain why he’d want Marcus to be there.”

“We just have to go and find out,” Miles adds, shrugging his shoulders like it’s no big deal.

“When?” she asks, her eyes narrowing as she takes in our suits once more.

“We’re leaving in fifteen minutes,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her face twists into a scowl as she yells, “Fifteen fucking minutes? Why the hell are you only telling me now? How the fuck am I supposed to get ready in that time?”

Her breathing speeds up, and it’s clear she’s panicking as she stands, looking around the room frantically. Miles reaches over and places his hands on her shoulders, grounding her and forcing her to look at him.

“We didn’t tell you as we didn’t want you to panic during the lead up to the meeting. All you need to do is get changed, and you’ll look perfect. Take some deep breaths, Dee,” he tells her, forcing her to breathe in time with him.

“I can help you pick out a dress, if you’d like?” I tell her, since that’s the only way I can think to be helpful.

She nods, giving me a tight, slightly forced smile. “Please, but make sure it’s conservative. I want to look nice, not slutty. I’m going to quickly put on some make-up.”

“You look beautiful as you are,” Miles tells her, pressing his lips against her cheek.

Even though she smiles at his compliment, she pushes him away as she rolls her eyes, moving over to the vanity mirror in the en-suite, where she now keeps all of her make-up, as I go next door to her closet.

Exactly fifteen minutes later, we’re ready to go. Indie liked the dark-blue sundress I chose for her. It’s full length, hugs her in all the right places to show off her curves without being too tight. The scoop neck shows she has an impressive cleavage, without putting it on display.

She looks beautiful, and both Miles and I tell her that as we walk to the car. Marcus is sitting in the front with his driver, Leo, so we all squeeze into the back, Indie sitting between her men.

When her knee jiggles, I place my hand over it, squeezing just enough to contain her anxious energy, as Miles pulls her into his side. None of us engage in anything more than small talk, as the anticipation and anxiety over the meeting hangs heavily in the car.

You could cut the tension with a knife, and I’m sure we can all feel it. It’s almost like the air is thick enough to suffocate us, and I have to focus on counting my breaths to stop myself from freaking out.

I’ve been summoned by my father many times before, in a similar way to this, and no good has ever come from it. When he just wants a word with me, he’s much more casual, so him presenting this as an official meeting tells me it isn’t a father-son thing. This is a mafia leader and his heir thing, and that makes it even more dangerous.

As soon as we pull up to my childhood home, at the end of the long driveway, my father is already waiting with the door open, which sets me on edge even more. He’s dressed in the suit he always wears for business meetings, confirming my suspicion that this is more professional than personal.

His blank expression is unreadable, until he sees Indie climbing out of the car. I’m sure I see his jaw twitch, but otherwise, he’s emotionless. I’m surprised everyone can’t hear my heart beating, given how hard it’s pounding.

Since I no longer need to hide it from him, I lace my fingers with Indie’s once she’s out of the car. She lets out a small gasp and tries to pull away, but I give her a bright, reassuring smile as I hold on tight. I need her close to me, just as much as I need to draw strength from her.

Miles stands on Indie’s other side, though he’s careful not to get too close, as Marcus comes to stand beside me. Leo remains with the car, as the four of us make our way up the steps towards my father.

Caleb Santoro has always been a scary-looking man, and has no problem letting everyone know how powerful and ruthless he is, regardless of your connection to him.

If my father’s domineering, dangerous presence affects Marcus or Miles, they don’t let on, but I can feel Indie trembling beside me.

I lean in close to her, so only she can hear as I whisper in her ear. “You have nothing to be afraid of. I promise, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

She turns just enough to whisper back to me. “I don’t want him to hurt you, either.”