Page 27 of Ashes

Can I trust Victor with my safety?

Probably not.

But it’s the only way.

I can find a way to escape and figure things out on my own.

Anything’s better than being stuck in this room and waiting for Victor’s mercy that will never come.

“I want to go,” I say. “I won’t do anything stupid. This is important to me. You know that.”

“You’re inexperienced. That’s not very entertaining. We won’t catch Gianni’s eye like that.”

“You don’t know me. You think I’m just a regular mafia princess. But Alex and I... He helped me sneak out of the house. I had a boyfriend when I was sixteen.”

Victor’s brow furrows. “A boyfriend?”

I nod. “I know what to do, okay?”

“Just because you had a boyfriend doesn’t mean you’re ready for the club. You’ll have to be naked in front of others and do—”

“I’m ready.” I meet his gaze. “Please. I promise I won’t do anything to put our mission at risk. You need me.”

He just watches me for a few long, long moments.

“All right,” he finally says. “But one wrong move, and you’re out. If you try to escape or attack me again, you’re going to regret it.”

“Are you sure your application is going to get accepted? You know the club has a special vetting process.”

A smile stretches across his lips. “Don’t worry about that. It’s not going to be a problem, but we’ll both have to get tested for STDs. And we need to find some sexy lingerie for you.”

His gaze lowers to my black tank top.

I roll my eyes.

This plan better work, or I’m going to be so pissed off.