Page 13 of Bitter Queen (Advantage Play 4)

“Shhh,” I whisper. “It’s okay.”

“W-where is he?” Her voice is hoarse and is laced with a desperation that guts me.

“He was arrested. He’s in the FBI’s custody.”

Her tears drench my chest as she pulls away and looks up at me.

“You’re sure?”

“Yeah. Dex took care of it.”

“How? I need details, Diece,” she pleads.

Recalling the conversation before I left, I tell her, “Dex said he tied Sei up and threw him in one of Burlone’s closets where the tournament was held. They took him in with the rest of the bastards who buy and sell women. He’s gone, Q. Promise.”

“He’s in prison?” she asks.

“Yeah. That’s what I’ve been told.”

“And you’re positive? He doesn’t know where I am? Wouldn’t be able to find me? No matter what?”

“Yeah. Positive.”

Her voice reaches a higher pitch as she demands, “And what about anyone else? Could anyone else find me if they were looking?”

“What? Who?”

“Just answer the question,” she spits.

“No. The only people who know your whereabouts are Kingston, Matteo, you, and me,” I tell her. “You’re safe here, Q. I promise. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

A spark ignites inside of her at my words, causing her to blaze with a fury that’s so deep and angry, I’m surprised I don’t combust on the spot.

She scoots back a few more feet before giving me a seething glare that’s filled with contempt. “Why?”

“What?”

“Why won’t you let anyone hurt me?” she demands.

“Excuse me?”

“Answer the question.”

“You want me to tell you why I refuse to let anyone hurt you?” I can’t help the sarcasm that slips into my question. She’s lost her damn mind.

“Yeah. That’s what I want you to tell me.”

“Because I’m a decent human being?” I offer, my voice dripping with the same sarcasm as before while I race to catch up with why the hell she’s suddenly pissed at me.

Hello, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Surprising me with her malice, she scoffs. “Says the big, bad mafia man. Tell me, Diece, how many damsels have you saved, huh? Did they suck you off to say thank you? Is that what you want from me? Or maybe it’s my precious virginity that you’re hoping to take. Is that it? I got big news for you, buddy. All my other holes have already been used over and over again, so I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. My hymen might be intact, but my innocence has already been ripped away from me in ways you can’t even imagine. Now, get out of my room and keep your empty promises to yourself.”

Feeling whiplashed, I jerk away from her. “Q—”

“I said get out!” she shouts, shoving me away from her. I stand to my full height and rub my hand against my face as I find myself helpless for the first time in my life.

“What do you want me to say, Q?”