Page 78 of Hearts Held

I pull on my sleeves, ensuring my scars are covered. “What’s that, dove?”

“You’re going into your cold demeanor. Don’t do that, please. Not with me.” She asks so sweetly it causes me to bite my lower lip. I stifle my desire to throw her on the bed and stay inside the whole winter.

Fucking work.

“My darling dove. I have to. I have to be the mean, evil asshole. If I’m not, they will abuse me like Freddy. They will mock me like Bobby. Kenneth and I have to be the assholes or others will not respect us.” Her nostrils flare, and I spy frustration on her face. “I challenge you. For when we walk into those barn doors, I willbe pushing you to unwind the comfortable and kind facade of yours. I want you to match my spirit.”

Her beautiful face contorts in confusion. “You want me to be an asshole and match your asshole energy?”

I nod and grab some knives to place within my pockets and then saunter over to her.

Getting to my knees, I look up at her and slowly, intimately place knives in the pockets of her cargo pants. “Yes, I want you to match my asshole energy. In fact, I hope you become fully unleashed.”

The cold winter freezes my goddamn nose hairs, for fuck’s sake.

As we enter the barn, I find several of my men awaiting orders.

Biscuit is beside Giorgio’s limp body, which is tied to a wooden chair. He sits in the same suit from last night.

I turn to see Brielle’s eyes gaze upon Giorgio and then back toward me. She doesn’t show any reservations, any fear. This makes me proud.

Let’s see how far I can push her.

Motioning for Brielle to stand alongside the wall with Bobby and Kenneth, I stalk toward him. Hatred bubbles up within my soul.

“Giorgio. You placed your hands on what ismine. You disrespected my establishment. You dishonor your family name. You must pay for your sins.”

My voice echoes along the barn walls as my men state in unison,“Death before dishonor.”

“Fuck you serpents,” he spits out.

“I will not deliver your judgment, but shewill.” I motion for Brielle to come stand next to me. “You said you were going to skin her alive, yeah?”

In my peripheral, I spy Brielle shudder at the words.

“Please, senora, I didn’t realize who you were. Seraphina said you were a new girl and I—”

I throw a right hook to the side of his head to assist him with remaining silent.

“Fucker!” Giorgio snarls out. “All women are toys, what the fuck do you think God put them on this Earth for!?”

Brielle’s eyes widen, then she gasps as I grab her hand and place one of my blades in her palm.

She shakes her head. “I can’t. He was under the influence.”

Kenneth’s voice calls from the side of the barn, “Just gut him, brotha! He doesn’t deserve air.”

This makes me lose my fucking patience.

“Everyone OUT!” I order. I peer up at my brother and then Biscuit. “Go to the other side of the barn. Get the pigs ready,” I snarl through my teeth, my fists clenched.

Men file out swiftly until Brielle and I are left with a giggling Giorgio.

“Oh, your little whore doesn’t want to get her hands di—” He ceases his speaking as I backhand him, and a tooth flies from his shit-eating grin.

Then I turn toward Brielle and march into her space, breathing heavily in order to remain in control.

I hate that she causes my control and judgment to lapse.Fuck.