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brIELLE

M y head pounded, and my stomach rolled as consciousness slowly returned.

The thud of my heart beating against my ribcage echoed loudly in my ears as I strained for any indication that I wasn’t alone.

The soft hum of air coming through the vents was all I heard, but a thick, pungent smell of cigar smoke hung heavy in the air.

I waited, hoping I was alone. Whatever they’d restrained me with bit into my wrists.

My shoulders and neck ached from the awkward position of being secured around the back of the metal chair I sat on.

Slowly, I opened my eyes. When no alarm sounded, I lifted my head, frantic to see if my sister was in the room with me.

“It’s about time you woke.” The big guy who’d grabbed me leaned against a closed door. He filled the space, and not in a good way. “I was getting bored.”

“Can’t have that,” I deadpanned, wondering if he got the sarcasm behind my blank expression.

I glanced around the room, dismayed to find no windows.

I couldn’t tell how long I’d been unconscious.

Nor did the room hold any furniture except the chair I was tied to.

The floor was painted concrete that had probably been finished that way for easy cleanup.

His lips twitched. “Boss’ll be here soon. Thought I’d let you in on the fun that’s coming.”

I said nothing, not wanting to encourage whatever he thought was fun—I imagined we had different opinions about the meaning of that word.

The blood drained from my face, and my head swam.

Black dots encroached, and I felt myself hyperventilating as terrifying scenarios played like a horror show in my mind.

I wasn’t built for torture, or whatever they had in mind.

“Do you know why you’re here?”

I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak and give anything away. I knew why. My little vacation was courtesy of my dad.

He grunted. “You’ll figure it out.”

“Why?” I forced the words to come out slowly and not in the blind panic I fought to contain. “I don’t know who you are or what you’re after. I’m a college student, and I teach. What could you possibly want from me?”

A knock sounded on the door, and the big guy moved aside.

The man who’d ordered the thugs to grab me stood in the doorway, a small smile curving his thin lips. “Good, I’m glad you’re awake.”

He pulled out a cigar and lit it. After a few puffs, his gaze crawled over me, and I repressed a shiver of revulsion. Nothing about the situation felt good.

“Do you know who I am?”

I shook my head no. I knew who he was—especially with that scar over his right eye— but why let him know that?

“I’m Anthony Canino. I run the gambling facility you’re in tonight.” He stepped closer and lifted my gaze with a finger beneath my chin. “You’re quite beautiful. ”

I didn’t like the direction our conversation was headed. “What do you want?”

“Now that I’ve had a good look, I think we can use you. Your father owes me a lot of money, and you’re going to pay off his debt. Jimmy here will introduce you to your new role.”

“As what?” I shouldn’t have asked, but not knowing was worse than ignorance.

“You’re a good fit for many things in my organization.”

“ Your organization?” I wasn’t a fool. He wasn’t the head. His father was.

“Ahh, you do know then.”

“No. I have no idea why I’m here, but everyone knows who owns the casino.”

A flash of something dark swam through his eyes, and I instantly regretted pushing his buttons. He must have daddy issues at play, possibly a power struggle. I just didn’t want to be caught in it with my big mouth.

“Here’s a little tidbit for you to consider as Jimmy gets to work.

” His wolfish grin spread my terror. “What we’re after is breaking you.

As I said, you’re beautiful, and we can use that.

If not in the strip club as a mafia whore, then I can auction you off to a wealthy businessman with unusual tastes who would pay off the debt your father owes us.

The interest he’s accrued could cost you your life. ”