Page 34 of The Hitman's Prince

I didn’t want to admit my sins again, least of all to anear stranger who still posed a threat to me, but when Vince issued an order, there was no argument to be had.

“I tried to have him killed,” I said, letting my eyes fall closed.

“Thankfully, a failed attempt.”

“I’m not mad about it anymore,” he said next, softly and directed at me. “You were just doing what you'd been told. Isn’t that right?”

I nodded.

“You like to do what you’re told.”

Spit caught in my throat when I tried to swallow, but I forced my way through another nod.

“You were his penance,” Vince said to Jacob, and I felt both of their stares land on me.

My chest hurt, like it was going to cave in with every forced breath.

“You are…you continue to be.”

“I don’t understand,” Jacob said weakly.

He didn’t need to understand. If Vince didn’t tell him, he’d find out soon enough.

Chapter 25

Jacob

Vince’s house was not a safe place for me. Too many shadows and too much light, all at the same time. Standing in his office with my shirt off, Orion at his feet, Vince could see me clearly, of that I was certain. He could also see the bulge between my legs, growing thicker by the moment because there was something about Orion that simply just…

Did it for me.

Vince too, of course.

Together the two of them were a drug I was scared to try. I didn’t think once would ever be enough and seeing them together was tempting danger by itself. Tasting, knowing...

I wasn’t strong enough for that. It would put everything at risk.

But fuck.

The least I could do was enjoy the ride to hell.

“Orion is a jealous bitch,” Vince said, giving Orion’s neck a squeeze. “And I am a greedy man.”

The air conditioning kicked on and a burst of cold air wafted through the room. Gooseflesh prickled up my arms, down my back, and then my nipples were as obvious and hard as my cock.

“I sent him to fetch you because I wanted to fuck you,” Vince went on. “Orion hates the idea, but he does what he’s told because he owes me his life. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes,” Orion answered, but I could see the lie in it, and I was surprised Vince didn’t. Orion had no concern for his life at all. He did what he was told because he was in love with Vince Angelini.

“I…”

“Don’t tell me you can’t fuck, Father.” Vince laughed at me, angling his head to one side to size me up. “Don’t tell me that whip is meant to bring you closer to God.”

“Isn’t it?” I rasped.

I’d never been an overly religious man, but there was something to be said for pain matching pain, for mercy matching mercy. The times when the leather cut into my skin were the times I felt closest to God, even if he’d long ago forsaken me.

Forsaken all of us.