When I finished work at the gallery, I stepped outside and prepared to walk to the restaurant where we were meeting. Instead, a black car pulled up, all the windows tinted and bulletproof.

The man in the passenger seat got out of the car then opened the back door for me.

I knew who was waiting in the back seat.

I sat down and saw Cato beside me, his knees apart and his hands resting on his thighs. He wore a different suit than he had that morning. Now it was navy blue and crisp like it’d just been pressed. His blue eyes were more stunning when he wore the color on his hard physique. The more time I spent with him, the more terrified I felt. All of this was just a ploy to get what I wanted, and now that I actually liked the guy, I was so conflicted.

“Baby.” He grabbed my hand and rested it on his thigh, holding me like a man held his wife. His thumb brushed over my knuckles, and he held me delicately, his enormous hand having the power to crush mine.

The words died in my throat.

The car took us to the restaurant, and we walked inside. Like last time, we sat in a private section away from the rest of the public. It was quiet, only the sound of the music overhead audible. I couldn’t even hear the other guests from the restaurant.

Cato looked at his menu. “Something wrong?”

My pulse quickened in my neck. “Just hungry.”

“Then what are you having? Something with cheese, I’m guessing?” He placed the menu to the side, a playful look in his eyes.

I forced a smile even though my stomach was full of acid. “You know me so well.” I set my menu down and sipped my wine. Something about the way he’d left that morning made the guilt suffocate me. I thought about my father every single day, but now that I spent most of my time with this man, I felt torn. Betraying him didn’t feel right anymore. Maybe he did criminal things, but he seemed like a decent human being to me.

He stared at me for a long time, his powerful gaze drilling into mine without a single blink. If this was how he stared down his clients, it was no surprise he always got what he wanted. A man was truly powerful if he could negotiate in silence. That was something I learned from my father, but Cato was a better example of it. “How was work?”

My job at the gallery was so simple it was boring sometimes. “Good. I’ve found a few pieces for your home. I’ll show you the next time you’re available.”

“I’m always available for you.”

My pulse quickened even more. “I’ll bring them by tomorrow afternoon, then.”

“Alright. Pack a bag.”

The only time I’d slept over had been awkward. I was in a hurry to get out of there, but he wanted me to stay. I’d remained detached and indifferent, and that attitude worked well. It made Cato more interested. Perhaps if I hadn’t been that way, I never would have been special to him. “Should I just barge in?”

When he smiled, he looked so ridiculously handsome. It was a rare sight because he hardly ever grinned, and when he did, it was breathtaking. Made him look more like a man than a villain. When we first met, he was such an asshole, but when he dropped his arrogant exterior, he was charming. It was the real him—and it was obvious he didn’t show that version to anyone. “I think that’s fair.”

I took a sip of my wine then examined the bottle. “Barsetti Vineyards again.”

“Can’t go wrong.”

“Do you know the Barsetti family?”

“I met Crow Barsetti once. It was a few years ago.”

“Were you buying wine from him?”

“No. It was related to business.” He didn’t elaborate, no doubt because it involved money and threats. He didn’t share that information with me, probably because he just didn’t want to talk about it.

“How was your day?” I asked to be polite, not because I expected a real answer.

“It was another day,” he said noncommittally. “I have a lot of projects going on right now, and I’m keeping everyone in line.”

“You’re probably going to be pissed at me for saying this—”

“Then don’t say it.” His voice was as cold as ice. His blue eyes shared the same arctic temperature.

I stilled at the subtle way he threatened me, and I was reminded who I was dealing with. “Life is too short not to be happy. You’re so rich that you don’t have to do any of this anymore. Do you ever think about handing everything over to your brother and just walking away?” I shouldn’t care about his safety, but there were dozens of men who wanted him dead at any moment in time. How could he sleep at night?

“Who said I wasn’t happy?”

I didn’t answer because it seemed rhetorical to me. I took another drink and gave him a knowing look.

“Bates and I are in this together. I would never turn my back on him.”

“That’s noble.”

“We’re family. You do anything for family.”

“Yeah…” I stuck out my neck for my father, and the blade was so close to sawing through my skin. “So, what do you think about my bed?”

He cocked his head slightly like he didn’t understand the question.

“I know it’s small and old. Your bed is like…three times as big.”

“I’ve never paid attention to your bed—just the naked woman in it.”

I smiled. “Good answer. Where are we screwing after this? My place or yours?”

His eyes narrowed at the ballsy question. “How about yours?”

“That’s fine with me.” I was always worried that Damien would show up at the wrong time, but if he saw the perimeter of fifty men, he should be smart enough to stay away and not blow my cover.

“Good. Now I have the rest of dinner to consider exactly how I’m going to fuck you.”

When we walked out of the restaurant, Cato’s phone rang. He glanced at the name on the screen before he answered. “What?” He listened to whoever was on the other end as his car pulled up to the curb. “You’re sure? Yeah, I’ll be there in a second.” He hung up and dropped his phone into his pocket. “I have business to take care of.”

I’d thought I would be smothered by a gorgeous man all night and the following morning. I refused to be a brat and complain about it, but I was definitely disappointed. Now that I was getting the best sex of my life on a regular basis, I wanted it all the time. I wanted to enjoy it as long as I could. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night, Cato.”

He continued to stare at me on the sidewalk, his blue eyes smoldering like fire made of ice.

I had no idea what that look meant. “Really, it’s fine. I understand.”

He grabbed me by the elbow and pulled me into the alleyway on the side of the restaurant. It was a narrow space between the two buildings, and there were no streetlights, so it was fairly dark.

“What are you doing?”

He led me around the corner to the most private spot then undid his belt and the top of his slacks. “I’m not going to be able to think straight until I’ve fucked you.” He turned me around and pushed me against the wall before he yanked my dress above my ass. He shoved my panties to my thighs.

“I don’t know what kind of woman you think I am, but I’m not the kind of woman who—”

He shoved himself inside me, his chest pressed against my back as he held on to my hips. Then he pounded me against the wall, slamming his dick into me like he didn’t give a damn what I had to say.

I shut my mouth and gripped the wall as he fucked me. It felt so good that I wondered if I really was the kind of woman who liked to get fucked in an alleyway. I would never be stupid enough to go down a dark alley by myself, but with Cato there, I wasn’t afraid at all. I enjoyed it like we were screwing in my bed at home. Even if the cops saw us, they would just look the other way—because Cato owned them.

Like he owned me.

“Fuck.” He wrapped his arm around my neck and held me against him. “I have to fuck this pussy.”

“Because it’s your pussy.” I grabbed his hip and guided him harder into me.

His lips rested against my ear, and he moaned in approval. “I own your pussy, don’t I?”

“Yes.”

“I fucking own it.”

“Yes.” I held on to the wall as I came, my fingers getting covered in dirt. My cunt squeezed him and bathed him in my wetness. I could feel every sensation between my legs, feel the heavenly explosion that made my fingertips go numb.

He didn’t last much longer. He gave his final pumps before he released inside me, dumping all his seed deep within my cunt. “Fuck, baby.” He let his cock soften inside me as he enjoyed the remainder of his high. Then he quickly pulled out of me and fixed his pants.

I felt the come drip down my legs, so I wiped it away with my fingers then licked it.

He went absolutely still, staring at me as if he couldn’t believe what he just saw.

Like I still had the grace of a queen, I pulled my panties up and returned my dress over my hips. Then I fixed my hair and walked off like nothing happened.

I sat between the two men at the bar. “Landon, this is—”

“I know who he is,” Landon said coldly. “His reputation precedes him.”

Bones stared at my brother coldly, looking like a madman with all those tattoos. “Too bad yours doesn’t precede you.”

The tension between the two of them was palpable. I had enough problems on my hands, so I didn’t need my only two allies stabbing each other. “Look, I’ve been spending a lot of time with Cato, and I don’t know what to do.”

Bones turned to me, his eyebrows furrowed. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Yes,” Landon said. “Explain.”

“Cato isn’t the monster you make him out to be,” I said. “Maybe he does bad things, but he’s not all bad. He’s—”

“You’re kidding me with this bullshit?” Landon asked. “That murderer has killed more people than you’ve met in your lifetime. He keeps the mob and the Skull Kings in line. He’s the head honcho, alright?”

“Maybe he makes you come, but that doesn’t change who he is,” Bones said.

Spending all this time with Cato just made everything complicated. The idea of stabbing him in the back made me sick to my stomach. I didn’t love him, but I certainly cared about him. He spent all his time looking over his shoulder, unable to trust anyone, but it seemed like he trusted me. I didn’t want to throw that away, turn him into a more bitter man. “I think I’m going to ask for his help instead.”

All Bones did was shake his head. “When he tortures you, you better not mention my name.”

“He will torture you, Siena,” Landon said. “And he will kill you. He’s nice to you now because you’re fucking him, but the second he realizes this was all a trick, he’s gonna lose his shit. I’m serious.”

“He’s right,” Bones said. “I understand what you’re doing, but it won’t work. Even if the guy were in love with you, he would still beat you to death then snap your neck. He won’t go easy on you.”

“If you want to save Father, you have to stick with the plan,” Landon said. “There is no other way. But if you think you can’t pull that off, there’s still time to change your mind. Stop seeing him and just abandon this.”

I didn’t want to stop seeing him. And I didn’t want to abandon my father.

“What are you going to do?” Landon pressed. “We’re running out of time, Siena. I’m surprised Damien has given you a full month to figure this out.”

“I can’t trick Cato Marino in a day, alright?” I snapped. “Even when he comes to my house, he brings fifty armed men with him. He’s never alone. He’s too smart.”

“Then you need to get him alone somehow,” Landon said. “Tell him you want to bring him to Mother’s grave—but you don’t want armed soldiers with you.”

I made a disgusted face. “That’s terrible. I can’t do that.”

“Her anniversary is coming up. It would be the perfect cover, especially if he checks in to it.” Landon held his glass but didn’t take a drink.

Bones was silent, his eyes shifting back and forth between us.

I already felt like shit for betraying Cato, but I would feel even worse using my mother’s death as a ploy. This was not the person I wanted to be. Even with my father’s life on the line, I still felt like an evil person.

“Siena,” Landon pressed. “What’s it gonna be?”

I only had one parent left because the other had been murdered. I didn’t want to lose my father in the same way. Family came first, and I knew Cato would do the same to me if the situation were reversed. “I’ll do it…”

When I got home, I called Damien.

“Hey, sweetheart.” His obnoxious voice boomed through the phone. “I missed you.”

I ignored everything he said. “Don’t stop by my house anymore. Cato comes and goes randomly, and he brings his whole army with him.”

“Yes, I noticed that. You must be damn good in the sack.”

Cato was the talented one.

“He hasn’t been seen with another woman since. That’s pretty impressive.”

The guilt fried my stomach again, but this time, I thought I might throw up.

“But what’s not impressive is how long it’s taken you to get your shit together. We’ve given you over a month. We’re tired of waiting.”

This was such a nightmare. I thought turning my back on my family protected me from the corruption and violence, but I would forever be anchored to the underworld because of my blood. “I have an idea. I’m gonna ask him to visit my mother’s grave with me next week—alone. That’s when we’ll do it.”

Damien paused for a long time. “That’s an excellent idea, Siena. Micah will be pleased. You bring him there alone, and we’ll take care of the rest.”

“And my father?” I stopped my voice from shaking, but the emotion was too powerful. I hated to think about the way he was being treated in that hellhole.

“We’ll bring him. You just worry about bringing Cato.” Click.

The second the line went dead, I dashed to the toilet—and barely made it to the bowl before I threw up.

“What do you think?” I set up the paintings on the table so he could get a good look at each of them.

Cato stood beside me, but his eyes were glued to me—not the artwork I’d selected for him. “Beautiful.”

I hid my smile, but the grin still crept through. “I meant the paintings. I think they’ll look nice in the upstairs parlor.”

He shrugged. “I don’t give a shit about the paintings.” He moved in front of me, his back to the three gorgeous pieces, and he placed his fingers underneath my chin so he could lift my lips toward his. “I give a shit about you.”

“Well, do you want them or not?”

“Yes.” He leaned down and kissed me softly on the mouth. “I trust your taste, baby.”

“This is your home. The only taste you should trust is your own.”

His thumb swiped across my bottom lip before his fingers wrapped around my neck. “This is what my taste is. Naked portraits of you all over the house. In every room. So should we do it my way or your way?”

“Well, you wouldn’t be able to afford all those naked portraits of me—because I’m not for sale.”

He moved closer to me as his eyes narrowed. Now the emotions that were once mysterious were easy to read. His look was full of possession, a passion so hot that it burned the air around us. “Maybe that’s why I want you so much—because I can’t buy you.” He moved into me and kissed me again, his hand snaking into my hair. We’d barely talked about work for fifteen minutes before it changed into this…our unstoppable attraction.

Bates announced his presence when he cleared his throat. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”

Out of defiance, Cato finished the kiss before he slowly pulled away. “You would have to be important to be an interruption. And you aren’t important.”

Bates was in a black suit, dangerous and handsome like his brother. He had the same eyes and the same coldness—but he was definitely more arctic. His hands were in his pockets, and he glanced at me with obvious dislike. “I have Mr. Wong on a conference call. Thought you’d want to say a few words.”

Cato pulled away from me. “You can hang these, Siena.” He walked out the door.

Unfortunately, Bates didn’t follow him. He came to my side and looked at the paintings I selected. “These are lovely.”

“Thank you.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “I think they’ll be great additions to the upstairs parlor.”

“Yes. A beautiful room that no one ever uses.”

Bates had made me uncomfortable since the day I met him, but not because he seemed like a predator. He was just much more suspicious than his brother, much more paranoid. He didn’t like me one bit, and it was obvious. I was terrified he would see right through me. I just hoped I would be able to save my father before that time came.

“Cato isn’t just my brother. He’s my best friend. He’s my business partner. There’s no one in the world I trust more than him—and that feeling is mutual.” He turned his head my way slightly. “I don’t understand his fascination with your cunt, and I also don’t like it. My brother might not see through your lies, but I do. If you think you’re going to play him for a fool, you’re wrong—because I’ll never let that happen. I’ll carve your heart out of your ass and shove it up that pretty little cunt of yours.”

Before I could respond, Cato reentered the room. He must have picked up on the hostility in the air because his eyes shifted back and forth between us, like an earthquake had struck and he could feel the aftershocks. “Everything alright?”

“I was just telling Siena the paintings are nice, but I don’t think too many people will see them.” As if he hadn’t just grotesquely threatened me, he lied so easily, the words rolling off his tongue with no effort.

Cato’s eyes shifted to me, like he didn’t believe his own brother. “Baby?”

I suspected Cato would believe me if I told him the truth, but I didn’t want to turn him against his own brother. Maybe Bates was an asshole, but he was trying to protect his brother. He was loyal—and right on the money. It didn’t matter how much Bates insulted me, I still respected him. “Your brother doesn’t appreciate art. I’ll leave it at that.” I gave Cato a smile in the hope he would believe me.

Cato did. “I could have told you that.” His hand moved to the small of my back as he came close to me. “Let’s get these paintings up. I’m sure Giovanni would be happy to help you.”

“Oh my god. Your bed is so comfy.” I rolled over three times and made it to the edge of the bed. Then I rolled back toward him.

“You’ve been in my bed before.” He lay on his back with his head against the pillow, his hard physique lined with all the bulging muscles of his body. Despite his criminal ways, he wasn’t covered in scars. He didn’t have a bullet wound in his shoulder like I did.

“But I was too busy getting fucked to enjoy it.”

I cuddled into his side and slipped my leg between his. “How do you get up in the morning?”

“Easy. I think about you.” He moved his fingers through my hair and grinned.

I gave him a playful slap. “Perv.”

“I’m a perv?” he asked. “I don’t wipe away a man’s come as it drips down my thighs then lick it.”

“That doesn’t make me a perv. I just didn’t want it to go to waste.”

“I’m glad you think my come is so valuable.” His hand cupped the back of my head as he turned on his side. He faced me and pressed his forehead against mine, his hard chest pushing against my tits.

“It’s Grade A come.”

He hiked my leg over his waist and held me close, closer than we’d ever been before. His hand slowly grazed up my thigh to my hip before it moved back down again. We’d had dinner hours ago, and we’d been in bed ever since. Our lovemaking was only interrupted when we finished the third round.

Now we just lay together.

“If my brother was an asshole to you, I apologize.” His fingers trailed through my hair then down the back of my neck. He gently stroked me, gently treasured every inch of my body like he’d never explored it before.

“He wasn’t.”

“You’re covering for him. That makes me like you more.”

“Why would I cover for him?” The guilt started to weigh on me again. I’d already confirmed with Damien what the plan would be, but I was lying in Cato’s bed like that’d never happened.

“Because we’re close. You don’t want to cause a rift between us.”

Perhaps Cato was more observant than I realized. I just hoped he wasn’t too observant.

“You don’t care about my money. You don’t care about my power. If you did, you would turn me against my brother so I would distrust everything he said. Then it would be easier for you to get your way. Instead, you want to preserve the relationship—because you care about me. I know how you are, baby. If someone crosses you, you won’t hesitate to cross them back. And I know my brother—he’s a fucking asshole. But you put up with it.”

I covered for Bates because he was only protecting his brother. I never thought my actions would make Cato trust me more—especially when I was a liar. All of this wasn’t real. It was built on lies. Bates could see that, but Cato couldn’t.

I hated myself.

Why couldn’t there be a better way?

Even if I told Cato the truth and he took it well, Bates would kill me.

I knew that for certain.

I moved my face into his chest so I wouldn’t have to meet his gaze any longer. In my heart, I knew this man only pretended to be an asshole to protect himself. He was cold to everyone around him because he knew they would use him the second he gave them a chance. He was the toughest man in the world in order to keep the other tough guys at bay. But he dropped all that hostility for me…because he trusted me.

God, I was going to be sick again.