The Mafia Contract Series

WINTER

Massimo is excited. The way he taps his foot and exhales sharply sets me on edge. He is in his element right now. Plotting and scheming another man’s downfall and I’m not shocked when he starts cackling like the evillest wizard.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“This is going to be so much fun.”

He starts rocking back and forth and giggles like a small child.

“I love games, don’t you, Winter? You see, I am a master at chess and your friends are going to find out why.”

“My friends?”

I’m surprised because I understood we were meeting his friend, Portia Symmons.

His head snaps my way, making me regret speaking at all. I spoke outside of a direct question, and he hates that. His eyes narrow and I resign myself to what happens next as he clicks his tongue and says harshly, “Naughty girl, speaking without permission.”

He slams his hand against my mouth and pushes me back against the seat, grabbing my earlobe and twisting it cruelly, causing the tears to well up in my eyes as he inflicts pain on me.

Almost immediately, he releases me and sneers, “Next time I won’t be so kind. Now, what do you say?”

“I’m sorry, my darling, please forgive me.”

He looks at me for a moment as if he’s thinking carefully, and then he unbuckles my seatbelt and says roughly, “On your knees before me.”

Shaking, I do as he asks and as he lays his hand on the top of my head, he whispers, “I forgive you, my child.”

He offers me the back of his hand and I press my lips to it and whisper, “Thank you, my darling.”

He pulls his hand away and tilts my face to his and the triumphant gleam in his eyes makes the nausea rise inside me.

“I will tell you a secret, my darling, because you have pleased me.”

I stare up at him and he grins. “I had word that the restaurant was booked out. There were no spare tables at all, and any previous bookings were canceled and replaced by new ones.”

I continue to stare, and he twists his lips into a grin.

“They believe I’m a fool. Setting a trap they hoped I would walk right into.”

He throws his head back and laughs and says with a dark tone to his voice, “My men are under instructions to wipe out the enemy and replace them. When Portia turns up with her mysterious date, I will have them cornered.”

He pats his breast pocket and winks. “You remember Iris Young, my former nanny, don’t you, darling?”

I nod, still kneeling before him, trying desperately to stay still despite the rocking movements of the car.

“Well…” he laughs out loud. “Portia is about to join her. Strokes are so damaging, aren’t they, my darling? I have a bed set up beside my beloved nanny and they can keep each other company. My aim is to liberate them to my home and allow them to spin beside Wesley in the future, but for now they will live out their days waiting for my next move, not knowing what or when that will be.”

Once again, he pats the top of my head and grins. “So, Portia and her friend become my latest casualties. I’m guessing the person with her intends on challenging my authority, so they must be quite powerful. I’m really hoping it’s one of your friends, Winter. Wouldn’t that be delightful watching me tear him apart in my dungeon? I’ll even allow you to assist me. So much fun is on the horizon, wouldn’t you agree?”

I feel sick inside, hoping to God he’s wrong, but maintain a blank expression and smile.

“I can’t wait, my darling.”

He sighs and for a moment looks like a boy searching for his mother as he says in a small voice, “I need a hug.”

He takes my hand and pulls me onto his knee and whispers, “Hug me, my darling. Show me how much you love me.”

It takes all my strength to wrap my arms around his neck and as he rocks me like a baby, he makes small pitiful noises, like an animal in pain. Then he looks up and before I register what’s happening, his lips fasten against mine and he forces his tongue down my throat as he grips my head hard, forcing me to accept the most disgusting kiss of my life as his saliva fills my mouth making me gag.

Without warning, he slaps me away and shrieks, “You fucking whore! What are you doing?”

I’m in shock as he strikes me around the face again and again before slamming my head against the window.

I can’t fight the fear that engulfs me and just when I think he’s about to end my life, the car stops suddenly and he says pleasantly, “Gather yourself together, my darling. I hope you’re hungry. I know I am.”

To anyone watching, he is the image of a successful businessman and I look like a cheap whore who serviced him on the way over. My clothes are creased and my hair is all over the place. I’m guessing the throbbing in my face is the result of a damaging bruise and my neck is sore where he nearly squeezed the life out of me. I’m almost positive my lipstick is smeared across my face and the tears in my eyes are causing my make-up to streak. I am far from the perfect doll right now and I’m fearful about what that means for me. I am imperfect, soiled and broken. I am fast approaching my use by date and the only possible outcome will be a cruel and painful transition to hell.

We stop suddenly and as the door opens, Massimo steps out and offers me his hand.

As I step into the light, I see the unguarded look of horror on Massimo’s soldier’s face before it is replaced by indifference. I walk beside my abuser as if I’m walking to the gallows because I know how this works. Massimo is out to cause havoc and pain, and it appears the person first in line for that is me.