Page 24 of Fragile Twisted Vows
“Great,” I say, hating how for the last hour, I haven’t been able to focus because Lucy has been on my mind.
I’ve already texted Bruno a handful of times, wondering if she’s tried anything or pushed him in any way, but every response is a short and simpleNo.
Highly unlikely,I think.
Two hours spent with that woman and I already know she is both a brat and a smartass. Something I’m not entirely used to because Megan was just quite frankly, a bitch. And every woman I’ve been intimate with has either wanted my cock, my money or both.
I’ve never had one try to test me with smart remarks or quick-witted responses.
This world is entirely new for me to navigate and I don’t like it one bit.
Mostly because it clouds my judgment and takes my mind away from more important matters. Like this contract I’ve drafted up and given to Adrian to look over.
“Let’s talk about this,” he says as he pushes the contract over to me.
Essentially, it’s a consent form. Detailing and laying out every duty that I have for Lucille. What is expected of her. What isn’t. What she should and shouldn’t question.
Just to keep me safe. To keep my family safe.
“There isn’t much to say,” I sigh as I turn and drain the contents of my mug, hating how exhausted I feel even though this is the fourth cup of coffee that I’ve had today.
“What’s actually going on here, Damien?” he asks as I look up at his concerned eyes.
He’s only a few years older than me. I met him through Antonio. He’s had connections up here in New York for decades and Adrian was the first he introduced me to. A young entrepreneur, but middle-aged attorney that had no issue getting checks from dirty money. He’s got a quiet mouth and a sharp mind, which is why I’ve made him my business partner.
He’s the kind of man that not only proves his loyalty, but he’s also a cutthroat, smart son of a bitch.
“Nothing,” I say as I check my phone for the fifth time, searching for an update from Bruno.
I told him that Lucy had no limit for her shopping, hoping she’d pick some nicer clothes but get agitated? with the selection. However, they’ve been gone for four hours and now I’m growing concerned. Not because of my bank account, because of what’s in her fucking shopping cart.
I can’t handle any more crop tops and ripped jeans I swear to God-
“Damien. Come on man, you’ve got to let me in. I’m your partner.” Adrian huffs and I tilt my head at him, narrowing my eyes as I get up and shove my phone into my pocket.
“We’ve had some problems, I’m taking care of them,” I say and he rubs at his temples with his elbows on the conference table.
“By marrying her little sister?” he groans, and I raise an eyebrow at him as I fish the keys to my Audi out of my pocket.
“You got a better idea to keep that family off our backs?” I ask, and he scoffs.
“Yeah, put the fucker in jail,” he quips, and I bark a short laugh at him.
“Sure. Let’s have the head, Mexican drug lord put the New York senator in prison. That’ll work great,” I growl, and he sighs at me.
“You know what I mean. You’ve got enough dirt on the guy,” he says and I stop him there.
“And he’s working up plenty of dirt on me. This will solve it. And will also turn his attention in another direction. He can’t afford a scandal in the middle of his campaign. It’s why he covered the affair with his wife so well. But, he can’t cover this one. I won’t let him. It’ll keep him out of my fucking business for at least the rest of the election year so I can move some shit around, okay?” I say as I walk to the door.
“We’re meeting you for lunch at one. I’ll see you at Carbone,” I say as I leave the room and make my way to the garage.
The drive to Bruno and Lucy’s location is quick due to my speeding. And when I get inside and find him on the lounge chairs in the dressing area, I can see piles of clothes and shoes surrounding him with his head in his hands.
“Jesus…” I say as I take in blazers, corsets, some leather pants, high heels and really short fucking dresses.
All of which are nice, but incredibly…sharp and revealing.
“No, Lucy,” Bruno groans as he gathers the piles and takes them to Anita, one of my stylists at the checkout counter.
