Page 23 of Hot Blooded

Tony stared at Lucien. “Dominic Marchesi? I…I thought he was a myth.”

Lucien laughed, the sound echoing eerily. “Most people wish he was, but he’s very real, and you will follow his every order, or this situation”—he gestured toward me—“won’t be allowed to continue.”

Tony reached back and took my hand. “Elio is under my protection.”

“Not if I say otherwise. I could make millions by selling your boyfriend. Earn your keep, or we’ll see about an auction. Don’t make me regret my choices.”

He was bluffing. He had to be. “You said I was on your payroll too.” Apparently I couldn’t keep my mouth shut for long.

“Your job is to make sure Tony doesn’t screw up. He’s a hothead with no discipline. That’s not how I run things. Make sure he learns how to walk the straight and narrow, and if Dom has need of your other services, he’ll give you orders as well. I hear you’re rather good at finding out people’s secrets.”

I smiled. “I am happy to pay my way, sir.”

“Watch it.” Lucien turned and left. Vinnie followed him, but the other man stayed.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I thought he was going kill you.”

“So did I.”

“Were you there when he talked to my father?” Elio asked.

“Yes, it was fucking impressive.”

“This is my cousin, Micky,” Tony said. “He’s the one who got me this job.”

Micky scowled at him. “Don’t go blaming me for anything,”

“I can’t believe Lucien paid for me. Why?”

“Because Vinnie told him the two of you were in love. Not many things will make Lucien bend, but that is one of them.” I realized then that as badass as Lucien was, he wouldn’t really sell me. I also realized Tony had to have told Vinnie he loved me even before he’d told me. He really was ready to do whatever it took to protect me.

“I’ve got to go,” Micky said. “I promised Vinnie I’d take care of something. If I don’t, I’ll have to listen to him yelling all night. Good luck with Dominic.”

Tony snorted. “I’m going to fucking need it.”

When Tony had closed the door behind Micky, I sank onto the couch. “I can’t believe my father sold me to his enemy. I mean, I shouldn’t expect anymore from him, but….”

“You don’t need him. He’s never cared for you, I do. My family might be scary—and crazy—but they take care of each other.”

“Tom told me that.”

“It’s true. You’re one of us now.”

“Because Lucien paid for me. That’s….”

“He paid for your freedom. He doesn’t own you.”

“Would he see it that way?”

“Yes.”

“Call him.”

“What?”

“I want to talk to him.”

“Elio, that’s crazy.” Even as he said the words, he pulled out his phone and sent a message. He watched the screen, and a moment later he made a call and held the phone out to me.

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