Page 19 of Playing for the Dark

“There’s not much to know. I’m a Pro wide receiver and have been for four years, but apparently, you know that.” He shoots me a wink and continues, “I’m openly bi, which in the Pros deserves an award, but I don’t want anything to do with that. I grew up in Chicago and wentto Palm University for college on a football scholarship.” He just shrugs like that’s all I need to know.

“Bud, I could’ve googled all of that.” Shooting him a glare, I continue, “Give me the juicy shit. I don’t like the artificial bullshit; I’m going to need more from you.”

“My dad never wanted me to play football; I was supposed to follow in his footsteps. He still, to this day, disapproves of me playing and tries to get me to come back and work for the family business.”

“What’s this business?”

“Running Chicago, pretty much. Too many businesses to name off, honestly.” Fuck, is his family mafia too? I’ve never seen anything written or in the media about it, but you can pay good money to get that shit buried. Maybe he was one of the spoiled mafia boys that didn’t do shit.

“Well, I hate that he didn’t support your dreams of what you really wanted to do. How are they with you being out about your sexuality?”

“My father turned a blind eye to that. I’m pretty sure he just blocks it out, but I don’t let it get to me. Can’t please everyone, you know?”

“Honestly, fuck what people think, even parents. Let me guess, you’re just living your best? Pussy and cock falling at your feet twenty-four seven?”

The expression covering his face makes the Cheshire cat look more sane. “Is that jealousy I hear, Ellie?” No, but I am mad his ass didn’t use that cute as fucknickname, whatever the hell it means.Your stupid ass needs to google translate it.

From both of the guys, for that matter.

“No, I’m not jealous; I’m just a nosey bitch.”

“I won’t lie and say I didn’t go absolutely berzerk fucking whoever, whenever, my first couple years in the league, but it’s exhausting mentally after a while. Giving yourself up to randoms in random cities.” He shrugs, and I think he’s done, but he surprises me. “I want more.” Fuck he’s looking me in the eyes.

I’m shaking my head before I even know it. “No. Not with me, don’t look at me with those fucking eyes, Z.”Z, bitch, really? Him having a nickname for you wasn’t enough?

“Say it again.” He’s dropped his voice and tucked his chin, but of course, he’s keeping his eye contact.

Thank the devil herself I’m not standing. My knees would be hitting the floor. “I’ve written off monogamy. I’m not your girl, I promise.”

“You say that now,Shpirt Im.”

Zamir and I talked too much, and I’m running behind now. I had to run to the grocery store for a few things and clean my damn apartment. Mondays are for cleaningand getting my shit together for the upcoming night shifts at Shenanigans.

I found my desk in shambles with papers scattered everywhere that are normally in neat piles—some even littering the floor. My clothes from my dirty hamper were thrown everywhere, and I swear all of my underwear are gone from there. I called Blair into my room, and she looked as shocked as I did… It’s like my stalker is getting sloppier and sloppier, but I don’t know what to do about it at this point. Cops don’t take it seriously; all I can do is protect myself.

1. Toxic - A Static Lullaby

Chapter 14

Marcello

Seeing Zamir Prifti with myRagazza Dolcein my fucking restaurant was not what I needed today.1Fucking Bill and his football obsession; I knew he was going to talk his head off. Bill disappears back into the kitchen, leaving my Ellie there with this fuck. I can’t hear what they’re saying. I shoot a text off to Noah to upgrade the cameras in here; why the fuck the cameras are without audio is beyond me.

Zamir is in Barone’s at least once a week, so I can’t say he’s here purely for Ellie, but I don’t like how he’s looking at her. I know that look… I can’t let anyone have an obsession with my girl.That never ends well for them.

Instead of sitting here in misery watching Ellie with another man, I get up and rush to the elevatorthat leads to the private parking garage where my blacked-out McLaren is. Blair left to go to her salon earlier, making it the perfect time to go fuck with Ellie’s apartment and get my fix.

I pull up on a side street in one of my normal hide-out spots. I have the perfect view of their whole building. Usually, I sit out here for a few moments to scope everything out for a minute. I lock eyes with Marfa from across the parking lot. I doubt she can see who is in here, but she scrambles away from her car to the apartment building. There’s no way she lives here. I would’ve known that. ButI do have a one-track mind when I’m anywhere near Ellie.

I’ve needed to have a chat with Marfa for a while, so what better time than now? With a quick change of plans, I open my glove box and pull out the vial I got from Dr. Brock. I load the syringe like Haisley taught me and place the cap back on the needle. I’m pocketing that for later; hopefully, I don’t need to use it, but Marfa is heavily trained from her scum of the earth father.

Using the tool Noah programmed for me, I’m able to bypass the code they have for the door on their apartment.Thank fuck for the best hacker out there. Blair let me install some safety measures, and of course, I threw in some extras—including the cameras. They’re great when it’s just Ellie. I get a front-row seat to watch my Ragazza Dolce.So when she brought the rookie home the other night, it took everything in me not to bust herdoor down and drag him out by his goddamn hair.I can’t mess up any part of the money maker.

He did well pleasuring her, so I couldn’t be too upset. Seeing her fall apart that many times in one setting had me coming undone from the view of them. As long as she’s getting her pleasure, I can tolerate it.

I walk into Ellie’s room and am immediately hit with her scent. That was the first thing I looked for the first time here. I wanted her scent around me all the time if I couldn’t have her. She smells fresh, like a spring day, but somehow spicy at the same time. I found her lily-of-the-valley perfume that she loves so much. I now buy a new bottle for her monthly and trade them out so she never gets low. It is a pricey perfume for her—pennies for me. She doesn’t need to worry about how she will get her next bottle.

I’m trading her bottle out for the fresh one in my hand; I’ll add the used one to my stockpile at home. I look over at the bed, and it’s still unmade. I toe off my shoes and lay down. Turning my head, inhaling her pillow… fuck, she smells delicious. She goes to bed with her hair wet when she washes it; that scent is embedded into her pillow. My cock has been at attention since walking up to her bedroom door.It knows our routine by now.What I would give to taste her just once. Running my hand up and down my length through my pants, undoing my belt, and removing myself from my briefs—I reallyhope Noah has turned off the camera because he’s about to get a show if not.

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