Page 288 of Sinfully Savage Mafia

“I admit, it wasn’t my smartest move,” I grumble.

“This is your problem, Romo. You don’t think. You just do.”

“Says the guy who takes his sniper rifle to bed almost as often as his whores.”

“Easy, bro. No need to judge.”

“Look, you run your life and I’ll run mine, okay?” I shake my head. “In the meantime, I have to figure out how to make the next week as painless as possible for myself.” I nod at Marchella. “She can be pretty brutal.”

“Judging by the way she sucked back that tequila, I’d say you should stock up if you want any peace.”

I nod, staring out at the skyline.

There might be something else I can do.

You know, for the sake of keeping peace.

* * *

I hold open a bag of some horrid-smelling things called Nudges that I found in the pet aisle of a nearby Key Food supermarket, hoping the scent alone will have Bella running to eat out of my hand. I grabbed a few other necessities like a leash and some wipes because stupidly, I was hopeful I’d actually be able to find her. But now it’s been three hours since I left my apartment and it’s starting to get dark. Pretty soon, I won’t be able to see her even if she is skulking around these streets.

I wander up and down the streets around the park, knowing that once darkness falls, I’ll be fucked in this neighborhood. I’ve got my gun, but if I get jumped by a group of thugs with something to prove, it’ll be damn useless.

I wind up back in the spot where Bobby shot Marchella because the little alleyway is the last place where I saw Bella. I guess I’m hoping she’ll come back around. I sink to the concrete next to the old brick building, tall, overgrown weeds on either side of me. My shoulders slump and I lean my head back against the side of the wall.

Why in the hell am I even here?

Do I really think that I’m A) gonna find the dog, and B) gonna be able to ingratiate myself with Marchella even if I get lucky and she comes sniffing around?

My cell phone buzzes and I grab it. “Is she up yet?” I ask.

“Nah. In fact, I think she’s actually drooling a little. You finish your little errand?”

“Not yet.” I sigh. “I’ll be home soon. Hopefully.”

“Okay. Don’t forget the Jack.”

Jesus Christ. “Is that all that’s on your mind right now?”

“Nope,” he says. “My mind is on your little captive right now. She’s got some mouth on her. I’m thinking about what else she can do with it.”

“Did you put on pants?” I say through gritted teeth.

“Negative. I figured easy access, you know? If she wakes up horny,” Dante adds with a snicker. “I mean, she clearly hates you, but I figure I’m fair game.”

I grip the phone tight. I will kill him if he lays a finger on Marchella. Kill him fucking dead!

“Relax, Romo. I know you still like her,” he sing-songs. “But ya know, it’s gotta be her choice. That’s only fair.”

“Screw you,” I hiss. “And I am long fucking over her. You think she’d be interested in you, go for it. I don’t need her brand of hell in my life.”

“Thanks for giving me your blessing,” he says. “My dick appreciates it.”

I hate him. I hate him. I hate him!

My stomach rolls as I raise the bag of Nudges to my nose. I’m starving but not dying.

“I’ll see ya later,” I snap, clicking off the phone.

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