Page 25 of Dangerous Secrets

One thing I know is, I will avenge Matty. I will take down the assassin. And I will make a change in my life because I will bring Bianca into this family and make her mine for real.

I just have to kill a killer first.

16

BIANCA

The crowd is hot tonight. It’s been a while—a few weeks—since Rome came to the Flatiron. I heard from Tony that the guys threw him out and told him to stay out. They’re off duty tonight, though. It’s like Rome watches this place to see when he can weasel his way in. I was hoping for an evening without drama. I have enough on my mind. I don’t need him coming in here and riling people up simply so he can get his rocks off.

The stage lights are blistering, making me sweat. I know if I sweat too much the makeup I use to disguise my tattoos will only melt off with the perspiration and I’ll be exposed, so I meander the crowd, careful to not let anyone touch. They can always look, but Soren has rules about who can touch, when and where.

As I make my way around the room, I can feel Rome's eyes following me. He's sitting at the bar, nursing a drink, but his gaze is fixed on me. I try to ignore him and focus on my job, but it's difficult. I know what he wants. He wants to provoke me, to make me lose my cool and get aroused for him. But I won't give him the satisfaction.

Instead, I make my way back toward a group of men whistling and howling. They have cash in hand, ready to tip me well. My voice is strong and clear, and I can feel the audience responding to me. They're caught up in the moment, lost in the music, and I am their guide. They're a rowdy bunch, but they always tip well and don't get handsy. I start to sing "Fever", a classic I know will get them going. The band starts to play and I close my eyes, letting the music carry me away.

But Rome is still there, watching me. I can feel his presence like a weight on my shoulders. I try to push him out of my mind, but it's no use. He's like a virus, infecting everything he touches. I try to keep my composure, but I can feel my body betraying me. I swallow hard and step away from the men, collecting my tips, trying to put some distance between us. But Rome is persistent. His eyes follow me around the dining room, never leaving mine.

I finish singing my set and make my way back to the dressing room. The room is dimly lit with a few flickering bulbs, barely enough to see my reflection in the mirror. I let out a long sigh, relieved to be back in my safe space. I peel off the layers of clothing, taking care not to smudge my makeup. I slip into a silk robe and sit at the vanity, staring at my reflection.

Normally I'd be inviting him back, asking him to bend me over this table and fuck me, but tonight I need space. The pressure is on. There is too much heat on me to pull the trigger.

I stare at myself in the mirror, trying to shake off the feeling of Rome's gaze still on me. My mind is racing, trying to come up with a plan to get out of this mess. I know I can't keep working for Mickey. The guilt over being tasked with killing the Bratva leaders is eating me alive. But I also know I can't just walk away. Mickey won't let me go that easily.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. It wasn't supposed to be this way. I was never supposed to get into this life. I was supposed to be a singer, a performer, not a killer. But somehow, I got sucked in. And now, I don't know how to get out.

I hear a knock on the door and my heart skips a beat. I wasn't expecting anyone. I quickly tie the robe tighter around my waist and make my way to the door. I peek through the peephole and see Ben standing on the other side with a face white as a sheet.

"What?" I snap, irritated that he's interrupting my break. He should be managing the stage, not pestering me. It is, after all, his job.

"It's ... well... It's that man. He's asking about you.He's causing a scene." Ben trembles, his voice shaky.

My heart drops as soon as I hear those words. I know exactly who he's talking about. Rome. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "What did you tell him?" I ask, my voice surprisingly calm.

"I told him you were busy, but he's not taking no for an answer," Ben replies, wringing his hands nervously.

I curse under my breath and run a hand through my hair. I don't have time for this. Rome showing up here could blow things up with Tony and Soren, and then I'll really be in trouble. I take a deep breath and steel myself. "I'll take care of it," I say, and push past Ben to make my way to the stage.

"Uh, he said to send you to the alley. The guys tossed him already." Ben's fidgeting is ridiculous. I roll my eyes at him and make a one-eighty and head toward the alley.

"Give me ten minutes of privacy please. If I'm not back in fifteen, send the guys."

I nod at Ben, giving him a tight-lipped smile, and make my way outside. The cool night air hits me like a slap in the face, but I don't let it faze me. I'm used to the cold, the darkness, the violence. It's all part of the job.

I see Rome leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette. He looks up when he sees me and grins, his eyes flashing with something that makes my body ache for him. The dim light overhead casts dark shadows down his face; he looks like the grim reaper, but he's so magnetic I have to force myself not to touch him, not to let his mysterious ways infect me yet again. I need to think clearly.

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to show up," he drawls, taking another drag of his cigarette. "I was starting to think you were avoiding me, sweetheart."

I clench my fists at my sides, trying to keep my composure. This is just another part of the game—his game.

"What do you want, Rome?" I ask, my voice steady.

He takes another drag of his cigarette and blows the smoke out in a lazy plume. "I want you, baby. You know that." He steps closer to me, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair away from my face.

I step back, out of his reach. "Rome, you know I can't do this. I have a job to do." My protests will only encite more arousal from him, but I have to get space between us. I blame myself for teaching him that I like to keep him at arm's length until he takes what he wants.

He chuckles, the sound low and dangerous. "I know you have a job to do. And so do I." He steps closer again, his hand now resting on my hip. "But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun in the meantime, does it?"

I feel my resolve slipping, his touch sending shivers down my spine. I can't deny the pull he has over me, the way he makes me feel alive in a world that's slowly killing me. But I can't let myself get distracted. Not now.

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