Page 18 of Sins of Bliss

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t stick my dick in you if you begged me to. Not after I knowhiswas just there.”

He delivers his first kick to my ribs as I’m attempting to scramble to my feet.

The second kick comes when I’m down.

“You thought you could just fly to California and I wouldn’t find out?” He kicks me again, this time landing his foot in my gut.

“You aremyfiancée, and in less than two weeks you will be my wife.”

My body contorts into the fetal position. I hug myself tightly as tears stream down my face. “August,” I whimper. “Please.”

“August, please,” he mocks, kicking me again. This time, a searing pain radiates as his loafer connects with my rib cage.

Crying out, my hand flies to where the pain ricochets from, and a fresh wave of tears fall. From my peripheral, I see August crouch down next to me. He reaches to brush the hair away from my face, and I flinch at his touch.

His knuckles drag down my cheek, and for a moment I think he’s going to hit me in the face, despite knowing he wouldn’t leave visible marks. My eyes clench closed, and for several long seconds his knuckles hover just above my cheekbone.

Scoffing, he stands.

As he walks away, he raises his voice, laughing maniacally as his voice echoes off the white walls. “Betray me again, Vinnie. See what happens.”

Then he walks away, leaving me crying in a crumpled, broken ball on the floor.

Chapter 7

Sly

“No, no. There is no reason for you to come down here, mia preferita. You have a lot to help Nixon with. They are discharging me tomorrow, and I will come to the bar as soon as I am out.”

“You willnot,” Rosie squeals through the phone, at the same time Cain, who is also talking to me through speakerphone, barks, “Would you quit referring to my girl as your favorite? Find your own woman.”

“Oh, don’t go all caveman, Cainy-boo. IamSly’s favorite,” Rosie quips, and I can practically see the glare Cain gives her.

Chuckling, I pull the pillow from behind my back and slowly turn my body so I can stand. “Apologies, mio amico. Old habits. She is not wrong though—she may be yours, but she is still my best friend in Ridgewood.”

“I’m telling Nixon you said that,” Cain grumbles, and I laugh again.

Rosie’s stern voice overpowers Cain's muttering complaints. “If you’re not up for visitors today, you have to promise me the first thing you do tomorrow willnotbe coming to the bar.”

“But my room is above the bar, bella,” I argue.

Her deep sigh sends static through the speakers, and I know she is relenting. She needs to accept that I will be going there tomorrow—I live there. At least for the time being.

“We’ll see you tomorrow. Rest up, brother.”

“Sounds good, amico.” More static sounds through the speakers, Rosie’s protests overpowering the noise.

“Hey, I wasn’t done tal?—”

The call disconnects and I chuckle again, setting my phone down next to me on the bed. Gripping the edge, I give myself a gentle push and stand.

My wounds are healing nicely, but I know better than to overexert myself.

The time spent with Vinnie was enough to set me back the next day and I spent it in more pain than I had post surgery.

Walking to the window, I watch the sunset. Glorious oranges and pinks stand bright against the contrasting darkness that has begun to settle.

After a few moments, a sharp rap against my door has me turning, just as a nurse comes into my room with a dinner tray in hand. “How are you feeling, Mr. Lucchetti?”

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