Page 51 of Consequences
Tennant.
The bane of my existence right now. Not only because of his attitude toward Cristian, but his relationship with Benjamin. Now that punishment needs to happen soon. Of all the Boys, he is the one who broke the rules the most.
I yank my mind away from the pleasurable thoughts of pain that are to come, and refocus on Roman. I respect his willingness to apologize. Not to mention his patience waiting. Humming, I pet my Caro more as I take my time to decide, reveling in the electric anticipation in the room.
Making my decision, I grin wickedly at the group. “I accept your apology, and agree you deserve time to see Ignacio, who understands the rules now. In the meantime, Cristian, Carter, and the Seconds can join me in my office for further discussion.”
The thick tension rolls in further, and I suppress my grin of satisfaction. Tennant’s agitation and glares toward Ignacio didn’t go unnoticed. I’ll let Roman have his time with Ignacio, and Jude can spend time with Antonio. But Tennant and Hollis? No.
I almost want to whistle at the scowl that crosses Tennant’s face as he grits his teeth. Knowing I have the ability to pull his chain, as Benjamin will stay here in the same area as Ignacio…priceless. And well fucking deserved.
Carter makes a choking sound and I eye him as I stand. I’m unsure if it’s amusement or worry, but frankly, I don’t give a shit. It does seem to be more amusement at least.
Cristian…based on his grimace, appears more concerned, but I don’t give a fuck. He’s mine now. I’m claiming both him and his husband. Tennant can fall in line with it, or learn exactly how I put people in their place. My black room may have been given up in case of a search, but it won’t be gone forever.
I offer a hand to Emilio, who gives a fleeting peek at Hollis, before quickly turning his attention back toward me. I squeeze his hand none too gently, and he immediately leans into me, showing his complete submission. Nodding my approval, and noting to include his actions in his next punishment, I gesture for the rest to follow us.
Stepping into my office, I stifle a sigh of relief and let my Emilio’s hand go. It’s calm in the office, and the lack of crowding helps. I do wish I had a separate seating space like Cristian does. Having him sit across from me when he should be at my side feels wrong. Still, at least he’s here with me.
Cristian and Carter both take the seats across from me, and Tennant automatically stands behind Cristian. Emilio hesitates, but I gesture him forward, pushing my seat out so that he can perch on my leg. I wrap my arm around his waist, holding him comfortably.
“We made good progress,” I note to the room. “Yet, I’m concerned about what protections we can take. We still have the gang helping us. Are you still using the Bratva?”
“We are,” Cristian says carefully. “Although with the LEOs being so quiet, I’m not sure if they’re as effective. I dislike being put in a position where I’m owing someone, even though we now have close ties to the Bratva.”
I sigh in acknowledgment, because fuck do I understand that. As much as I enjoy Ely and her gang, I am not thrilled about having to give discounts—or paying in fucking jewels. “Would it be worth putting our lawyers in contact with each other?”
Tennant mutters a curse with the name Sinclair, and I raise my eyebrows as I study Cristian. Running a hand through his silky hair, he shakes his head before offering a shrug. “I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. Fuck knows we pay them enough to do their damn jobs.”
“That’s my thought. I’m also curious if they can find out any more information. I know Jenna isn’t a…fan of being overly involved in our business, but I think we need to step up our investigation with other avenues. Hollis has done a flawless job. I greatly appreciate his work. I may request him later for a…special project, as a reward.” Lio stiffens in my arms as Cristian cocks his head.
“I’ll touch base with Sinclair. You’re right that some nontraditional methods may be useful. I can also discuss it with Hollis. Are your special requests only for Hollis?”
“Hmm. At this time. I, unfortunately, have to deal with a couple of misbehaving Boys first. Benjamin will likely be unavailable for a few days. He…needs to spend some time contemplating his actions.”
I stare directly at Tennant, waiting for his reaction. I’m not surprised to see his eyes growing colder, and he twitches, as if he wants to take a step toward me.
Cristian grabs him and squeezes his arm. My lips twitch, as Tennant’s glare is so vicious, I’m surprised it doesn’t set me on fire. It makes me want to play even more. However, when Cristian narrows his eyes at me, I subside. I don’t want to piss my Dolce Cuore off—even if it’s fun toying with Tennant.
With a cough that I suspect is covering a laugh, Carter interrupts. “I concur about the lawyers. Did you want us to try any other avenues?”
“Not that I can think of. Hollis seems to be doing very well with it. However…” I pause, twisting my lips before I force the rest of my thought out. “Your Doc…he has significant connections to the elite. While I have them based on the donations I give, it was my aunt, God rest her soul, that was more involved. I wonder if we should try to utilize some of those connections.”
Cristian immediately shakes his head. “I will not ask that of him. It was one thing to pick up the asshole who treated me, but a fishing expedition? No. I will not put him through that.”
Tapping my lips, I accept that. I wouldn’t want to put one of mine at risk, either. I don’t know Doc’s story, but for my Cristian to react this way, it must be crushing. “Very well. My uncle is no longer living here, but perhaps he can help me reach out to some people. If we need to…infiltrate that group, do you havesomeone you’d like to go with one of mine? I can’t send Antonio, unfortunately. In this case, appearances do matter. I’d cut the assholes down for judging his scars, but that won’t help.”
“Hmm. Let me give that some thought. Roman knows the players, and is very good at the game, but you’re right, appearances matter, and asking him to play a role…”
We exchange glances of understanding as I squeeze my Caro tighter. Emilio’s more feminine dress, while not as vibrant as Roman’s, would not go over well either. Not that I’d send him anyway. He still occasionally has issues with stabbing first, thinking later. It’s a work in progress. A very long progress.
“Alright, let’s give it some thought. I’ll touch base with my uncle. If you think of someone, let me know. If the feds pulled from that group before, there’s a chance they are doing it more.”
I consider the time briefly, deciding I’ve given more than enough to Roman, and nudge my Caro. Standing up, I walk around the desk as Cristian and Carter also get to their feet. For a brief moment, I hesitate, before flashing an arrogant grin at Tennant. Tugging Cristian close, I cover his lips with mine, my hands tightening on his hips. I growl at his shudder, pressing in harder.
When I let go of him, I turn toward Carter. While we haven’t interacted much, I know he’s Cristian’s, which, to me, means he’s also mine. I hold out my hand to him, and when he places his in mine, I lightly jerk him toward me. With a look of surprise, I capture his mouth as well.
“Anche tu sei mio. Grazie per avermi dato il permesso di stare con Cristian.” With that, I walk toward the door and open it. Carter’s lips twitch and he shakes his head. I merely shrug as I show them out, and head toward the study to collect our Families.
