Page 52 of Unlocked Desire: Vol One
Once he’s rinsed off the soap, he lifts me out of the tub, cradling me against him again. I’m shocked at how easily he does it and how much I like it. If this is what it means to be owned by Vance, I’ll gladly be his.
Water trails from my hair as I peer into his eyes. He looks at me and smiles. “You look good in my arms, baby.”
I nod and return his smile in complete agreement.
He wraps a giant white robe around me, and my smile grows.
“What’s funny?”
“I was thinking that for a guy who cuts things up, you sure own a lot of white.”
He shrugs, tying the robe tight. “It’s a thing from my childhood. My mother always liked white things, furniture, clothes, towels, and linens. I know how stupid it is ‘cause getting blood out of white stuff is a bitch.”
“Do you have a good relationship with your mom?”
“Yes, she’s the best. After my dad died, things were rough, but we got through, the three of us.”
“Three of you?”
He pulls back the covers, patting a spot. I shuffle over to sit where he wants me. “Yes. I’ve got a kid sister.”
“Must be nice.”
“It can be, but she’s a pain in my ass and never listens to advice.”
My eyes grow heavy as I fight sleep.
“Rest, Little Bird. We’ve got all the time in the world to talk about anything you want.”
Chaptet 10
VANCE
My heart aches as I watch Clarissa sleep in my bed. I worry about how long it will take her to get used to being here, being with me. I feel a lightness I haven’t felt for a very long time. She belongs here with me. I’ve never been more certain about anything.
My phone buzzes. I walk into the bathroom, and my arm stings as I lift it from the counter.
Enzo: We got him. Should be at the cabin in thirty minutes. You sure this can’t wait? I can hold him for a few days.
Me: No. I want this done. Tonight.
I put the phone down and unwrap my arm. I smile as Clarissa’s name stares back at me. Grabbing the first aid kit, I clean my wound, wrap it up with gauze, and head downstairs.
I throw on a coat and open the door as Enzo pulls up to the house. He gets out, followed by Tony and a man I can only guess is Roy.
“Where am I?” Roy asks, flashing me a dirty look. “You’re all gonna be in a world of pain.”
I step up to him and smile. His eyes widen. My smile alone puts people on edge—right before they meet my blades. They never believe I’ll do it until it’s too late.
“Welcome, Roy. My name is Vance Matthew.”
He thrashes against Tony at the mention of my name, desperate to get free. “Listen, man, I don’t know what this is about, but I swear to God I haven’t fucked with anything to do with Vincent Ricci. I know who you are.” He falls to his knees like a pathetic roach, “I swear on my mother, man.”
The pathetic fucker just swore on his mom. That’s the thing about men like Tony—they’re weak bullies, unreliable little boys. The only thing they know how to do is use women. I step closer and kick him directly in the face, watching with satisfaction as blood oozes from his nose.
“This has nothing to do with Ricci, Roy. You’re here ‘cause you fucked with what’s mine, and I don’t like anyone doing that.”
“Man, I didn’t, I swear. I know not to come near anything you’ve got your hands in.”