The cold chill remained. Lorenzo's insistence I remain in the house certainly had even more merit than I'd realized. Axel was a monster, his gang members even worse. There was nowhere I could go in this city without having a target on my back.
"Thank you for that and I meant what I said. Make certain and tell Drake that you're both welcome in the house and there's food and soft drinks in the kitchen."
"I appreciate that, miss."
"It's Sierra. My name is Sierra."
Justin smiled, giving me a respectful nod. "For what it's worth, Sierra, you must be pretty special to Lorenzo. He's never had another woman at his house. In fact, I've never seen him with any woman, not that it's any of my business. This is the first time I've been assigned security detail here. That's a real honor very few soldiers achieve. He's a private man, protective of his family. That includes you."
His words and his story struck me in a way I hadn't expected. Lorenzo's men respected him. That was easy to see. I stopped long enough to give him an appreciative smile. I could tell by the man's eyes that whatever had occurred wasn't just disruptive.
It was damning.
Everything about my decision to seek Lorenzo's help had just become all too real. I wasn't just playing with fire. I was juggling with fiery swords. There was no way out of this hell. Disgusted, I jogged up to my bedroom and into the bathroom, slamming the door and turning on the light. I'd done everything Lorenzo had asked. I'd ordered copious amounts of clothing. I'd remained in the house like a good little girl. I'd even worn the stupid plug he'd commanded I wear.
And he'd gone and almost gotten himself killed.
I slammed my hands on the counter several times until both my arms ached. "You're not going to care about him. Do you hear that?" I pointed my index finger at the mirror, growling at the woman staring back at me. "And to hell with the goddamn plug." I yanked down the sweatpants, jerking the toy from my asshole, smiling as I dumped it into the sink, turning the water on hot. No man was going to make me wear a rubber thingy in my bottom.
I closed my eyes, envisioning his face, trying to ignore the nagging little voice.
You care about him.
"No, I don't."
Yes, you do.
I laughed, this time holding up my middle finger then turning swiftly, smashing my hand against the light switch.
I walked down the stairs and into the living room, uncertain I'd ever be able to warm up again. After finding a selection of movies, as well as a blanket, I settled onto the couch. I would wait for Lorenzo's return and just maybe, I could give him the comfort he'd given me.
Or I'd give him hell. The scent was all wrong, acrid and reeking of copper. I opened my eyes, the fear almost crippling. A man's face loomed over mine and for a few seconds, I envisioned the animal who'd killed Lucas.
"No. No!" I pushed hard, slamming my hands against a hard surface, trying desperately to break free of whatever was holding me down.
"It's just me," Lorenzo whispered. He was leaning over, his face mere inches from mine.
"Oh, God. Are you all right?" I jerked to a sitting position, the light from the movie allowing me to see that he didn't appear to be hurt, although his clothes were covered in... Blood. The stench was something I'd never forget. "What happened? They wouldn't tell me anything. You're covered in blood."
"I'm fine, Sierra, but you and I need to talk," he said in a flat tone. "Interesting to see you care."
"Don't do that. Don't. Okay?" I heard the pleading tone in my voice. "Tell me what happened to you."
Even in the dim lighting of the room, I could see the almost desperate need that had enveloped him. He sat back, jerking at his jacket. The moment he pulled his weapon from the pocket, placing the cold steel on the table, I couldn't take my eyes off the gun. I knew in my gut that it had been used. Had he killed someone tonight? Had he almost lost his life because of me?
Or was there something else going on?
"You're not going to tell me?" I asked in a mere whisper.
"You're playing a game with me and I don't like it."
"What do you mean a game?" It was as if he was looking right through me. I shifted backwards, easing my feet onto the floor.
"I'm in a dangerous business, Sierra. You very well know that. What keeps me alive is knowing all the players and the information. That way I'm not pushed into an ambush."
"What are you talking about?" An ambush? My legs were trembling seeing the rage building within him.
He turned his head in my direction, his eyes locking with mine. "Your car wasn't found and my soldiers looked everywhere. Why do I have the feeling that Axel was waiting for the two of you? Why are my instincts screaming that somehow the asshole knew who you were even before you set foot in that back alley? Are you still lying to me, Sierra, because if you are, I won't hesitate to punish you severely."
"I..." I swallowed several times.
"You better tell me the damn truth or so help me God, our deal is broken."
"Then what? Are you going to turn me out on the streets?" I was horrified because that's exactly what I knew he'd be forced to do.
"I do what is required and no one makes a fool out of me. Not even the woman I..." He didn't finish his sentence, merely snorting after issuing the few words.
"That you might accidentally care for?" I finished for him, incensed at the entire situation, fear skating down my spine. Within two seconds, he fisted my hair, dragging me over the back of the couch and jerking down the sweatpants.
"No more games, Sierra. None. You will never lie to me again." His words were said in frustration as well as anxiety. I heard the difference in his tone. "And you're not wearing your plug."
The realization seemed to shock him, further igniting the sparks of anger.
"I'm sorry. I just..." Since you went out to get yourself killed, I didn't think it was necessary. I bit my tongue, refusing to say the words.
"I haven't asked much from you except for respect and obedience. You can't give me either. You are going to learn one way or the other if I have to spank you ten times a day. Do. You. Understand?"