Page 56 of Wicked Truths

The other man slowly walks around my chair in a circle, like a predator circling its prey.

“What do you know about your dad’s businesses?” His voice comes out rough and brittle, like a tired old man’s voice would sound.

“I don’t know anything. I literally just got back into town and took on the role of Director of Public Relations for the Savannah Sharks.”

He stops in front of my chair and crosses his arms. “Bullshit.”

“It’s not bullshit. I just got back into town. I promise.”

The man uncrosses his arms and raises his hand before slapping me. “Tell me the truth!”

My face stings from the impact and my eyes water from the pain, but I refuse to cry. “That is the truth, whether you want to believe it or not!”

He clenches his jaw and huffs. “You’re lying.”

“Why would I lie? I’m tied up, alone, and confused.” I yell back to him.

He turns around and paces the length of the room. “I don’t believe you. You are a Marino, after all.”

My gaze follows his every movement. “What the hell is that supposed to mean? Contrary to yourbelief, not all Marinos are liars, but apparently, my mother is one.”

The door to the office opens and the other man walks back inside before closing the door behind him.

He glances at me for a few moments before glaring at the older man. “I told you not to do anything stupid!”

“I didn’t do anything that wasn’t deserved.”

If my hands were free, I’d try to slap him just for that remark, but I have to play my cards right and get the nicer man to trust me.

I glance at the nicer man, but he’s still glaring at the old man. “You know what the boss allows and what he doesn’t tolerate. Get the hell out of here before I call him to come in here.”

The old man’s eyes widen, but he nods and leaves the office.

When we are alone, the nicer man touches my reddened cheek with the back of his fingers. The coolness of his skin helps ease some of the heat, but does nothing for the pain.

“I’m sorry about the way he treated you. Here at the Rossi’s manor, we don’t abuse women and children. He’s got an anger problem that he needs to sort out.”

I roll my eyes. “No shit.”

The man grins, making him look more sheepish and boyish than he really is.

“I like you. You’re fiery and spunky, so let’s talk.”

An idea pops in my head. “Fine. I’ll talk, but first, can I have some water?”

He’s hesitant, and I don’t blame him. After all, I’m hoping to use this situation to my advantage.

Once again, I resort to begging, hoping it works better than it did when I begged Jax. “Please, I’m really thirsty and I promise to comply and answer your questions.”

I need to find a way out of here, or else I may not be leaving alive. I can’t die and not see Rhett one last time.

He lets out a sigh and nods his head before walking the short distance to the door. “Vinny, grab a bottle of water and get your ass back in here.”

It only takes a few moments until the door is being opened and the old man, Vinny, walks back inside.

Both men are standing in front of me with the bottle of water in Vinny’s hand.

Shit.