Page 55 of Vengeful Vows

The world closing in around me, I dig my phone from my purse, but I’m shaking too hard to even find the right app to summon a ride.

Then Sergio is at my side, and the valet turns to help someone else.

“The boss says I should take you wherever you want to go.”

I realize the only reason I got this far is that Nico allowed me to go. “Are you going to strong-arm me?” I demand.

“He won’t.”

The firm, strong sound of Nico’s voice comes from behind me.

“But I will.”

I exhale as I slowly face him. In this moment, I hate him for what he’s done to me, to my brother. “If you put your hands on me, I will scream like a fucking banshee.”

He tips his head to one side in acknowledgment. Already people are staring at us.

“I know you’re upset?—”

“Upset?”I yell the word.

“Look…” He extends his hand, and I slap it away. “Little flower?—”

“Don’t youevercall me that again.”

“Bella…”

That isn’t much better. The way he says it, drawing out the syllables on a sensual husk, ripples through me, and I hate my reaction to it. To him.

“You’ve got two options.”

Unfortunately, even though there are maybe half a dozen people around, I know he will get his way.

“You can get in the car with Sergio, and he will take you wherever you want to go.” He narrows his eyes as he studies me. “Except the airport.”

I hadn’t considered that, but I wish I had.

“Or you can get in the car with Sergioandme. And if you do, we are going straight home.”

“I’m not going toyourplace.” It’s not our home, and I am clear in the distinction.

Sergio stands by the open car door.

What have I gotten myself into?

“Alone?” Nico asks with seemingly endless patience. “Or with me?”

Being under the same roof as him, only a door separating us? Was it only an hour ago that I’d considered begging him to take my virginity?

Vowing I will never give him that gift, I defiantly tip my chin back. “Neither.”

“Oh, little flower…” There’s a frightening, warning tone in his voice unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. “I don’t think you realize that’s not an option.”

“You can’t force me to get in that car.”

“No?” His smile is as quick as it is lethal.

Feminine intuition warns me to heed it.