Chapter 6
RAINEY
I walked into the hall with my chin held high and a tight grip on my purse. Silas's orders were clear: "Slip in the bug and meet my men at the east coast." But I had other plans swirling in my head.
I grabbed a glass from the bartender before making my way to an empty chair. As the wine slid down my throat, I frowned, biting my lips hard. Even though the liquid was sweet, it tasted terrible. Nothing about this night excited me except for one thing I had yearned for ever since I was captured by Valetti: escaping.
Running away to somewhere far away, where Silas Valetti's eyes couldn't see me.
I knew I could never completely rid myself of him. He had been lurking in the shadows for over ten years, watching my every move. Would it be easy to kick him off my back completely? He had eyes everywhere. God damn it, I knew that.
Argh!
My heart skipped a beat when he showed up. My very target was right before me, and I sat here, dumbstruck.
I glanced over my shoulder and there was Silas, his eyes fixed intently on me, as if he could see into my soul. When I turned back around, he was grinning at me, and that look on his face made my skin crawl.
"Rainey, you just have to get things done quickly and save yourself," were the words I kept chanting in my head. One wrong move could sabotage my victory tonight.
First, I had to distract Silas. I had to get his eyes off me.
A message popped up on my phone: *"Come sit with me, you fool."*
It was from an unknown number, but I definitely knew it was Silas who sent it.
"Bella Mia." He took my hand as I reached his side. "Sit with me, Tequila. These people don't bite; they are my… friends."
"Yeah, friends." The guy with blue-dyed hair raised an eyebrow at Silas. "You know we're keenly interested in knowing more about you, Angelina." He was Carlos Santiago, my target for the night. "I understand you're feeling plane sick. Silas informed me you just arrived yesterday from the US. Do you want a drink?"
"Champagne?" I managed a smile. "I have one in hand."
"That's just wine, not as strong," he replied.
Silas narrowed an eyebrow at me, scolding me silently. I was too slow; Carlos should have been drunk by now.
"Want one, my prince charming?" An eye roll from Silas was enough to silence me. I should be feeding Carlos, not him.
But I had to get Silas drunk too.
The plan was to get Carlos to take me to his mansion and plant the bug in his bedroom. It felt reckless, but Aye Aye, Captain Silas. I would just have to pretend in front of Carlos while secretly carrying out my hidden plans.
I wasn't going to allow Carlos to take me to his house or anywhere else. Silas's men would definitely trail behind, and my escape plan would be foiled.
"Tell me, how did you and Silas meet? What attracted you to him? His dual-colored eyes or his exceptionally attractive blade that looks pretty even when dripping with blood?" Carlos asked.
I gulped, tucking a curly strand of hair behind my ear. I could feel Silas's eyes on me, waiting for me to respond.
"Carlos." I took his hand, rubbing the back of his palm. "This night should be about us—you and I exclusively. Why do you think Silas set up this date? To question me about my attraction towards him?"
"My bad." He grinned. "But you know you're pretty, right? Just take a careful look at your curves. Damn, I want to eat you right now. Silas, you wouldn't mind, would you?" He glanced at Silas, who was busy scrolling through his phone.
"Oh Lord, my love." Silas grabbed my waist, pressing a kiss to my cheek, but he didn't let go of me without whispering a warning in my ear. "Behave, Rainey. You're making your distress obvious. Don't mess this up, okay?"
I sighed before smiling. "Why don't we pour more drinks, Carlos?"
He raised his glass, clinking it against mine. "You feel uncomfortable, don't you? You think I'm insane for wanting to have a taste of my friend's partner?"
Silas's glare pierced me as Carlos's fingers ran down the collarbone of my dress. I could feel Silas's desire to punch Carlos in the face.
But isn't this a game Silas pulled himself into? Something about this whole situation felt off, but I couldn't put my finger on actual evidence.
"I'll leave you two to enjoy your drink. I have some things to take care of," Silas said as he stood up.
"Sure," Carlos replied. "My cock is almost tearing through my pants. I want Angelina to feel me inside her." He licked his lips.
The moment my eyes met Silas's, I almost panicked.
There was a flicker of jealousy in his gaze, yet he acted as if he didn't care—which made me unsure whether it was genuine or not.
"Valetti is quite the handsome guy," Carlos commented as we watched Silas walk away. "How did he manage to win someone like you over? Did he claim you through blood and gunfights?"
Gun and blood?
I pressed my lips tightly together. "What do you think, Carlos? I love blood, and so does Silas. We once made out in my basement back in the States."
Carlos hummed. "I like you."
I grinned and said, "I know you do, baby. I'm surprised the mafia here sees no problem in sharing their women with business partners, but I also want to know what you're hiding beneath your tailored pants."
"Valetti wants something from me, Angelina."
I froze.
"What?"
"Carlos…"
"He's strong-headed and wouldn't willingly give his woman away like a lollipop. He's offering you in exchange for something he wants from me, Angelina. He wants the artwork in my living room very badly."
I frowned. "Artwork? God, Carlos. You're drunk already, aren't you?" I reached for his face, feeling his skin with my palm.
Yes, this is working.
My eyes scanned the hall for Silas, and just then, I saw one of his business associates pull him aside.
I picked up my purse; this was the perfect moment to escape.
"You know what, Carlos baby?" I leaned in to give him a quick peck. "I'll be back. I really need to pee."
"Stop." He grabbed my wrist before I could walk away.
My whole body went stiff. What now?
Turning back, I flashed him a weak smile. "Carlos?"
He kissed the back of my palm and said, "I'll be waiting for you, Sunflower."
I searched the hall one more time.
Silas wasn't looking, and Carlos was drunk now, too.
Perfect.
I made my way to the restroom, weaving through the crowd.
My plan was to slip out through the back door, and just as I reached for the doorknob, ready to escape, I felt a cold touch on my shoulder.
"Where are you going, Angelina?"