Chapter Five

IVY

The four-hour drive to Miami should have felt long—tedious, even—but to be honest, it’s been nice. I’ve been able to see parts of America I would have never been able to on my own. Dash has been making me laugh the whole way, keeping me entertained and my mind off the idea that I’m going to have blood drained from me in a short while. But in all honesty, if I’m going to be saving a little girl’s life, then I’ll do it weekly if it means she gets to live.

Dash’s stomach growls loudly, and I grin.

“You ever not hungry?” I ask.

He shrugs. “I don’t think so. I believe my stomach goes the full length of my torso, then down my legs, at which point, it’s bottomless.”

I snort out a laugh while rolling my eyes. “Hopefully they will feed us where we’re going.”

“Feed us to the wolves, more like it.” Dash eyes the men in the front of the car warily.

“I don’t know. It seems to me like they really just want to help Mia.” I take a drink from the water bottle Tony gave me, which he said I needed to drink before we arrive. Dash drank some of it first and waited twenty minutes for a reaction, just to be safe.

“You trust too easily.”

“Maybe you don’t trust enough?” I smile, and he bumps his shoulder into mine.

“I trust you.”

“Then trust me when I say we’re going to be fine. From the sounds of it, Tony and Matteo only have Mia’s best interests at heart. They’re trying to look out for their family.”

Dash’s stomach growls again, so he grabs the backrest of the driver’s seat and leans through the gap in the middle. “Yo, chauffeur. Can we drive through a Chick-fil-A? I have a hankering for a Deluxe.”

The front passenger pulls out a gun and aims it at Dash’s head. “Sit back and shut up. We’re almost there.”

I stifle a small giggle.

Dash raises his hands in surrender before slumping back into his seat. “Geez, man. Hunger pangs make some people real snappy.”

Looping my arm with Dash’s, I say, “Stop causing trouble.”

Dash flashes his lopsided smirk, then winks. “My middle name is trouble.”

I groan. “Pleeease stop!”

He chuckles under his breath. The car turns a corner, then pulls down a pristine street. Off to the left is a waterway sparkling in the evening sun. Boats line the docks in the marina, swaying in the gentle breeze.

The cars pull into a white driveway lined with giant palm trees. The house in front of us is huge—all red brick and beams with massive windows. The front lawn is perfectly manicured, almost like someone has cut it with a pair of scissors, making this exude Floridian paradise. Except for all the security cameras—attached to the overhangs of the roofing, they give the place a menacing tone.

It’s gorgeous. Like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I wish Eva were here to witness this splendor.

Dash’s stomach rumbles again, breaking me from my daze as the car halts completely. My face is practically smooshed against the window as I try to take it all in.

The front passenger steps out and comes around to my side, then opens the door. “Miss Pérez. If you’d follow me?”

I glimpse over my shoulder at Dash.

“She’s not going anywhere without me,” Dash grunts as I slide out of the car.

Dash follows, and the soldier reaches out, grabbing me by the arm. Dash instantly hoists his gun, aiming it directly at the guy. “Get your fucking hand off her. You want her to go somewhere, you ask her nicely, like a damn gentleman. You do not, I repeat, you do not manhandle her, or I will put a bullet in your skull.”

The soldier drops my arm as Tony and Matteo storm over with anger crossing their faces.

“What the hell is going on?” Tony asks, his voice louder than necessary. “Why are you aiming your weapon?”

Grabbing Dash’s loaded hand, I pull it down, placating him. “Simple misunderstanding. Everything’s cool here, right, guys?” I offer as the two men stare each other down.

Dash curls his lip but stows his weapon as the Mafia soldier rolls his shoulders.

“I was bringing her over for you, Tony.”

“Ivy is an honored guest in this house. We treat her as such, capisci?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Ora vaffanculo!”

The soldier spins on his heels and scurries off without saying another word.

In amusement, I raise my brows at Dash, who’s trying to hold in his laughter.

Tony holds out his hand to me. “Come, signora. Let’s take you to meet Mia.”

Taking Tony’s hand, I smile as he starts walking me toward the entrance of the giant house, but I make sure to peek over my shoulder to ensure Dash is following. He’s walking behind me alongside Matteo, so I relax a little, now being more at ease.

I’m glad Dash has my back, but I do wish Void were here.

Tony ushers me inside the lavish two-story mansion.

My eyes widen as I take in what’s in front of me. A grand staircase leads up to the second floor, with plush cream carpet lining the stairs. Gorgeous polished wood banisters and ornate ironwork railings lead to the top.

To my right is an offset coffee area with a built-in seat. Plush white and silver cushions are placed perfectly, giving it a homey feel. The opaque curtains are pulled to the side, and the coffee area overlooks the sparkling waterway and marina out the back—a perfect spot to spend the afternoon reading and relaxing, I would imagine.

Tony leads us through and to the left, which opens to a spacious living room, the colors warm and earthy, brown leather and chestnut wood. Red cushions are scattered along the huge black chesterfield sofa, which seems excessively large in the floor space. A matching armchair sits at the end of the sofa, in pride position. It’s worn, like maybe it’s been in the family for generations.

At the rear of the living area, the kitchen is sleek and modern in design with accents of red, black, and stainless steel, but Tony guides me away, leading us up a set of stairs before I can take a good look at it.

Damn! I really wanted to investigate the house further. It has an old-world charm about it, but it’s still really freaking beautiful and tasteful. I’ve never seen anything like this. Ever.

The soft sound of a television flows through the air when we make it to the top, and it’s just as stunning up here. As we reach the landing, it opens onto another living room, only this one is a hell of a lot smaller. This might be more of a chill-out zone, with a two-seater love seat and two smaller recliners facing the massive television mounted on the wall between two giant windows. They, too, gaze out over the glorious waterway. The views from this home are to die for.

“Seriously, Tony, how rich are you?” Dash quips.

Tony doesn’t reply as he leads Dash, Matteo, and me across the expanse toward the room where the sounds are coming from. “Money isn’t an issue,” Tony finally replies.

“I bet it’s not, you ol’ dog.”

I roll my eyes, and Tony doesn’t respond.

We approach a door, and Tony knocks gently on it.

“Come in,” a gentle voice chimes from the other side.

Tony opens the door and tilts his head for us to follow him. As we enter, I take in a beautiful blonde woman sitting on the pink princess-themed bed, running her fingers over the bald head of a little girl. She must be six, maybe seven at most.

Mia.

The woman stands and smiles wide at Matteo, but bypasses him for Tony. She slides into his arms and gives him a polite kiss on the lips. “Amore mio.”

“How is she doing?” Tony asks, as Matteo moves in to sit on the edge of Mia’s bed. Matteo stares lovingly down at her.

The love Matteo obviously has for Mia pours off him in waves as he sits back, leaving her to sleep.

Dash and I stand by the door, letting the scene play out in front of us, not really knowing what to say or do.

“She’s doing better today. It’s a good day,” the woman says, appearing happy.

“Excellent news, Amalia. Our family would be lost without you.”

Is Amalia Tony’s wife? Mia’s mom?

“We’d be lost without you, Antonio.” They lean in and kiss again.

I widen my eyes at Dash, suddenly a little uncomfortable with the DeLucas’ public display of affection. Matteo groans.

Tony chuckles and pulls back from Amalia, who wipes her lips before moving over to me. “Sorry… my husband has a profound effect on me. You’ll understand when you meet someone you can’t get enough of.”

My mind flashes instantly to Void.

The way my body reacts when he touches me.

The way I want to let all my inhibitions go when I’m around him.

I could get lost in him—if only he would let me.

Amalia smirks. “I know that look. You have someone already. Someone you feel strongly about.”

Dash turns to face me, his eyes lighting up.

Amalia tilts her head. “You do too, prospect. Hmm… this will be a fun excursion for you both.”

Mia mumbles under her breath, making us all turn to look at her.

“Mia, principessa? Are you waking up?” Matteo whispers, his hand moving out to caress her pale cheek.

Her eyelashes flutter, her bright green eyes blinking leisurely. A slow smile lights her face as she sees Matteo sitting on the edge of her bed. Suddenly, with all the energy she can muster, Mia shoots up and throws her arms around Matteo’s neck, pulling him in for an embrace. “Uncle Matty, you’re here, you’re here!”

My stomach clenches as Amalia’s palm moves to her chest, her face drooping like her happiness is bittersweet. Matteo embraces Mia tightly, but there’s a little hesitation in him—he doesn’t want to hurt her. He adores her.

It’s only now I realize the blond hair of Matteo, the blonde hair of Amalia, and the fact Mia called Matteo ‘uncle’ suggests maybe Amalia and Matteo are siblings. Matteo is Tony’s brother-in-law. The reason Matteo cares for Mia so much is because he’s actually Mia’s uncle.

They are family.

I get it.

She’s his niece, and he wants to protect her.

“I’ll always be here for you, Mia-bear, you know that,” Matteo tells her, pulling back to plant a tender kiss on her bald scalp.

“You’re showing your hand, Matteo,” Dash quips.

After elbowing Dash in the ribs and he snickers to himself, my eyes widen when everyone turns to face us. Their eyebrows shoot up in surprise—it’s like they forgot we were here.

Matteo grunts, stands from Mia’s bed, and straightens his suit. “The thing is, prospect, with the way you look at Ivy, you’ve played yours too. Guess it makes us both vulnerable.”

I scrunch my brows, and Dash’s nostrils flare as he lashes out. “You don’t know shit!”

“Enough with the pissing contest.” Tony interrupts Matteo and Dash in whatever the hell that little display was all about. “We’re here to introduce Ivy to Mia. Nothing more.”

My eyes meet Mia’s, which are practically glowing in happiness, even though her weakened body doesn’t show the same light. “It’s nice to meet you, Ivy.”

I give a little wave. “Nice to meet you too, Mia. I’m going to help you with some… um, stuff,” I say, not really sure what they’ve told her about me or what I’m allowed to tell Mia.

“You’re the one with the golden blood, like me?”

With wide eyes, I turn to Tony. “Matteo likes to tell her stories of a fair maiden with golden blood who will come save her. Mia loves a good fairy tale.”

“Uncle Matty tells the best ones.” Mia shines with excitement as Matteo winks at her.

“So, are you her? The fair maiden?” Mia asks, bouncing up and down on the edge of her bed excitedly.

“Don’t waste your energy, principessa,” Tony warns.

She instantly stops, but her big doe eyes stare up at mine.

She’s so freaking adorable. I can’t deny her. “Yes. I’m the maiden Uncle Matty told you about.” I shift my eyes to Matteo, and he grimaces—pretty sure nobody but Mia calls him Matty.

Oh well, he can deal with it.

“I’m gonna try to make you feel better, Mia.”

Her face lights up as if I’ve just told her I’m the fricking tooth fairy, or like all her Christmases have come at once. “Thank you! Can you stay and play dress-ups?”

My eyes shift to Dash. “Only if Dash can play too.”

Matteo snorts out a laugh as Dash cracks his fingers with a cocky smirk. “I dunno. I mean, really? I’ve never played dress-ups before. Not sure I want to start now.”

Matteo narrows his eyes like he’s unimpressed by Dash’s less-than-enthusiastic attitude.

“Oh! Can I put makeup on you?” Mia gushes.

Matteo glares at Dash, almost snarling at him. “Dash, I’m sure you don’t want to let the little principessa down, now, do you?”

Dash rolls his shoulders, his eyes meeting mine pleadingly.

I grimace and mouth, Sorry, before Tony gently grips my bicep. “Signora, I need you to come with me. We have a technician in a room across the hall ready to start,” Tony states.

Taking in a deep breath, I bob my head. “Okay, yep. Sure.”

“It will take some time. Dash will stay in here with Mia. There’s no need for him to come. We are literally across the hall. I want Mia occupied, and I need your full attention.”

I turn to Dash, who’s preoccupied with having an Elsa costume held up to his torso by an excited princess. “Dash, I’m going to be right across the hall getting this done.”

“I’ll come with,” he says, sounding desperate.

“No, you stay here. Entertain Mia. Get made up all pretty, but make sure you keep it all on to show me when I’m done.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you out of my sight. The VP will kill me if anything happens to you.”

“I’m going to ensure Ivy is well cared for, Dash,” Tony reassures him. “Thank you for playing with Mia. I appreciate it. Matteo will stay also.”

Dash somberly slams his ass down on a tiny little pink plastic chair as Mia pulls out her children’s kit of makeup. Matteo steps in beside him and leans against the wall, his arms folded over his huge chest, with a slight upturn of his lips. I can tell Matteo’s going to enjoy this.

The DeLucas lead me out of Mia’s room and across the hall.

“Without your blood…” Amalia’s eyes flood with tears. “I don’t know what would happen to Mia, or how much longer she will have.”

With an exhale, I reach for her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. “Everything’s going to be just fine.”

Amalia quickly wipes a stray tear from her eye. Her tough Mafia queen exterior shifts firmly back in place as Tony opens the door to the room. Laughter from Mia’s room echoes across the hall, making me smile despite the sterility of the room I’m walking into. It’s like a doctor’s surgical area. A patient bed sits in the middle of a linoleum floor, the color scheme a stark white, with medical equipment lining the walls at every turn. A bench with surgical tools and instruments sits off to one side, and a couple of people dressed in scrubs stand out of the way, with gloves on and surgical masks covering their faces.

“Mr. DeLuca, we’re ready to go when you are,” a woman in scrubs says.

Tony nods and ushers me inside. I have to admit, seeing all this medical shit is making me second-guess my decision.

Amalia comes into my line of sight, but her kind eyes soothe me somehow. “This must look daunting, Ivy, but I swear, it’s only because we want everything to be as sterile and as precise as possible. We have the best team working on this so nothing will go wrong.”

My breathing has become fast and shallow, my muscles clenched with nerves. Through gritted teeth, I say, “Okay. What do I need to do?”

The nurse—doctor? I have no idea what she is—comes over carrying a clipboard. “Ivy, I’m Larah. I have just a couple of questions to ask before we get underway. Okay?”

“Sure.”

“Have you had any aspirin in the last forty-eight hours?”

I shake my head. “No.”

She ticks something on her clipboard. “Excellent. Did Mr. DeLuca have you drink some fluids on the way up here so you’re well-hydrated?”

“Yes. I was told to drink half a gallon of water before I arrived. It’s why I had to stop to pee so much.”

Larah chuckles as she ticks whatever the hell she’s ticking off on her paperwork. “Now, I have to ask the following questions, Ivy, so bear with me…”

I nod, taking a deep breath to try and calm my nerves.

“Do you have high or low blood pressure?”

“Not that I’m aware.”

“Do you have or have you ever come into contact with HIV, hepatitis, or viruses of the like?”

I widen my eyes. “No. God, no!”

“I know these questions are invasive, Ivy, but you’re doing great. Almost there…” She smiles. “Are you or is there a chance you could be pregnant?”

Heat flushes over my face as I sink in on myself. I’ve never been ashamed of my virtue, but for some reason, hearing it out loud in this setting makes me realize how much I’ve been missing out on. There’s no real reason I haven’t had sex. I just haven’t found the right guy to give myself over to. I haven’t found anyone worthy enough for me to give them my body. Maybe by doing that, I’m holding myself back from experiencing life, from experiencing all the things a twenty-one-year-old should be experiencing.

“Ivy?”

I snap my head back to the woman. “Shit, sorry! I got distracted. No. No chance I could be pregnant.”

Tony inhales deeply, like this fills him with immense pleasure, even though—assuming nothing has changed since he ordered my abduction—he should already know this fact.

The woman’s kind eyes meet mine. “Then we’re good to go. The process we’re about to do is called a red blood cell extraction. Hemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells, delivers oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. It’s a basic transfusion… we’re just going to take some of your blood, test it for any concerns, then provide it to Mia as an infusion.” I follow along, understanding what she’s saying from the small amount of medical training I had before I was abducted from Cuba. “This entire process takes around an hour or so. You may experience some mild side effects like chills, tingling, or light-headedness. So please, inform me right away if you feel anything like that.”

I expel a long breath through my mouth as I let it all sink in.

Tony steps up to my side and reaches for my hand. “Signora, thank you for coming here of your own volition. I will never be sorry that I purchased you and had you taken from your home, because I need that blood in your veins. However, you are a decent woman, and I will give you one chance to walk away before I change my mind.”

My eyes widen. “You’ll let me leave? Even though it’s detrimental to Mia?”

Amalia scowls, folding her arms over her chest. “Antonio, what are you doing?”

Tony exhales. “There is a caveat, but I won’t tell you what it is before you make your decision. Stay of your own free will, or leave. It is your choice.”

“I don’t know what your so-called caveat is, Tony, but I’m sure it’s not good. Regardless, I’m not walking away from Mia. I am doing this.”

Tony smiles, then signals to the medical team.

They start fluttering around, setting everything up.

“Excellent. I know you and Eva suffered when you were taken. That you suffered, I regret. But you seem to have found your feet in Tampa.”

When I think about the bunker-style clubhouse, the brothers, the club girls, and everyone there who makes it my home, warmth floods through me. I have never felt like I belong somewhere more in my life.

“The clubhouse is my home now. I can’t imagine my sister and I being anywhere else.”

Tony gestures to the bed.

With anxious steps, I walk over and sit, and a cocky expression lights his face.

“It’s a good thing you chose to stay, then, because my caveat would have been to take your sister instead.”