Chapter 17

17

SCARLET

D ays blurred together in a haze of pleasure and pain. The Silvestri brothers worshiped my body with a fervor that left me breathless and confused. After that night when I'd agreed to have all three of them amidst the desserts and right after Cristian's proposal, our dynamic shifted into something I couldn't quite grasp.

Tyrone ambushed me at random moments, his dark eyes glinting with hunger. He'd corner me in the hallway or drag me into his room, always pausing to make sure I was okay before unleashing his passion. One day he'd even just hoisted me onto the counter while I was making my coffee, intent to have me right there.

"You want this, don't you, Scarlet?" he'd growl, his fingers digging into my hips.

I'd nod, my body already responding to his touch. Then he'd fuck me senseless, leaving me weak-kneed and gasping for air.

Julian, on the other hand, approached me with a gentleness that I was grateful for, a touch that eased the bruises left by his brothers.

"Let me take care of you," he'd murmur, his lips ghosting over my skin.

His lovemaking was slow and deliberate, nothing like his brothers' intensity. It felt like he was trying to heal me, to erase the marks left by the others.

But it was Cristian who truly threw me for a loop. He oscillated between extremes, never letting me settle into a rhythm. One moment, he'd be all tenderness and sweet words.

"You're everything to me, kitten," he'd whisper, cradling my face in his hands.

The next, he'd pin me against the wall, his eyes wild with a familiar darkness.

"I need you now," he'd demand, his voice rough with desire. He'd never just take me, he'd make sure I was okay with it first, but then he was rough and aggressive, claiming me ruthlessly.

And then came the flowers and gifts on the daily. Each day, Cristian surprised me with something, whether it was waking up to a bouquet of flowers on the nightstand, or him giving me a new piece of jewelry worth more than I could imagine.

The silver bracelet had been a favorite, and I'd not taken it off since he'd given it to me with the heart on it with a keyhole in it. He'd said it symbolized how I was the only one with a key to his heart now.

I found myself caught in their web, unable to resist the pull of their varying affections. My body craved their touch, even as my mind struggled to make sense of our twisted arrangement.

One morning, I stumbled upon Cristian in the kitchen. He was baking, flour dusting his cheeks and hair. The sight still surprised me much like the first time I found him baking and I couldn't help but laugh.

He looked up, a rare, genuine smile lighting his face. "What's so funny, sweetheart?"

I shook my head, still chuckling. "Just... you. Baking. It's so different to who you are as a person."

Cristian's eyes softened. "There's a lot you don't know about me yet, kitten." He held out a spoon covered in batter. "Want a taste?"

As I stepped forward to accept his offer, I studied him. What else was there that I didn't know about him?

"Tell me," I more commanded than asked after taking the spoon and enjoying the sweet batter.

"What do you want to know?" he asked, unfazed by my more direct order as he got a new spoon and continued making what looked to be a cake now that I could see all the kitchenware.

"What's something you love, something that you're passionate about?" I asked thoughtfully as I moved to sit on the counter. Even now, I watched with a ghost of unease in the back of my mind, but he'd proven he was different in the last week since that proposal night. No one had pushed me on my response, Cristian not asking if I'd decided yet, although they'd been fucking me like I'd said yes.

"You." He set the bowl down, focusing on me with an oddly sincere smile teasing his lips.

"Anything else?" I said, unable to keep the small smile from my face. This devotion of his was an oddly comforting thing, toxicity be damned.

"Family. Keeping them safe," he said with a shrug.

"Do you like gaming or reading? You like baking, that's obvious. Maybe you like fish," I mused.

"Julian's the gamer, Tyrone reads on occasion too. I used to like to ride motorbikes. Stopped doing it though, too easy for our enemies to try to take me out." He poured his batter into a cake pan and slid it into the oven before setting the timer.

"It's not a perfect life," I remarked softly. I'd be looking over my shoulder always, knowing that because I'd chosen them, I now had a target on my back.

Was I truly okay with that?

"No, but it's a good one for us. We get one hell of a life, and we're okay with the price and risks. You gotta live somehow, maybe hard and fast is the way." He shrugged as he leaned on the opposing counter and folded his arms.

He looked so at home in his gray tracksuit pants and matching gray wife beater. It showed off his tattooed arms and the muscles that flexed in them.

What was it about firm arms that had me entranced? It was like whenever they wore long sleeves and then rolled them up. A strange little delight of mine.

"Maybe," I murmured. They certainly lived a lavish life full of luxury, a life many could only dream of.

"So, excited for your nail day? You'll have to head off soon, we've got a good set of guards for you today," Cristian shifted the subject to my plans for the day.

Tyrone had booked me a nail day with Noms, wanting me to relax and feel at home with them. I wasn't about to turn down a day with Noms, so I was bubbling with excitement at seeing her again.

"I'm keen for the high-tea brunch beforehand, hence why I haven't eaten anything yet," I stated, sucking in a breath as he pushed off the counter and closed the gap between us.

His hands rested on either side of the counter, caging me in as he stared at me with that wicked smirk.

" Lillian's is known to have quite the high-tea, it's why we chose it. You're going to have a wonderful day, kitten," he said as he reached up to twirl a strand of my hair. "Tonight, you can show me just how sharp your new claws are."

I swallowed as the heat spread in my core at the thought, and he leaned in to press his lips to mine in a teasing kiss before he yanked away.

"Now, are you going to get changed? Or do you plan to just wear my brother's clothes?" He arched a brow as he gazed over my attire. I'd spent the night in Julian's bed, and had thrown on some of his clothes this morning after he'd left.

Sure, I had my own, but who didn't like wearing the comfy, breezy mens clothing when they could?

"Fine, I'll change," I grumbled as I slid off the counter. I gasped as he slapped my ass on my way out, and I pulled a face over my shoulder, causing him to laugh.

I could almost forget what he'd done in these moments.

Almost.

I lounged in the plush pedicure chair, glancing at my toes as the technician worked her magic. My two guards stood discreetly around the salon, their presence a constant reminder of my new life.

Noms sat beside me, her eyes wide as she processed everything I'd just told her, flicking them briefly to my guards before settling back on me. "Holy shit, Scar. This is some next-level crazy."

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Tell me about it. It's insane."

"So, let me get this straight," Noms said, leaning in closer. "You've got three smoking hot, dangerous-as-fuck mobsters wrapped around your finger? And they're treating you like a queen? After what Cristian did? Hell, he even proposed?!"

"Pretty much," I admitted as she shook her head in shock. "It's like they're competing to see who can spoil me more."

Noms burst out laughing, drawing curious glances from the other patrons. "Only you, Scar. Only you could turn a captive situation into... whatever the hell this is."

I grinned, but then sobered slightly. "It's not all sunshine and roses, though. They're still dangerous men. And they haven't exactly forgotten how to give orders."

"Oh?" Noms raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Do tell."

I felt my cheeks heat up. "It's mostly in the bedroom. They can be... demanding."

Noms snorted, rolling her eyes. "Honey, that's not exactly a hardship. I bet they know exactly what they're doing, too."

I couldn't help but laugh at her bluntness. "You have no idea."

"Still, you seemed to forgive Cristian far too easily for what he did," she said softly, those blue eyes concerned as she kept her voice low.

"I guess I just understand in some way. Got to know him better, found out why he did it. Sure, he went about it all the wrong way, but his intentions weren't bad, I guess," I muttered.

"Ah yes, the road to hell is paved with good intentions," Noms said with a snort. "You can never fully trust him."

"He's doing his best to win my trust, to prove himself," I said, unable to keep from defending him. This caused Noms to arch a knowing brow as my stomach flipped.

"They're not the only ones hooked, are they? As much as you want to hate it all, chaos has been your life, it's where you feel most comfortable. Thanks mommy and daddy for all that trauma," she said sarcastically before inspecting her polished fingernails with a sigh. "I worry about you, Scar. I don't want this going bad for you. You're all I've got, and you deserve good things in life." She focused back on me, the soft furrow in her brow making my chest tighten.

"I know. But things have changed massively, everything is different," I said as I glanced back down at my toes as the technician worked on them. The massage she'd been doing throughout was relaxing, although it did little to ease the tension from this conversation.

"Right." Noms pursed her lips, still not sold on the entire thing as she sipped her champagne. I'd been given a mocktail, as was the go these days when the men were involved.

Couldn't have my potential baby having a messed up brain or something.

As we fell into silence, I found myself reflecting on the bizarre turn my life had taken. Just weeks ago, I was a captive, terrified and angry. Now, I was being pampered like royalty, with three powerful men vying for my attention.

"You know," Noms said softly, interrupting my thoughts, "as fucked up as this whole situation is, I can see you're oddly happy. I just want it to stay that way. You were a mess for a while there."

I met her gaze, offering her a small, comforting smile. "I know, and I believe it will. Like I said, it's different, they've changed in how they're treating me. Cristian even proposed."

"Yeah, crazy fucker. You going to give him his answer?" she asked as she peered at me over the rim of her glass.

"No one has followed up on it, I guess they've assumed since we're all doing the dirty tango with no protection, it's as much of a yes as any."

"Having a Silvestri child is more bonding than a damn marriage, Scar. You know that," she said sharply, one brow threatening to enter her hairline.

"I know. I guess marriage still makes me uneasy. More than a child," I said with a snort. It was stupid, but Noms knew what my parents had been like. They'd fought, holding their marriage over one another like it was shackles at times. Not me, no, I'd never been a reason they stuck together, I was something they could cast aside. But that damned binding paper they had signed…

I rolled my eyes, knowing it as stupid.

She nodded. "Just promise me you'll be careful, okay? These guys might be treating you like a princess now, but they're still dangerous."

I reached out and squeezed her hand. "I know, Noms. I haven't forgotten what they're capable of. I just don't think they'll ever direct it at me again."

It was stupid to believe such a thing. People could keep things from you, wear masks, but I'd seen every side of them. I'd killed with their help, and they'd done dark things for me. For some insane reason, I truly did feel like Tyrone and Julian would never do me wrong again.

Cristian was the only wildcard, and it pained me that I couldn't fully trust him, especially since he was trying so hard. He knew he'd done wrong, and he'd tried to explain his broken brain to me. I couldn't fault him fully for it.

Noms shook her head, a wry smile on her face. "Only you, Scar. Only you could make three psychos fall in love with you."

As we laughed together, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. Noms might not fully understand or approve of my situation, but she was still here, still supporting me. And in this new, dangerous world I'd entered, that meant everything.

Noms quirked an eyebrow at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Have you tried ordering them around yet? Might be fun to see how they'd react."

I chuckled, imagining the looks on their faces if I suddenly started barking commands. I'd started getting more firm with Cristian, and he was oddly submissive now. Then again, he was sure to be dominant when he wanted something, although he was never cruel anymore. "You know, I haven't really. But now that you mention it, I'm tempted to give it a shot when I get home."

"Do it," Noms urged, grinning. "I want all the juicy details."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. I could just picture Tyrone's face if I were to order him to do something for me. He'd probably lift me up and fuck me senseless, telling me to remember my place, and that I'm his. He'd shown that if I asked nicely, he'd do it. Commanding would not go down well I'd imagine.

Shaking off the thought, I changed the subject. "How's Ray doing? Has he said anything about... you know, everything?" I'd updated Noms on the phone in our calls, which were more frequent and for longer times now. Tyrone had stated after our night on the dining table that I was to consider myself more of a free woman in ways, and could make my calls. I didn't doubt they'd still be monitoring them, for safety, of course.

Noms' smile faded slightly. "He's still pretty pissed, Scar. After what they did to him, I don't think he's gonna be on board with all this anytime soon."

I sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I know it's fucked up, but it's just…" I let the sentence hang, not having anything to really use to defend them with. Ray had gotten stabbed because of them proving a point. Something he wasn't about to forget. And once I'd started to sway in their favor, he'd spoken to me a lot less. It was one thing being their captive, another thing to choose to stay and be with them.

Which I was ultimately doing with all of this.

Noms sighed, her expression softening. "Give him time. He'll come around eventually. You two have been through too much together for him to stay mad forever. He thinks of you as family. He may never forgive them, but he'll forgive you, I think."

We fell silent for a moment, the gentle hum of the salon filling the air. Noms watched me carefully, then asked, "How are you feeling, by the way? Any... you know, symptoms?"

I knew what she was getting at. The possibility of pregnancy had been lurking in the back of my mind. "I'm not sure," I admitted. "I've been so caught up in everything else, I haven't really paid attention."

"Haven't paid attention or haven't wanted to know?" she asked, knowing me all too well.

I just chewed my cheek as she clicked her tongue.

"Have you taken a test yet?"

I shook my head, knowing it was stupid that I hadn't. It was around the time my period would be due, and I'd not had an inkling of their presence. "No, I haven't. Maybe I should, though."

"Definitely worth doing, hun. This whole situation… pregnancy is the big thing. If you're not, you plan on staying with them, don't you? You've embraced this?" She studied me, already knowing my answer. Sometimes she knew me just too damn well.

"It's messed up, isn't it," I said softly. "That I do want to stay, to have their baby, to be a part of this."

"Scar, look at the pair of us. Normal lives were never in the cards, we're too unstable for that shit," she said with a chuckle, but then her face became serious. "I just hope you've thought a lot about it."

"You think I haven't?" I scoffed, and she rolled her eyes.

"I know you probably sat up at night dwelling on it, overthinking every possible scenario," she shot back. "And this is the decision you've come to. To be a part of it all, to let them in and accept it."

"Do you hate me for it?"

"I could never hate you. I understand in some way. I just hope it's the right choice, that's all."

I nodded, knowing that there was no sure way of knowing anything in life. But I wanted to believe from what they'd shown me. If it all fell apart, then I still had options. Noms and I could run away to the other side of the world, change our names, all that jazz. There was always a backup plan, and I knew it.

"Just take a damn test, see what's going on," she added as she relaxed back into her seat. "I can't even begin to think of what it's going to be like to be Auntie to a Silvestri, but I'll do my best."

"Right." I chuckled, grateful I always had her unwavering support, even if my decisions weren't what she agreed with.

The thought of taking a pregnancy test sent a flutter of nerves through my stomach though. What if I was pregnant? How would the brothers react? How would I feel?

"You're right," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll pick up a test on the way home."

Noms reached out and squeezed my hand. "Whatever happens, I'm here for you, okay? We'll figure it out together."

I squeezed back with a small smile. As we sat there, getting pampered and gossiping like old times, I couldn't help but marvel at the strange turns my life had taken. From captive to queen, possibly pregnant with a mafia baby. It was surreal, terrifying, and oddly exhilarating all at once.