Chapter 10

" A little birdie told me you wanted to grab lunch with Sierra," Rocco chuckles, "your brothers and the rest of the crew already left. So, it looks like it's just us and the driver."

"Do you know where they went?" I question, curious to know if this has anything to do with the way the cops raided a few of our establishments. They may not know it but I keep tabs on everything to do with our family. I may not be able to do anything about it, but I like to be informed.

"No idea, but even if I did. I wouldn't be able to tell you. Sorry," he winks apologetically, even if he really isn't sorry. I shouldn't have asked, but I hoped that maybe he would have slipped up.

"I get it, let's go then. Can't keep Sierra waiting. You know how she gets," Rocco chuckles. We walk in unison to the armored vehicle, our conversation is light as we climb into the Lexus and drive to the dive bar. We talk a little about how Rocco was raised in Italy, how he is close with his cousin, and that he was forced to leave at a young age. He didn't go into much detail, but from the way his eyes remained on the moving clouds outside, I'd say he's hurting being so far from his family. I don't want to push him into telling me more, so the moment we pull into the parking lot I open the car door and walk straight towards the bar.

"CAAAAT!" Sierra squeals, practically dancing in place at the sight of me walking in. I laugh at her antics; this bitch is crazy but in a good way. She allows me to be myself and just have fun in the process, it's something I truly need more of in my life.

"Where's the grump?" She whispers, leaning over the bar to make sure Rocco can't hear from across the room.

"He's with my brothers. Oh, just trying to save me from a marriage I do not want or at the very least I think that's what they're doing. No one tells me shit."

"Think you could pull the slip?" She slowly raises an eyebrow, with a hidden challenge on making a grand escape.

"It's early. I don't think I'll be able to sneak off later."

"Let's do it now? Mika will help hide you until later and we can go to The Diamond?" Sierra whispers.

It takes me all of two seconds to make the decision, especially since Mika will be joining us. Mika is the definition of a badass. I may have a little girl crush when it comes to her. She started a couple months ago as one of Sierra's bartenders and also ended up joining the boxing club a few weeks after. This bitch can throw a punch. She has a scar on her right side from her forehead down her eye, making the hazel in her eyes pop. She's become a good friend in the little time she's been here. Even though we don't know much about her, other than the fact that she doesn't go into detail about her personal life and the fact that she's from Mexico, around the same area where my family is from.

A smile lights up on my face as I muster up the strength I wish I felt all the time. I know that there will be consequences of this Houdini act, but I can't find it in me to care. I may never have the chance again. Sierra heads to the kitchen, leaving me to eat the small appetizer she placed down in front of me. Rocco remains at his table, drinking his glass of water with his eyes on me. I probably won't make it out the door but at least I can try.

Sierra strides back out of the kitchen by the time I'm done with the appetizer and two drinks later with a basket of clean glasses in her arms placing it to my right. She leans forward, putting her arms around me as if she just wanted a hug.

"I shut the cameras off. Mika will meet you in the car out back. I have to turn the cameras back on so I'll have to meet you. We got a hotel in Mika's name closer to downtown. Darlene has a friend that is coming in five minutes to distract Rocco. Leave your phone," she mumbles.

I can feel a knot of nerves in the pit of my stomach forming at her very well thought out plan. Standing on shaky legs, I haul my ass to the bathroom to try and gain my composure. I don't bother to check if Rocco follows me, but I trust that Darlene's friend will arrive soon enough to distract him.

Gripping the black counter of the sink, I try to regulate my breathing.

Inhale, 1. 2. 3. Exhale, 1. 2. 3.

I was not prepared to sneak out again. Especially not this soon, and without little preparation. Looking at myself in the mirror, I watch as a slight smile of defiance appears. I'm internally at war with myself, wanting to cause a scene to see just what Enzo will do when he finds me missing but also part of me wants to listen and do as he asked and not put myself in any unnecessary risks. It seems however, the devil on my shoulder won this round.

The creak of the door is silent compared to the buzzing of the bar. Multiple conversations fade into the background, the music faintly playing and the clinks of glass touching. I don't allow myself time to think or hesitate as I run towards the back door just inches away from the bathroom. Mika's car is idly waiting for me outside the door, like we had just robbed a bank or something. Her dark convertible makes the perfect getaway car, something so common that it'd be hard to pinpoint. Every movement is a blur as we drive off. It isn't until we arrive and walk through the 4-star hotel that I can finally breathe again.

"How much are you freaking out right now?" Sierra sings when she taps my ass and walks around me in the bathroom.

I've been standing here way too long just staring at my reflection instead of putting on the make-up Sierra brought and getting ready the way I'm supposed to. Exhaling loudly, I close my eye lid with one finger, and glide the tip of the eyeliner across my lash line. I'm worried that Enzo will find me before I get the chance to even make it out the hotel door. Straightening my back, I gather my strength and find the right words to continue the conversation.

"I think Enzo might kill me before my father does, or he'll find me before we even make it to the club." Fearful of the consequences, a shudder runs down the length of my spine at the thought. I can still feel the warm grip of his strong calloused hand around my throat. My cheeks warm as the image of those same hands spanking my ass while I'm bent over to punish me invade my mind.

"Looks like she's thinking about Enzo's punishments," Sierra says to Mika, pointing out the faint pink blush growing on my face. I walk over to where Mika sits on the couch waiting for her turn to get ready before we head off to the nightclub. She's quiet, more so than usual. She is staring at the black screen of the television like it just threatened her life; so lost in her own head.

"So, did you guys bring me something to wear because I'm not sure this outfit screams club night," I say pointing at my jeans and black band t-shirt.

"Of fucking course," Sierra giggles from the bathroom. I swear this bitch is trying to get me killed or worse, and yet I welcome the challenge. Maybe one day I won't have to hide who I am inside. One day I'll be able to go to the club freely without the feeling of being trapped. Mika stands and grabs a few different dresses from the closet and places them on the standard queen-size bed. My eyes focus on a slim fitting blood red dress with a V neck that would end right above my belly button, putting every curve and asset of my body on display.

"This is perfect," I gasp, gliding my fingers on the fabric of the smooth silk material.

"Perfecto!" Mika says, "I have mine too." She grabs a similar mini black dress with thin straps around the neckline, the material looks thicker than the one I chose .

Sierra walks out of the bathroom, already dressed in a beautiful one-piece romper with a sheer see-through material from her waistline down her long legs. The black top has a small strap at the shoulders. Her hair is placed in a ponytail without a strand out of place and her makeup is just as flawless like she was ready to walk down the runway.

It's at this moment that I am glad I made the decision to make an escape. At this moment I don't feel as alone. I have friends, and I have my freedom even if it won't last past the night. It's been a few hours since Mika pulled into the hotel parking garage. I know Enzo must have been notified as soon as Rocco noticed I was gone. They're probably all searching for me already, but until then I'm free.

I'll accept my punishment when the time comes.