Chapter 23

Roman went to instruct Poppy on what to say to Luke, and she quickly did as she was told. She was too sick to argue with him about it and just wanted a shower and a warm bed. Lying on the cold cement floor was excruciating, and she'd do anything to stop this pain in her stomach.

Shoving the cellphone toward her grumbled, "Do it!"

"Stop pressuring me. I don't want to do this. Luke has been good to me. Deep down, I think you know he didn't hurt your brother. Know what I think? I think you're jealous of his relationship with Claudia."

Roman's strong, masculine jaw ticked in response as a snarl traced across his lips. "I don't care what you think, princess. The facts are that my brother is dead, and someone is responsible. Until I find out who did this, your boy toy is suspect number one."

"He's not my boyfriend," she pouted, yanking the phone from his grip. "You're an ass."

"And you're getting on my damn nerves. Just make the call so we can get out of this dungeon."

"I thought you said it was for storage," she snorted.

Hearing the irritating tone in her voice, Roman's fist went into a ball. This back and for had been going on for an hour and she was being impossible. "Don't make me lose my temper, woman."

"What are you going to do, D'Amico? Spank me."

Grabbing her wrist, he stepped her backward, pinning her to the wall as a slow, mischievous grin rolled over his lips. "That's exactly what I'll do, and you know it."

Poppy was known to poke the bear when she was trapped in a situation where she felt threatened, and this was no different. Nose to nose, she gave a mirrored smirk, glaring into his eyes. "I dare ya."

With that, Roman spun the woman around, pulling her to the wall with her hands behind her back and face against the cold brick wall. Stepping closer, his breath swept across her cheek, just inches from her lips as she struggled, panting heavily with defiance.

"Do it, you pussy!" she barked. "Spank me. I dare ya."

"Fucking brat!" he scowled just before his firm hand came crashing down hard on her already sore backside from being on the cement floor.

A squeal escaped her as the guard who heard the commotion came rushing in. Hearing a click next to his head, Roman's angry eyes slowly veered to the man who was his most trusted security.

"Tate, what are you doing?"

"Step away from her, Mr. D'Amico. I told you, sir, I won't let you hurt that poor girl."

Poppy pulled away as Roman stepped back, glaring at his employee with annoyance. Quickly cowering behind the large man, Poppy stuck her head around his large biceps, sticking her tongue out at her captor.

Trying to bite his lip with amusement, Roman tried to keep from laughing at her sass. He did love a feisty woman.

Seeing his boss relax with a chuckle, Tate lowered his gun, sure he was about to be fired from his job. "Sorry, boss. I told you I believe the little firecracker. I can't let you hurt her. She's half your size."

Glancing down at the man, Tate got a look from Roman that he wasn't expecting as his boss patted his shoulder. "All right. I think this means you will be her watch from now on. While Miss… Poppy, or whoever she is, stays here, I want you as her personal guard."

"Yes, sir."

"Really? Tate can watch over me? He's nice to me and the other guards are kind of scary."

"Yes, really. He's clearly taken a liking to you, and I need someone to make sure Anton doesn't sneak in the night and slit your damn throat. He's already threatened to shoot you, Claudia. You need to watch what you say to him."

"I'm not Claudia!" she said with a stomp as she dialed Luke's number. "Let's get this over with…."

On the other end of the phone line, Luke was frantic. "Claudia! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I went to New York for a few last-minute shopping items for our honeymoon," she lied.

Over the cellphone intercom, Poppy could hear Luke's breathing relax. "Babe, why didn't you tell me? I was worried sick."

"I guess I just forgot. A few of my friends and I are on a bachelorette trip."

Roman's eyes went wide as he shook his head no, and whispered, "She doesn't have friends. She's a bitch."

"You don't have friends, "Luke reiterated.

"See," Roman said, throwing his hands up in the air.

"Who was that?"

"No one… And I do too have friends. Poppy looked at Tate for ideas on what to say next, and the tall guard just shrugged. "Uh… It was just the hotel restaurant barman showing me…"

Roman threw back his head like he was drinking and pointed at his wine cellar to lead the conversation.

"Oh… uh, to show me how to use a new wine opener. I'll have to bring one home for the wedding toast. It's really nice."

Suddenly quiet, Luke seemed to be distracted. Then Roman remembered why.

He whispered in her ear. "Tell him you have to go."

"Why?" she asked, covering the microphone.

"He's tracking you."

Poppy just gave a sly smile. All she had to do was tell Luke where she was and he'd rescue her. Pulling out his gun, she saw the seriousness in Roman's eyes. "Shit… Luke, I gotta go. See you at the… reception. Yeah, the reception."

Roman nodded with satisfied approval. His eyes said that was going to be perfect for whatever plan he had next.

"Luke, I love you."

"What did you…?"

'Click…'

Poppy quickly hung up, dropping her head. "She never told him that, did she?"

Roman took the phone, seeming a little remorseful for a rough and tumble crime boss. Looking at the phone, he shook his head. "She… I mean you… never do. You love no one. You have no heart."

Now weeping, Poppy asked, "What did she do to you?"

Walking away, Roman punched the door as he walked out. "You know damn well what you did! This isn't over, Claudia. If he killed my brother, I'll kill you in front of him. I'll let the bastard watch you bleed out while I tell him about every sorry ass man you fucked while he was at home worrying. Just like I did all those months. I'll make him suffer the way you made me," he said as he turned his head back over his shoulder. "Mark my words. Luke Gambino will pay for your crimes, and his."