Chapter 27

"What did you find out?" Remi's brother grunted as she entered the TV room, interrupting his guilty pleasure for sitcom TV time.

Every inch of his house was immaculate, but his man cave was like his own personal hideaway of chaos and disorganization. Filled with games, a gigantic movie screen, a full bar, and sports memorabilia, it was a real cove of masculinity for the rich crime tycoon to relax and have some fun.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Remi snapped as she flopped down on the couch, took the bag of chips from her brother's hand, and started munching on them with intense fury.

"Hey! I was eating those."

"Not anymore. Go get me a beer."

Roman rolled his eyes, taking them back. "You don't drink."

"I do now."

Turning off the television, Roman turned to his sister. "All right, what happened?"

"I went to have a chat with Luke, just like you said. Roast his ass."

Watching his sister's angry eyes, he wasn't sure this was about their brother. "What's with you? Did he confess?"

"No. Of course not. He did, although, say he feels like it's his fault, but he didn't do it."

"And... If he's feeling guilty, he's got something to hide."

Turning to her brother, Remi pulled a pillow from the couch, cradling it to her chest. "Roman, do you think I'm incapable of love?"

"What? Why? Did that asshole say something to you?"

"It's just... Everyone thinks I'm a heartless tyrant. Luke's getting married and you always have all these women around you. You and all the guys always seem to have someone. I'm like freaking kryptonite to men. The only time I go out is when you take me. Of course, that doesn't help matters. Guys are afraid to even ask me out because of you."

With a cringe, Roman started to slink off the couch to avoid the conversation, but his sister caught him by the collar before his escape.

"Damn it. You do! You think I'm a bad person, too!"

Sitting back in his spot, Roman gave a chuckle. "Sis, most guys don't want to hook up with a girl who threatens to slit their throat every time they blink. You can be a bit…"

"A bit what?"

"Insensitive. Cold. Distant…"

Shoving him off the couch, she went and grabbed the chip bag again, brooding over her brother's words.

"I am not insensitive. I care. I just don't like to put up with some beefed-up guy's bullshit who doesn't show me some respect. I'll have you know; I can be nice when I want to be."

"I agree, but it's only to family, and everyone else has to walk on eggshells around you. Anyway, you're avoiding the question," he said as he pulled his body back onto the couch. "Do you think he did it?"

"Well… no. But I think maybe he knows who did, or at least thinks he does."

Roman let out a huff, flipping back on the TV. "He's got to you. I shouldn't have sent you. You haven't gotten laid in months and all you've talked about lately is getting some dick."

"What? No way. I did what you said. I snuck in and talked to him. Just like you ordered me to do."

"Then why do you have tear stains down your face? Your mascara is running. Did he say something to upset you? Did he turn you down for pussy?"

"What?" she gasps as she rubbed her eyes to clear away the debris. "It was... raining, you douche."

"It hasn't rained in a week. Try again."

"Oh... It must have been the yard sprinklers. Yeah... that's it. They went off while I was making a break for it. These three huge guys came after me and I had to kick their asses and make a run for it. They almost got me, too."

Roman raised a brow, knowing darn well his sister was lying. The woman didn't make mistakes, and she could enter a house and leave without so much as anyone knowing. There was no way she tipped off Luke's guards. Luke wouldn't risk sending his man after her when things were so heated right now, anyway. He knew far too well what would happen if anyone even so much as looked at Roman's sister wrong. So, sending her there for intel wasn't much of a risk on their part.

Remi always had a tell when she was not telling the truth. She'd talk fast and stammer just a hint. No one else would notice, but he did.

"Sure, you did. I'm sure the fact you wore perfume and makeup on a job was part of your plan, too."

Remi suddenly got stone-cold quiet as she faced the television, not saying a word. She knew she was about to get busted because she never wore makeup and perfume when doing a job. Any scent would tip off the target that someone was there, and her perfume was top-of-the-line Chanel.

Popping a chip into his mouth, Roman laughed. "Nah, never mind. There is no way in hell my big sister would have a thing for a Gambino. You were just messing with him. Right?..." (Silence) "Right, Remi?"

Standing and strutting to the door, she didn't respond. "I gotta go. I need to check on a tip about those last missing shipments."

"Remi!" he yelled after her. "Damn it, Remi! Answer me!"

But she didn't dare. If Roman ever found out she had messed around with Luke, he'd surely kill them both. Even if it was years ago in college. She might be a year older, but Roman was not one to cross. He hated Luke and the risk of angering her brother wasn't worth it. Sure, they thought her to be a murderous mafia queen, but Roman was far more dangerous, and even his sister didn't dare make him mad.

Leaning back on the couch, Roman closed his eyes, suddenly getting thoughts of his captor.

"I wonder what she's doing right now?"

Taking out his phone, he flipped the app that showed his home security cameras. In the bedroom upstairs, Poppy can into view. Nude except for her robe that was draped open slightly, walked toward the shower in the ensuite. After a moment of hesitation before entering into the restroom, Roman caught a glimpse of her hand that snacked below her robe and across her abs.

"Oh, little vixen. What are you up to? Didn't you just shower earlier today?" he muttered to himself. "I think I need to go pay her a visit and see what's so important in that shower. Wouldn't want our guests to be uncomfortable. Maybe you need some assistance washing your back."

Tiptoeing up the stairs, Roman's mischievous side kicked in. Whatever it was Poppy was doing in the shower room was something he was very interested in uncovering. After all, she was all alone up there. Maybe he would pay her a quick visit.