Page 51 of Humility

“What? Oh, hell no. I’m not raping her,” Enzo said as he glared at me. “And neither are you, that’s just fucked up.”

“I can’t believe you’d even suggest this,” Dario said, shaking his head at me in disgust.

I went to my desk and opened the top drawer to pull out three simple black masks similar to those worn at a masquerade ball. I tossed one at Dario and then Enzo.

“You can either come with me or stay here, but I’m doing this.”

“Angelo….” Dario balled his fists. “We can’t do this to her.”

Marching to my best friend, I got right up in his face, the rage in my gut overriding everything else.

“Do not fucking tell me what I can and cannot do. Jasmine was my fiancé first, and she consented to non-consent. You were there to witness it and neither has been rescinded. She is still mine until she is married to someone else, and I will do whatever I need to, whether you think it is ethical or not. So, either get on board or stay here and watch the show. I don’t fucking care.” I turned around and walked to the door. “Are you two coming or not?”

“Fuck me,” Dario grumbled and tied the mask on his head. “I’m pretty sure there is a statute of limitations on consent. I mean it’s been five years.”

“Says who?” I grabbed my gun and shoved it into the back of my jeans. “You don’t make the rules. Jasmine Falcone handed herself over to me, and I’m not standing by and letting Ciro steal her from under my nose. Not when she is this fucking close. She needs to remember how much she wanted us and loved us. I’m telling you this is our second chance, and you’re either going to take it with me, or you’re going to stand here and jerk off while watching me do what you couldn’t.”

“Is he telling the truth? Did she agree to CNC?”

I rolled my eyes as Enzo pointed at me but spoke to Dario.

“Yeah, he is,” Dario answered. “I still can’t believe we’re doing this, but yeah, I’m in. If for no other reason than to make sure you don’t go overboard with this stupid plan.”

“Well, shit. You’re not leaving me out, but I do have one request,” Enzo said, tying his mask in place.

“What’s that?”

“I want to help her at the house tomorrow and take her to dinner. You might not be

able to show your face, but I can. Before you say no, think about it this way. It's better that she is with me and not someone else from town. I can maybe even find out more about why she’s here.”

I couldn’t stand that he had a point. “I’ll think about it. Now that’s settled, let’s get the fuck out of here.”

Our boots thumped along the marble foyer in time with my racing heart. This was stage one of my plan, and by the time we moved on to stage two, we would be all that Jasmine thought about.

I smirked and felt like my old self as we stepped out into the night.

You’d better get ready, Tiger. Your real fiancé is coming to claim you.

Chapter Twenty-Five

ANGELO

Unlocking the door, I pushed it open, careful not to make a sound. I knew this house like the back of my hand. When we first moved here, this was where we lived until I got the distillery going and offered the owner enough cash to move away. We took over the main house and started renting this the moment his ass was out the door.

The only sound was the soft shuffle of feet of the men behind me. We slipped up the stairs like ghosts, our shadows slinking along the walls from the soft glow of the hallway nightlight.

I clenched my hand into a fist to try and push away the nervousness as we reached her bedroom door. As quietly as I could, in case Jasmine was not yet sound asleep, I twisted the old brass knob. When the door opened, I held my breath as my heart tripled, thundering like a million galloping horses.

The past flashed before my eyes as I stared at her sleeping form. Her black hair was spread across the pillow, and her eyes were closed as she breathed deeply. Stepping into the room, I couldn’t look away from my Tiger. I could watch her like this every night and feel content.

My shirt was off and tossed to the wall before I reached the bed. Grabbing the blankets, I pulled them down her body and smiled at the adorable sleep outfit. The flowy tank top and matching shorts were as sexy as any skimpy lace, but she could wear a fucking paper bag and turn me on. Time apart had not diminished any feelings I had for her.

“You sure you want to do this?” Dario whispered.

“There is nothing I want more.” Leaning over Jasmine, I breathed in her fresh soap and shampoo scent. “I’ve missed you, Tiger,” I said.

Her brow furrowed, and she moved her lips, but no sound came out. I could only imagine what she would say if she woke up. A punch to the face would be the first thing that happened, and I would kiss those knuckles and still fuck her.