Chapter 17

~*Dangerous Game*~

I barely spoke as we drove Kate back to the hotel. When she questioned me, I simply lied and said I had a headache, but inside, I fumed silently and wanted to scream. Fantasies about beating the shit out of Tanya Denali took over, and my heart beat harder in anticipation.

After we dropped off Kate and made sure she was safely inside, Angela peeled out of the lot and entered the highway, driving in silence for a few minutes. "Chica, what is going on with you?"

I didn't pretend that nothing was wrong; Angela was my ride or die. "I wasn't in the bathroom at Underground."

"No shit!" Angela threw her head back and laughed. "Let me guess . . . Tony grabbed you for an against-the-wall encounter."

"Something like that. He's jealous. He doesn't want Ricky's hands all over me."

"But it's okay that his ass is all over the ice queen? What. The. Fuck."

"Exactly. I want to go to the penthouse. I'm not going home in this mood. I'd like to get my hands on that bitch and punch her in that pert, little nose, claw my nails down her ivory bisque skin. Most of all, I wish I could tell her to stay the fuck away from my man." I smacked my palm on the dashboard. "I hate that I have to pretend he's nothing to me—and that he pretends I'm nothing to him! It's not fair." I slammed back in my seat, digging my nails into my palms.

"It isn't fair. We're both in a shitty situation, but at least I know you don't want Santo. Tanya obviously has designs on Tony, that opportunistic skank."

We parked in the garage at Skyline Square. I felt super bitchy, so when Ricky pulled in, I stalked up to the driver's side window. "So this is an exclusive penthouse with assigned parking. You two are welcome to sit across the street and watch the garage entrance. We plan to spend the night here."

"Who with?"

"None of your biz. You are hired help, not our fucking big brothers. Stay in your lane, and sit across the street like good boys."

For a moment, I saw hurt in Ricky's eyes, but he shut it down quickly, nodding. "Right. We'll be across the street. Please give us a heads-up when you're coming out."

I tapped my hand on the roof of the car—"Good talk"—then turned and sauntered away, meeting Angela by the elevator.

We stepped inside the car and entered the code. Angela waited for the doors to close. "Wow." Her eyebrows rose. "You sure put them in their place. I'd hate to be on the business end of your silver tongue."

I ignored the comment and decided to ask about her relationship with the bodyguard. "What's going on with you and Jake?"

"Nice subject change. Nothing . . . now. We had a fling last year, but I realized it's not a good idea to fuck the help. He keeps hoping, but it isn't happening again."

I crossed my arms. "You didn't tell me!"

"Plausible deniability."

The elevator opened. Voices came from the kitchen, one of them Tony's. I stalked in and grabbed the first thing I saw—a glass of whiskey. I chugged back what was left and hurled the empty glass at Tony. My aim was true, and it thumped against his chest before falling to the floor and shattering.

"Ow! What the fuck, princess?" Tony stared at me in disbelief.

I finally looked to see who he was talking with and realized Jasper was sitting at the breakfast bar. He waved, trying hard not to smirk.

"Jasper, I'm so sorry! I'll pay for the glass."

Jasper rolled his eyes. "Please! It was worth it for entertainment value alone."

Angela laughed. "I like him." Then she shot Tony a withering look. "You are in deep shit though."

Tony rubbed his chest, looking incredulous. "Where's your loyalty?" he asked Jasper.

Before he could answer, I snorted. "Funny you mention loyalty . . ."

Jasper's eyebrows shot up. "I'm going to slowly back away from this dumpster fire. I still have some unpacking to do, but feel free to stay and work things out. Just try not to break anything irreplaceable."

Angela stood there, hands on her hips. "I'm going to make a drink in the living room. You two . . . try to play nice."

Once we were alone, Tony turned his intense gaze on me. "What was that for?"

"That was for giving me shit about Ricky and then cozying up with Tanya!" I rushed at him, beating my fists against his chest with every word. "Talk. About. Double. Standards."

Tony grabbed my wrists. "Hey! Hey!" His voice was soft but firm.

I tried to struggle out of his grasp to no avail.

"Princess!" He pulled me against him and walked me back into the wall. "Please, can we discuss this?"

His nearness, the scent of him, caused a thrumming between my legs. "You're not going to seduce your way out of this."

Tony smiled crookedly. "You should never announce your biggest weakness to your adversary."

"And you shouldn't double dip at the dance club!"

For the first time, anger sparked in his eyes, and he let one wrist go, cupping my chin firmly in his large hand. He waited for me to look into his eyes before speaking. "Tanya is business. I feel nothing but contempt for her pathetic, simpering ass. You are the woman I love, the woman I intend to spend the rest of my life with—despite what your father or my father says. Someday, you will be Isabella Masen."

My heart stuttered in my chest, and liquid warmth spread through my abdomen. Tony wanted me to be his wife, to be the one to rule by his side. I felt faint for a moment as I let this knowledge settle, entrenching itself deep inside me. I looked down at the floor, needing to escape the hypnotic pull of his gaze while I asked myself a life-altering question. The answer came immediately, without hesitation, and my eyes met his. There was a vulnerability in his expression. He'd put his heart on the line, and I had the ability to crush it.

"What if I want my name to be Isabella Swan-Masen? Would that pose a problem?"

Tony huffed a laugh. "You can have whatever name you want as long as my ring is on your finger." He let go of me and stepped back, allowing me space, giving me the choice without any hint of coercion. "I can't put a ring on your finger right now, but I pledge myself to you, princess. Everything I have, everything I am, is yours—if you want me."

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"I want all of you." I stepped forward, snaking my arms around his neck, and when our eyes met, I sealed the deal. "I love you, Tony. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side."

Tony grabbed me in his arms, swinging me around. He put me down and kissed me, wrapping his arms around me so tightly it was difficult to breathe, but I didn't care. As the kiss deepened, I melted into his embrace.

He pulled back and gazed down at me. "Say it again, that you love me."

"I love you." I felt giddy.

"I love you, princess." He rubbed the pad of his thumb over the ring finger of my left hand and stared at it with longing.

"I know you can't give me a ring right now, but how about a matching tattoo?" I placed my palm over his heart.

He trapped my hand against his chest. "Yeah?"

"It would help me feel close to you when we're apart."

Tony gazed at me with adoration. He tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, then put a finger under my chin and brushed his lips against mine. "You make me so happy," he whispered. "Happier than I ever thought would be possible for me."

Tony made some calls, and within an hour, a tattoo artist arrived at the penthouse. Jasper and Angela went into the office to keep out of sight, and I wore my Kelly disguise—thankfully, Angela had convinced me to keep a go bag in her car.

Tony shook hands with a tall, broad-shouldered man with long, greasy black hair and an array of tattoos and piercings. He wore a black trench over a ripped black T-shirt and black jeans.

Tony put his arm around my shoulders. "Rogan, you're going to give Kelly a tattoo that matches the one you did for me."

Rogan's eyes widened for a split second, and then his face smoothed into a neutral expression. "Sure thing. Where do you want it?"

"Wherever the lady prefers." Tony led us to the bedroom I'd stayed in previously. "Is this okay? There's a couch and an en suite."

Rogan looked around. "Yeah, this'll work."

Tony kissed my temple. "Do you want me to leave?"

I gripped his hand. "I'd rather you didn't."

Rogan asked where I wanted the tattoo. I decided on the left side of my ribs where the design would be hidden from prying eyes. He had me lie on my side and lift my shirt while he set up his equipment. Once we agreed on the placement, he cleaned the area. The first few times the needle sank into my sensitive skin, it stung sharply.

Tony grasped my hand and leaned in close. "You're doing so well. Squeeze my hand as hard as you need to."

I took deep breaths in and out, holding tightly to Tony's hand. After a while, I got used to the stinging and buzzing, and it wasn't so bad. Having Tony there made a huge difference.

An hour and a half later, Rogan covered the tattoo, giving me a set of instructions and a tub of ointment. "If you have any questions at all, I wrote my personal cell on the instruction sheet. Your skin will be tender and swollen for up to a week, but if you get a fever or have oozing, call me right away. Some of the other things to look out for are on the sheet."

I nodded and shook his hand. "Thank you so much!"

Tony walked Rogan out, leaving me alone. My side stung, but I didn't mind because the pain signified the deep connection between Tony and me. I was thrilled to have something permanent linking us.

Angela knocked on the door. "Chica?"

"Come in."

Angela sat beside me on the couch and hugged me, her eyes wide. "How did it go? Was it painful?"

"It hurt, but it's hard to explain . . . it wasn't that bad. After a while, I kind of zoned out."

"You look really happy."

"I am." I leaned close to her and whispered, "Tony wants me to be his wife someday."

She grabbed my hand, squeezing lightly. "Is that what you want?"

"I know we have shit to work through, a bunch of hurdles to overcome . . . but I want to be by his side officially. I hate feeling like a dirty little secret."

Angela groaned. "I get it—believe me. Santo and I aren't serious yet, but I like him a lot, and he's supposed to be courting you. Lou keeps coming around, and I just want to tell him it's over, but I can't."

"That sucks. I'm sorry, Ang! What a pair we are, huh?" I bumped my shoulder against hers, and we laughed.

Our phones buzzed with texts at the same time. We looked at each other and pulled out our phones.

Dinner party tomorrow night with the Lanzo and D'Angelo families. I expect some progress on your courtship. ~Aro

"Crap. What does yours say?"

Angela sighed deeply and handed me her phone.

Dinner party tomorrow at Uncle Aro's with the Lanzos and D'Angelos. You need to get over your disagreement with Lou and start acting like his fiancée. ~Dad

In light of Aro's plans, we decided it would be best to sleep at my house. Our bodyguards were still sitting across the street like trained monkeys. It only took them a minute to catch up to the Mustang after we peeled out of the garage.

This was going to be interesting.

oOo

When I woke up the next morning, the house was in an uproar. I heard a lot of scurrying in the hall, and in the distance, Aro bellowed at the staff. He was on edge, and I'm sure it had to do with family divisions and heads in boxes.

Angela sat on the window seat with her arms around her knees, rocking slightly. Her posture reminded me of her teenage self; when she was upset about something, she'd steal away to my room and sit in the cozy cubby to think.

I stretched and started doing some toe touches. Nervous energy flooded through me, and I wanted to escape. "Penny for your deep ones."

She bit her lip and glanced at me with wide eyes. "I have to pretend with Lou tonight in front of Santo. I don't know if I can pull it off."

I walked over and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You'll do it because you have to. Santo knows it's not real. Anyway, I'll be busy pretending with him."

We looked at each other and started laughing. Since we both needed to burn off some crazy energy, I suggested going to the gun range. The target in my mind had Tanya Denali's face on the bullseye. I imagined Angela's had Lou's.

When we got back to my room, Marietta came in with an armload of garments. "From your mother, miss."

"Just leave them on the bed. Thanks."

There was a selection of dresses that would flatter my figure and some that would look great on Angela. We were both curvy, but Angela was taller and bustier than me.

"Well, picking out new clothes is a nice consolation prize." Angela held a burnt sienna dress against the front of her and waltzed around the room. "What do you think? Or should I go with classic black since this dinner is going to be a memorial to my freedom?"

"Be bold. That color is awesome with your complexion. Try it on!" I did think that shade would look fantastic on her, but I also knew if we did anything to undermine what Aro was trying to accomplish tonight, there would be hell to pay.

I chose a deep gold satin dress that complemented the color of Angela's. If we had to be put through this torture, we might as well look good while doing it.

By the time we showered and primped, it was time for dinner. We linked fingers and walked down the grand staircase like the mafia divas we were supposed to be. Everyone was milling around and chatting, many with drinks in hand, and the waitstaff circulated with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Our fathers seemed pleased when they saw us. Lou and Santo both watched Angela with admiration. Everyone else probably thought Santo was looking at me, and Lou had eyes for his fiancée, but I knew better. While I was uncomfortable with the situation, at least Tony wasn't there to see me with another man.

Angela smiled, nodding and saying hello to a few people. She leaned close, whispering, "I need a drink and a Xanax."

"Same."

Santo broke away from his father and Aro to greet us. He placed a kiss on the back of my hand. "Good evening, ladies. You both look stunning." HIs dark gaze was focused on Angela, and I knew his words were meant for her.

I smiled. "And you look very handsome."

"Very," Angela said in a low voice.

Lou took the opportunity to sidle up behind Angela, putting his hands on her hips possessively. "Hey, beautiful." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

I saw the burning coal of anger deep in her eyes, but she played it off with flair, turning in his arms and giving him a hug. Her lips were close to his ear, and I saw his expression falter for a moment before he recovered. I could only imagine what stinging words she'd lashed him with.

Aro clapped his hands. "Dinner is served, everyone. Please join us in the dining room."

The table was set festively and included name cards at each place. Renee always tried to seat everyone boy/girl, boy/girl, and Angela ended up seated between Lou and Santo. How awkward.

Santo included Angela and Lou in the conversation. He sat close to me and placed his hand over mine on the table, rubbing his thumb back and forth gently over my skin. He whispered against my ear, "Hope this is okay. We need to show them we're making progress."

I took the opportunity to touch his cheek and laugh throatily as if he'd just said the most clever thing. A surreptitious sweep of my gaze around the table confirmed that all the players had taken note. Aro looked particularly satisfied.

Conversation was lively and entertaining throughout the meal. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits. It surprised me based on recent events, and though I waited for the proverbial shoe to drop, none did.

After dinner, Aro announced there would be dancing in the ballroom. Couples surged onto the floor, slow dancing to romantic tunes played by a small band set up in one corner.

Santo pulled me into his arms, and I was reminded of the masquerade ball. It seemed both long ago and like it happened yesterday. That was the night Tony held me in his arms, leading me expertly across the dance floor. It was also the night I gave myself to a virtual stranger before knowing his identity. My cheeks burned at the memory for multiple reasons.

"Hey, are you okay?" Santo's voice pulled me out of my reverie. He skimmed his index finger along the apple of my cheek. "You're blushing."

I smiled up at him. "Good. I hope my father is watching."

"Oh, he is. All eyes are on us. Except Marcus—he's focused on Angel."

"Angel?" I arched a brow.

Santo laughed. "That's what I call her—my angel." He glanced at her for a long moment before bringing his head closer to mine. "She's so beautiful and fierce. She deserves a man who will encourage her to fly. The thought of her languishing with that piece of shit . . ." He stopped talking and shook his head.

"You're absolutely right. She deserves a wonderful man like you."

"And how about you, Bella? Does Masen deserve you? Is he good enough?"

I looked Santo in the eye. "Yes, he is. We're all in a tough spot right now, but somehow it will work out."

"I sure as fuck hope so."

We continued to dance, and I watched Aro disappear into his study with Uncle Marcus, Arthur Lanzo, and Rocco D 'Angelo. Angela noticed too and seemed concerned.

We knew what they did in the study. They smoked cigars, drank brandy, and made cataclysmic family decisions.

~oOo~

Bella now has a piece of Tony that will be with her always. Wonder what's going on in the study? I love hearing your thoughts and theories! It's writer's crack, lol.

I'm working on the next chapter of Animal, Freddie, and A Measure of Grace. Yes, all at the same time, because I'm me. A lot of you are clamoring for the next chapter of Speak Now. The muse hasn't spoken on that one yet, probably because it's going to be a tricky chapter, and I have so much going on in RL right now. I promise it's coming though!

I sometimes post teasers and links to updates on my blog and on Facebook in the No Rules Twilight Fan Fiction and It All Started With Twilight groups.

Thanks and gratefulness as always to my awesome betas, SassySue (chayasara) and Wendy wmr1601. These ladies make my stuff much more presentable!

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PSA: Fanfic has made a ridiculous update that will turn email notifications OFF. This is the default setting. You will need to go to "settings" in your FF account and opt in to receive email notifications. Even if you do this, this setting will automatically default back to NO every six months, at which time you will need to change the setting again. Just one more way FF is making our lives difficult.