Chapter 4

Jasmine

I lways knew my step-father was an asshole, but this is a new low. The man behind me tightens his grip on my shoulder, as I try to break free. The panic at what my step-dad is suggestingmeat only setting in now.

“You will let me walk out of here with your step-daughter?” Kane asks, eyeing me like a piece of meat.

Alex nods. “Yes, she is yours to keep. Not to mention, I’ll pay back everything I owe with interest, please, just don’t kill me.”

Fucking bastard.

“I’m not yours to sell,” I spit, glaring at the coward on his knees.

Kane steps closer to me, forcing me to crane my neck and look up at him. The dominance he emits makes my knees shake involuntarily. I bite my lip and hold his gaze, willing myself not to show fear in his presence. I get a feeling he thrives off the fear of others.

Finally, I cave and look down, overpowered by him. He reaches for my face, and I start to pull away, trying to shy from his touch. He grips hold of my chin, firm but gentle, tipping my face to meet his heated gaze. “Why would you give away your step-daughter?” he asks, keeping his eyes fixed on mine.

“I’ve got nothing else of worth to offer you. She’s a hard worker and would be great working behind a bar or doing anything. She’s pretty enough, I’m sure she could be put to very good use.”

My stomach churns as I realize he’s suggesting putting me to work in the sex-trade. As far as I’m aware, the Romano family deals in drugs and guns, but not human trafficking and prostitution. At least, I hope that’s the case.

“I’m sure she’d be willing to show off her assets right here and now.

Jasmine take your clothes off,” Alex snaps, glaring at me.

An ice-cold dread spreads through me at the request. Kane’s hand is still on my jaw, holding me. It’s a strangely comforting touch that eases my anxiety.

He growls a deep chesty noise and turns on my step-father. “Cavino, you’re the biggest piece of shit I’ve ever come across.”

Alex shudders, bowing his head lower, as he remains on his knees. He’s such a fucking coward. “I only want you to see exactly how enticing my offer is.” He keeps his head bowed. “Jasmine, show them your assets, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart? Is he kidding me right now? This man is dead to me for this.

I don’t move. I can’t. There’s no way in hell I’m stripping in front of all these men, including my step-father. I’ve never been naked in front of any man.

“Don’t listen to a word he says,” Kane growls, turning and staring at me. “Keep your clothes on.”

I’m surprised by the ferocity in Kane’s insistence that I keep my clothes on. To be honest, I expected him to be as much of a pig as my step-father. The thing is, the Romano family are anything but low life. They’re refined, rich beyond compare, and more powerful than any other mafia family in the United States.

Alex’s mouth snaps shut, and he begins to tremble. I’ve never seen someone die before, but the way Kane is looking at Alex tells me I’m about to. There’s no way I will feel any grief if he does get murdered, but I’m not sure I want to witness it.

The man has never really been like a father to me. All he has done since he married my mother is use me, and now he’s offering me up as payment. It is beyond belief.

Kane’s eyes meet mine again, and I hold my breath, waiting to hear his response. He’s definitely a man of few words. Those dark, almost black eyes search mine for a few beats more, sending a heat pulsing through my body. This man affects me in the most illicit way.

“Do you have the cash to pay your debt and interest today?” Kane asks, not turning to Alex.

“Y-Yes, In those bags.”

Kane’s gaze leaves mine, and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I watch him walks toward the bags of cash on the floor and grab the two satchels. He throws one at one of his guys and then walks back toward me and the guy behind. “Count the cash and make sure it’s all there.”

The guy’s hand loosens from my should and I slump in relief. Only to find Kane’s hands slip onto my hips in a firm, possessive grip that sends a bolt of heat crashing through me. I shut my eyes, trying to control my reaction to this man.

He is silent as he holds me, watching his men count the money. Once they finish they each turn to him and give him a wordless nod. Alex is still cowering on the floor and it’s pathetic.

“It seems like you’ve saved your skin today, Cavino.” He keeps a firm hand on my hips, forcing me forward. “I’ll take your step-daughter and the money in exchange for your life.” He glances up at his men. “Just know, you’re going to need some roughing up for this.” He nods at one of the men, and they step forward.

I tingle in anticipation at seeing my asshole of a step-father given a good beating, but Kane forces me away.

“No, please…I’ve paid it all back and given you my step-daughter,” Alex snivels.

Kane shakes his head. “No one fucks with the Romano family and gets by without a scratch.” He glances at his men. “I will go ahead with the girl. I’ll see you both back at the house.”

They grunt their agreement, as Kane forces me out the door and back up the stairs. I writhe against him, trying to break free. The screams and shouts of my step-father echo down the hall as they rough him up.

“You can’t do this. I’m not his to give away. Let go of me, for fuck’s sake.” I writhe against his hard, strong grip.