Maid for the Mafia by Jaylee

Eyes Closed

**ROMANY**

*Oh my God... will I ever learn???*

*How am I this dumb?*

*This is why Ruby never wanted me here.*

*She knew what I didn't. That these men would find a way to break me.*

*They used me. All of them.*

*Maybe not in the same way, but it is what it is.*

The truth of It hits me with the force of a freight train when I realize it, and suddenly I want midnight to come and go so badly that I can hardly stand it. I need to be a ghost. Just a shadow of someone who *once* had a presence here, because I've never been so ashamed in my life.

*Is that why Mickey was able to walk away after seeing me kiss Matthew that night? Because sure, he wanted me, but not in the way that matters. Not in the way that costs.*

before I can stop it, and I turn away before it can get any worse. "Bye Mickey," I whisper, softly,

growl out. "Wait a minute, doll,

to make sure the back door shut. A moment later, the lock is heard slamming down and he presses his body directly into mine from behind. This time

Mickey snarls in the direction of the

I really

about what conditions we might face, either. YOU? Your job is to do what I say when I *feel* like saying it. Other than that, your job is to shut the fuck up. Now... drive us around back. To the gate, Kale.

back? To the

this be the same gate that I

to life and the wheels begin to roll. Although I know I should probably take a look around, I keep my eyes closed. It's not like I'll be seeing the grass on *this* side of the fence, anyway. Not after I leave. Because even if Santos *does* let me go the way he promised to, I don't think I'll ever want to see this place again. There's an intense pounding behind my eyes and I whimper, keeping them closed tight and not wanting to release the burn of my tears. Mickey's hard body crowds in behind mine, his warmth nearly coaxing the sobs right from my chest. I can feel him so close, right up against my back. Wet heat streaks my cheeks, tears forcing their way from under my lids and

whispers, his lips on my

me that, and fool that I am... *I really, really

flex behind me as the SUV begins to slow down and I swipe at my face with one hand, preparing to open my eyes, but Mickey whispers, "Not yet, baby. Keep those gorgeous eyes closed for me for just

seated. Nodding weakly, I let him press me back against his arm. A shudder passes over his body and I hear him dispel a slow breath. It's warm and close and I know without

there, Kale," Mickey commands. "Park beneath that canopy of trees next

of road, or maybe grass. Mickey's warm palm glides over my thigh, stopping just under the hem of my robe at the same moment the SUV parks. "Good," Mickey calls out to Kale. "Now cut

I'm tempted to open my eyes, especially when I hear Kale exit