“So, what is it…?”

Elliot’s eyes are liquid black in the firelight. He’s trying to look relaxed, but his muscles are coiled, like a big cat about to pounce. “It’s something that’ll make you feel very excited about the idea of getting to know us better.”

Heat licks up my neck and hands. I’m half certain the fire is spilling out of the grate all over me. I look at Doc and his smile is hard as diamonds. “What do you say, Tesorina? Want to get high?”

I stare at the fish. “Is it… MDMA?”

Elliot and Doc laugh and even Bobby smiles.

“No, bella,” Eli says. “It’s something special. Something just for you.”

I swallow, my throat contracting around a lump. “Is this so you can film me for Mr. Parker?”

From the darkest corner of the room, Adriano growls.

“Do not say that name in front of us,” Eli says lightly. “Not if you want to go to Italy.”

“I’m sorry.”

Eli’s face cracks into a handsome smile. “You’re sweet, Miss Whitehall. Isn’t she sweet, Bobby?”

“Yeah, she’s sweet.” Bobby drawls, and I wonder if he’s drunk. He sounds drunk.

Doc takes a step toward me. “Morelli. Give the word.”

“What’s your rush, Domenico? Bella, would you like a drink?”

“Um, I’m okay.” One of my heels has slipped between my legs and I realize I’m leaning against it, rubbing myself on it. I make myself go still. “Could I maybe just go back to my cage, please?”

Doc’s hand shoots out, fastening around my neck. “That’s enough talking, Tits. Morelli, make the call.”

I sputter with indignation, but everyone ignores me.

“What do you think, Bobby?” Eli says in his slow, melodic voice. “Should we give her the Orchard?”

I look to Bobby, my eyes wide, pleading. He can still save me. Protect me.

He drains his drink. “Do it.”

My heart falls as Eli smiles. “Okay. Domenico, go ahead.”

Doc shoves the tip of the fish in his mouth and bites off the red cap. “Open up.”

I press my lips together and shake my head.

Doc’s thumb brushes my cheek. “Come on, baby. Don’t make me force your pretty jaw open.”

I can smell something coming from the capless little fish. Something sweet and weirdly familiar.

Doc looks at Eli. “Permission to hurt her?”

The scent grows stronger, and it clicks. Jolly Ranchers. That’s what it smells like. Green apple candy. ‘Orchard’, Eli called the drug. That must be why. Because it smells like apples. But what does it do?

“Tits,” Doc’s voice is irritable. “Here’s the deal. You wanna speak to your Zia Teresa?”

I gasp. “Seriously—”

He hooks a finger into my cheek and before I can blink, liquid splashes down my throat. I try to spit, to bite, to pull away, but it’s already gone. I’ve swallowed it. Doc removes his finger and tucks the empty fish into his pocket. “Done.”

Eli laughs. “Underhanded.”

“Effective.” Doc’s eyes glitter. “No going back, Tesorina.”