“Who the hell was lurking out there?” I question.
He looks at his notes and then says, “Faustino Milan.” One of my father’s goons that was at the house the day I was there. This changes everything. I won’t be visiting my father’s ever again. I can’t believe that they were so bold. They must not understand the monster they created.
“Okay. I see.” He hands me a copy of the report he filled out for my records.
“Thank you, Officer.” I shake his hand and walk him to the door, staying there until he drives away.
“In my office, now.” My teeth are grinding as I think about the chance that they could have spotted Giada. There’s only one vantage point that would allow it, and I’m hoping that they didn’t see it.
“Sorry. I tried to get him to leave, but he wanted a word with you before he could file a complaint. Besides, without letting him in, it would look suspicious.”
“I’m not pissed. It’s smart, but I have an idea. I’m going to need you to visit some family in Ireland.”
“I don’t have family there,” he remarks, looking at me with suspicion.
“You do now.” Understanding my meaning, he listens as I continue to explain my plan.
After everything is set up, I say, “I’m going to speak to her.”
I stand up and walk out of my office and upstairs. Unlocking the door, I see her sitting on the bed watching television. I lean on the mattress and grab the remote, clicking it off. Closing the distance, I hover over her, grabbing her by the hair and tugging her head back so she can feel how much she drives me nuts. “Now, it’s time we talk about that mouth of yours,” I say as I skim my lips over her jaw.
“Whatever. Just another Marchetti male.” She knows exactly what she’s doing.
“Watch what you say. Don’t make me do this the hard way, because trust me when I say that’s not what you want.”
“I knew you were no different. Sold me a lie and then trapped me.”
“Oh, you’re mistaken, and I thought I made that perfectly clear. I want you here, and I want you in every damn way imaginable, but I’m not going to tell my brother that.”
“But I’m everything you said you didn’t want.”
“Yes, part of that’s true.”
“Get away from me. I can’t, Santino.” She pushes my chest, and that’s when I see the sparkle on her finger. Snarling like a wild beast, I stare at the rings she has on.
“What the fuck are you wearing?” I grab her fingers and yank the rings off. I want to melt these fuckers down and sell them for scraps.
“Hey! Those are mine,” she exclaims.
“The hell they are. You. Are. Mine. Don’t wear another man’s gift again—especially from him.”
“You’re an asshole.”
“Do you really want to go back to him?” I question. She’s hurt, so she’s trying to retaliate, but that’s not going to work.
“No.”
“Then don’t ever play that fucking game with me again.” I wave the rings in front of her face.
“I hate you.” She crosses her arms, but I’m betting it’s to hide her pebbled nipples. She’s turned on, and it’s all in her expression.
“Well, that’s too fucking bad.” I crush my mouth to hers, then pull away quickly. “Goodnight.”
I walk out of the bedroom, hoping that the next time I come in there, she’s sleeping. I can’t have her fight me on this next step. It’s going to kill me to let her go, but I’m expecting a raid tomorrow.
Chapter Ten
Giada
I don’t know what came over me other than to say I’m fucking losing my mind. I want him, and yet—I shouldn’t. I shouldn’t have said what I did to Santino, but I did.
The thought of him hating me cuts deep, so much that I blurted out my pain in the form of anger. The way he looked at me with such sadness in his eyes when I said I hated him broke me. I cried for two hours, thinking that I’d gone too far.
Finally calming down, I prepare for bed and watch some television. I’m addicted to The Office. By the time I turn it off, it’s well past midnight and he’s not here in our bedroom where he should be. Two days and I let him into my heart. How could I have been so naïve?
He’s just like his brother: cold, cruel—a total bastard, but then why do I want him around?
I lay in bed and sob until I’m too tired to keep my eyes open.
“IT’S FOR THE BEST,” Santino whispers as his lips kiss my forehead.
“How can it be?” I plead. My heart’s breaking in my chest, pain radiating through every inch of my body. He squeezes my ass and then kisses me goodbye.
“You’re too much trouble for damaged goods.” He shakes his head, staring at me in disgust, and walks away.
“No!” I scream, startling myself awake and into a sitting position.
With a sigh, I wipe the sole tear that slid down my face. I reach out for him, but Santino’s not there. Looking around, I’m not in his room anymore. Was the dream real? Shit. The sun’s shining through a large window, but I’m not sure where I am.
“Ms. Giada, good morning.”
I nearly jump out of my skin when I stare at a large man standing in the doorway. “Oh my goodness. Who are you? Do you work for my...Rafael?” I scooch back on the bed, bringing the covers to my chest.
He rolls his eyes. “No. I don’t. I work for Santino.”
“Where is he? Where are we?” I ask.
“We are safe away from New York.” This is the game he wants to play? I’m going to bombard
