Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 48854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 244(@200wpm)___ 195(@250wpm)___ 163(@300wpm)
“What’s going on?” I ask, looking at Gillie this time for answers.
“Cassio is working with Ignacio,” Gillie says without hiding any secrets. He’s always been upfront with me. I didn’t think he would, but since I turned sixteen, he would give me the honesty about the world I came from. I respected him for it.
“He’s coming here,” I say as the realization hits me.
He nods and I know that my life is about to explode. If Cassio finds out about Nico, there will be a war, both here and in New York.
“We have to end the Mosca clan before that happens. If Cassio arrives here, he will learn very quickly about what is happening. He’s already suspicious, and he wants to see you. He will drag the truth from you, and you know he’s a violent bastard.” Gillie’s warning twists in my stomach. The lurching of fear hits me deep, and I want to cry.
“We can leave—but only if we make the first move,” Nico says as he steps forward and takes my hand. “We will be able to do this, but we have to move on this plan.”
He doesn’t beg.
He just looks at me like I’m the answer to a question he’s been too afraid to ask.
“What do you want to do, Lia?” Nico asks quietly.
And for once, I know.
I step back and he releases my hand. The fear in his gaze slices through my heart because I’m sure he thinks I’m walking away, but instead I make my way to the table.
I pick up the gun and turn to both men. I look them dead in the eyes, not flinching before I say, “I want to choose something that’s mine.”
Nico’s throat bobs.
I step closer, pressing the barrel into his chest—not to hurt him. To prove something.
“That night in my room,” I say, voice steady, “you asked what I wanted and I told you nobody ever asked me that.” I am aware that Gillie is unsure of my next move. But he doesn’t stop me. If I were to kill a Montesano, I’d be a heroine in my family. So instead of my bodyguard taking the gun from me, he allows me to continue with what I want to do.
Nico nods once.
“I don’t want out.”
He frowns.
“I want you.”
He exhales like he’s been holding his breath for a year.
And then, for the second time, we fall into each other like gravity.
Like we’re already falling and neither of us wants to stop.
Chapter 18
Domenico
Lelia and I don’t see each other because I’m planning with Guillermo. He’s been a godsend. I know eyes are on us, since we’re the outsiders, but I don’t feel the tension anymore. I know I have backup. The only problem we have is that Cassio is arriving soon. Once he walks into this house, the shit is going to hit the fan.
Cassio and I have never seen each other properly. I’m not sure he’ll recognize me, but there’s always a possibility. The thing is, today I have to escort Lia to the dress fitting. Since I’m her bodyguard, I’m meant to ensure she’s kept safe at all times.
Ignacio stalks into the dining room as we’re finishing up breakfast and stops short at the table, his gaze flitting over each man. We’re all under his rule. Nobody speaks, and the clink of cutlery stops.
“You.” He points at me as he speaks. “My future wife needs to be watched closely. I have a feeling there’s something she’s hiding.” He doesn’t realize I’m the thing she’s hiding, but I offer a nod. He turns his attention to one of the other soldiers. “Taio, I want the files on the Vitale clan. Don’t leave a single item of information out. My future wife may be beautiful, but I don’t trust anyone.”
“Yes, Boss,” the soldier says with a nod.
I’ve been keeping my eyes on each of them and they’re loyal to a fault. Taio is the hacker. He can find out anything about anyone, and he’s the one I need to be wary of the most. The rest of them are muscle. That’s the easy part.
When we finally finish eating, it’s time to move. I make my way out to the car, only to see the woman I love already waiting. She’s at the passenger door and I wish I could go to her, to embrace her, but I play it cool. She’s nothing to me.
I offer a nod, but I see the fire in her eyes.
She was born to be mine. As I was to be hers.
Once we’re in the car, we don’t talk. It takes everything in me not to say anything to Lia. The driver is listening, watching, and I know Ignacio has asked him to observe her, just as he’s asked me to keep an eye on her.
The drive into town is torture. I can only steal glimpses at her, nothing more. And when we arrive, I see Guillermo already waiting. I knew he’d be here. It was part of the plan to make sure Lia is safe from Mosca’s asshole soldiers.