Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
“This is a dangerous game.”
“It isn’t a game. Her life was in jeopardy because of me. I am simply paying a debt.”
Aldo snorted, and Luca spoke directly to him.
“Is that a bunch of BS, Aldo?”
“I am neutral, Luca,” he said. “Roman and I rarely discuss our personal lives. The girl is lovely, though. You’d have to be dead not to notice that. Your brother seems particularly, ah…” He paused. “Protective.”
“Insane, you mean. Taking her to Nonna.”
“Fucking Aldo’s fault. He thought he’d be funny and throw me under the bus.”
“You must be going soft, Roman. He’s still alive.”
“His wife is scarier than he is,” I stated dryly.
We all laughed, then Luca became serious. “Roman, there could be retaliation. It could put you, this woman, even Nonna in danger.”
“I had no choice.”
“Are you serious about this woman?”
I shut my eyes. “Because of my big mouth, her sister put her in their path. I had to save her, Luca. She was—is—an innocent pawn in this game. She didn’t deserve what would have happened to her.”
“Why didn’t you send her away—someplace safe?”
“She was hurt. Needed care.”
“And now?”
“Now, thanks to Aldo, she is meeting Nonna. Who thinks we are dating.”
He hummed. “The Roman I know would have denied it and sent the girl away. Unless she is more than an obligation.” His statement was more like a question.
“I will keep her safe the way I feel is best.”
“You can’t keep her locked in the casino forever.”
“No, she will go home eventually.”
“They could snatch her again.”
That was my greatest fear. “I will take precautions.”
“You do that. And call me later. I want to talk about numbers.”
“Dinner next week,” I replied.
“Yes.”
He hung up.
I looked at Aldo, and he shook his head. “She will live her life looking over her shoulder, always fearful, once you let her go.”
I turned and looked out the window, cursing the day Marianne ever set foot in my building.
But I knew he was right.
On the drive over, Effie was quiet. When we pulled up to the diner, she straightened her shoulders and let me take her hand as she got out of the car. Surreptitiously, I glanced around, my men on high alert as instructed. I escorted Effie into Bagels and Bites quickly, not wanting her outside. I felt anxious even with my men around us. It was odd. I never worried about myself, but I felt the pull of fear for Effie.
Effie was greeted enthusiastically. Margi and Anne fussed over her, as did the few customers and other staff who were there. I sat at a table, letting her speak with her staff, keeping an eye on everything. I saw nothing untoward, no one out of place, and from what I heard of the conversation, no strange happenings at the diner. I disliked it when Effie went into the kitchen, and I got up and followed her. She was checking supplies, talking to Margi, every bit in control. The back door was shut and the only other person in the kitchen was busy making dough, so I left her to do what she needed to do. I sat down, and a minute later, a cup of coffee and a toasted bagel appeared in front of me. I glanced up. Anne smiled at me. “Effie said you would like that. Oh, and this.” She placed a wrapped cookie next to the toasted bagel and walked away.
I slipped the cookie into my pocket, then ate the bagel and drank the coffee as I waited for Effie. She appeared a short while later, coming over to where I sat. She looked a little pale, and I stood.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes. A little tired.”
“I told you that you need to rest.”
She nodded, looking distracted.
“You ready to go upstairs and check your plants?”
I noticed that she gripped the back of the chair, her fingers pressing into the vinyl so tightly they were white.
“Effie?” I prompted, concerned.
“Yes. I’m done here. I need to order a few things, but I can do that later.”
I followed her upstairs. My men had already swept the place, so I knew it was safe. Reaching around Effie, I used the key they’d returned to me and unlocked the door. She hesitated, then stepped inside. I followed closely. She stopped in the small living area, looking around, frowning.
“I had it cleaned up,” I said.
“Thank you,” she responded faintly, not moving.
“Your plants?” I asked.
She nodded, walking toward the window. The little pots were wilted, and she touched the leaves on one, stroking the green. “They need water,” she murmured.
Something was wrong. Her voice was off, and she was stiff. Tense.
She turned, looking around the room, her gaze lingering by the sofa. Her breathing picked up, and her face turned ashen. I hurried toward her. “Effie. What is it? Tell me,” I demanded.
She didn’t speak. I wasn’t sure she could. She was almost panting in distress, and suddenly, it hit me. She was having a panic attack. This was the first time she’d been here since she was ambushed and taken. She was reliving it. No doubt every single moment of what occurred that night was replaying in her head. I pulled her into my arms, holding her shaking body close.