Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 130310 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 652(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 130310 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 652(@200wpm)___ 521(@250wpm)___ 434(@300wpm)
“I assume that means my stay won’t be ending anytime soon,” I said bitterly.
Kiara sighed. “I don’t know.”
My eyes moved over to Nino, who looked his usual stoic self, not that I had expected an answer from him.
Kiara held the bags out to me. “I got you sandals and a pair of sneakers. A few pairs of shorts, tops, and dresses. And underwear. I really hope I got the right size.”
I took everything from her and went into the bathroom to change. The clothes fit, even if they weren’t my usual style. I left the bathroom wearing shorts and a top as well as the sandals.
“And?” Kiara asked hopefully.
“It all fits.”
“Why don’t you join me in the gardens? It’s beautiful outside, and I’m sure you can’t stand these walls anymore.”
I frowned. “I can’t stand this city, but I’d love to join you.” My eyes darted to her husband whose expression had tightened at her suggestion. “If he allows it.”
Nino gave a quick nod, but it was obvious that he didn’t approve.
I followed Kiara outside while Nino walked behind us to keep an eye on me.
“Let me get the salad I prepared so we can have lunch,” Kiara said when we arrived on the ground floor. I made a move to follow her into the kitchen but Nino grabbed my wrist, stopping me. “You’ll stay here.”
I wrenched my wrist out of his grip, narrowing my eyes at him. “Don’t touch me.”
Nino didn’t as much as twitch. “If you think about trying something, don’t. I don’t want to hurt you, but if you hurt Kiara, I’ll make it very painful for you.”
“It’s not her I want to hurt. She can’t help being married to you.”
“Indeed,” Nino agreed.
Kiara returned with what looked like a Cesar’s salad, her gaze flitting between her husband and me. “Everything okay?”
“Yes,” I said, because even if I hated the Falcones, Nino’s protectiveness was something I could respect.
Soon we were seated around the garden table, eating salad. My eyes began wandering the premises once more, but I knew there was no easy way to escape. To my surprise, Nino gave us more space. He settled on a chair in the shadows with a laptop he’d grabbed on the way out.
“I can’t imagine how horrified you must have been when you were told Nino Falcone was going to be your husband,” I said.
Kiara chewed slowly then swallowed. “It’s was a shock at first. The Camorra doesn’t have the best reputation.”
I huffed. “They are monsters.”
“The monsters in my family hurt me. I haven’t experienced any kind of humiliation or pain in Las Vegas,” she said firmly.
“Still. I was already nervous on my wedding day. I can’t imagine how it must have been for you.”
Kiara shrugged. “What about your fiancé? What kind of man is he?”
“He’s Underboss of Indianapolis.”
“That doesn’t answer my question ... or maybe it does.”
“I didn’t know him very well,” I said when Remo stepped outside. “But I have every intention of getting to know Danilo better once I’m finally married to him.”
Remo gave me a hard look. “I’m sure he’ll be a delight.”
I narrowed my eyes. “He is.”
“I’m taking Serafina for a walk around the property,” he said to Kiara. She nodded and he turned to me. “Come on.”
Despite my annoyance at his commanding tone, I stood, glad to move my legs. Remo’s eyes scanned me from head to toe as he led me past the pool. “Kiara got you clothes.”
“I need to workout,” I said, ignoring his comment. “I can’t sit around all day. I’m going crazy. Unless that’s what you want, you need to let me run on a treadmill.”
Remo shook his head. “No need for a treadmill. I run every morning at seven. You can join me.”
I allowed myself a quick scan of his body. Of course he worked out. His body was all muscle. I knew he and his brothers were into cage fighting and running was a good way to improve your stamina. “That sounds reasonable.”
Remo’s mouth twitched. “I’m glad you think so.”
“What did you demand of my uncle for my freedom?” I asked him after a while.
“Minneapolis.”
I jerked to a stop. “That’s ridiculous. My uncle won’t give you any part of his territory. Even my father wouldn’t give up his city to save me.”
Remo’s smile darkened. “I think your father would gladly give me his city if it were up to him.”
I swallowed. I didn’t want to think of my family. Not when Remo was watching me closely. I’d cried enough in front of him yesterday. “You know Dante won’t meet your demands.”
Remo nodded.
“Then why make them?”
“This is a game of chess, Angel, like you said. I need to bring my pieces in position before I strike.”
Remo sounded so awfully sure of himself, it made me worry that maybe he’d really win in the end.