Page 34 of Bound in Promise
“I’m curious as to how this is going to work,” Angelo continues after a heavy pause. “When I’m paid, what happens next? Do you have plans?”
Of course, I do.
But I’m not about to tell him my hopes and dreams.
“Yes,” I say as Dante impatiently shifts his weight.
“And those are?”
I really hate this man. This isn’t anything like a mafia movie. Aren’t the bullets supposed to fly first, with any conversation happening later?
Mind you, I probably should be grateful, but I don’t appreciate how nosey Angelo’s being. Maybe he just needs some reassurance that he’ll get his money and we won’t just run away and leave him with an unpaid debt.
“I’m going to Thronewood University,” I tell him. “My mother thought I should marry rich and forget about school but?—”
“You didn’t,” Angelo finishes for me. “Obviously. Maybe if you had, you would be far away from all this. Maybe there’s still time for you to make a different choice.”
“I’m still here, aren’t I?” I retort.
“That you are, bella,” he says, his lips twisting upward. “It’s good that you’re a fighter. You’ll need that.”
For what, I think, but Angelo doesn’t give me the opportunity to voice the question.
“Liam leaves with you for Rochester,” Angelo steps forward and purses his lips in thought, “and Dante brings you back. Something’s not adding up.”
“I told you,” my ex finally chimes in with a haughty tone. “Victoria and I are still friends.”
“But she can’t seem to stand you,” Angelo shrugs. “The girl won’t even let you touch her.”
“It’s too intimate,” I explain, working to find a safe way through this quicksand conversation. “It’s disrespectful to my husband. You know how men are?—”
“I know how they are when their pride is wounded. I know that Liam has multiple gunshot wounds. How does a friendly trip end in bloodshed, bella?” His hands spread in an almost pleading gesture and it becomes clear he’s orchestrated this entire performance. Angelo pretends like the truth has finally dawned on him and he turns to the room at large, shaking his head. “I feel I have a problem.”
“You’re going to get paid,” I vow. “I’m just waiting for the money from my trust to clear.”
“So you are aware that you’re being used for your money?” I nod. What more is there to say? “You’re an interesting girl, Victoria.”
No, I’m a girl that wants to be done with this shit.
“I’m still waiting to hear why you’ve paid us this visit,” Dante sneers, still standing in the entrance to his study. “My wife and I were just about to eat lunch. Which will be further delayed now that she’ll have to remake it.”
Angelo bows his head. “Of course. I’ve taken up enough of your time together.”
The sharp crack of a single gunshot roars through the room and I jolt to my right on instinct before hearing something thud to the floor. I freeze.
My eyes lock with Dante’s and he holds my stare with quiet confidence as he gives a slight shake of his head. Don’t look, he seems to say.
Lips parted, I try to sip air in slowly to calm myself, but my lungs lock up and I can’t seem to breathe at all. My body trembles in a combination of fear and shock.
“That should solve your problem, Dante,” I hear Angelo sneer before pivoting to my husband. “I’m extending an invitation to you and your wife. Please join me for dinner later this week. We’ll celebrate your nuptials. I’ll text you with the details. As the guests of honor, I’ll expect both of you to attend.”
Dante doesn’t respond, still offering himself up as my anchor.
“I apologize for adding to the mess,” Angelo croons. “I’ll deduct the cleaning costs from the six million you owe me.”
Tears burn the back of my eyes as Angelo and his men file out the front door, closing it behind them.
No sooner does the latch click than a broken sob works its way free of my chest. Dante’s already in motion, gathering me into his chest and squeezing me tightly as I shake with tears.
