Page 20 of Danica's Revenge

I’m still sulking, glaring at the guard manning the gate.

“Where are the rest?”Carlo remarks, pressing his forefinger to the fingerprint scanner.When tensions with the Ricci family first started to rise, Dante had beefed up the already-secure security.Just in case.

The guard shrugs.“It’s just me today.Two called in sick and the rest are out collecting debts.”He walks over to check the boot.

“That seems irregular.”Carlo is suspicious as always—it’s his job after all.He surveys the perimeter through his dark sunglasses, almost habitually.

“It happens,” the gate guard says.“The others should be back by this afternoon.”

“Can we go already?”I demand from the backseat, feeling like a bratty teenager more than the Queen of this castle.I don’t want to listen to any more business talk.I just want to be away from it all.How fucking dare he throw me out like that?I was used to Dante losing his cool but never with me.I'd always gotten through to him.

And to think how our morning had started, with him still inside me.Such a beautiful morning, all ruined.I feel so far away from him, that is the worst thing about this all.I feel lost, alone…abandoned.What if he never comes back to me?Where would I go?Where would I live?Just the thought of moving back in with my parents again…I don’t want to think about it.

I don’t speak another word throughout our drive.I don’t answer Carlo when he asks if I want some lunch.I don’t even look at what’s-his-name, the new one, in his fancy pants and shiny shoes.

Everywhere we go, people stare, no doubt wondering who I am and why I am important enough to have two giant guards following my short figure through the busy mall.Not that anyone dares ask, not with the guards’ gun holsters clearly visible.

I aimlessly wander around from shop to shop.Not too long ago, this would have been my dream—an almost limitless black credit card to buy me whatever my heart desires.Except it can’t, because now all my heart desires is Dante.

I feel empty.

I spend Dante’s money frivolously, almost vindictively, as I buy things I don’t need, forcing the guards to carry my designer bags through the shops.I know it’s degrading for them, totally beneath them, but see if I care.

I’m not hungry but I know I should eat, I realize when I start to feel faint.I haven’t eaten anything since last night.I march the boys into a coffee shop, ordering them to a separate table so I can have some space.

I get a coffee and a croissant I can’t get down, warming my hands on the cup as I stare out over the small room without focusing on anything.My thoughts are a million miles away when Carlo puts a hand on my shoulder.

“What?!”I snap, throwing his hand off.

Carlo is holding his phone, a solemn look on his face.“There has been an incident at home, Miss Matthews…I’m sorry.”

“What kind of incident?”I ask, putting my coffee down slowly.“Is Dante okay?”

Carlo lowers his eyes.I know it must be serious.He doesn’t answer my question.“We have to go, Miss Matthews.”

Dante!

?

Chapter thirteen

Double-Crossed

IknowI’vefuckedup.I shouldn’t have spoken to Danica like that.

I sigh heavily, sitting down as I twist the rings on my fingers, lost in thought.

I can’t tell her what’s going on though, not yet.Not until it’s all resolved.She would just worry or worse—try to interfere.

Still, the guilt sits in my stomach like a brick.Danica didn’t deserve to be thrown out like that.I never want to hurt her.

There is a soft knock on the door.It’s Emilio.I can tell by the pattern of the raps on the wood

“Enter!”

“I brought you your coffee,capo.”He puts the fresh cup down on my desk.

“Taking on new tasks?”I try to smile but it feels forced.

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