Page 50 of Skating Towards Danger

“Rafael said he’ll take over if we kill Houlis and not start a war,” Roman whispers from the dining area.

Kill.

War.

“What about Jose?” Uncle Rocco questions.

“He wants nothing to do with the Cartel but is happy to help his cousin take over as long as they quit the flesh-dabbling business,” Roman admits, and I squeeze my eyes tight.

Cartel.

Flesh dabbling.

Who in the hell are these people?

“Dante…,” My uncle rasps, but Dante snaps, “No, I don’t want to hear it. You should have told her. For years, you allowed her to live how she wanted. She shares an apartment in a shitpart of Brooklyn with roommates who are swingers and has two bolts on her bedroom fucking door for fuck’s sake. She’s barely making ends meet and has barely been holding on due to survivor’s guilt. You dropped the fucking ball, Rocco.”

“Dante,” Lorenzo cuts in.

“No!” Dante growls, his frustration suffocating me, “You didn’t hear her scream in fucking terror, Dad, you didn’t see her fall apart screaming for her parents,” my tears fall, hearing the pain in Dante’s voice, pain for me. He rasps, “She went straight back to that day; her memories came back in full, and I had to try and keep her alive while hearing her screams of terror. You dropped the fucking ball, Rocco.”

Everyone stays quiet before warm hands cup my cheeks, and I lock eyes with the ones I’ve fallen madly in love with.

Dante gently rubs my cheek with his thumb, wiping away the tears.

“Little fairy, are you with me?” he whispers, but I don’t answer back. I can’t, it’s like my voice has gone. My body feels numb and cold.

Who was my father?

Who are my uncle and Dante?

Who am I?

“Please, Paige, talk to me, let me know you’re okay,” he begs and more tears fall, making him flinch before he places his forehead against mine. “I love you, Paige,” he whispers, “Please keep hold of that,” and I try to listen, I do, but my past, what really happened is clouding me.

Who was my father?

“Dante,” I hear Lorenzo say, and Dante sighs before he stands, places a gentle kiss on my forehead, and walks away.

“Dante, it’s Rafael,” I hear a man say, and I zone out.

“Peanut,” Uncle Rocco rasps before he enters my sight as he kneels, and I blink, locking eyes with him.

Pain and guilt shine back at me, and I ask one question, only one, finally finding my voice.

“Who was my father?” I choke before I feel eyes on me.

Uncle Rocco flinches but finally tells me the truth and admits, “Your father, he was Lorenzo’s consigliere.”

My tears fall, and I ask, “What is that?”

Fear shines in his gray eyes, and he admits, “He was Lorenzo’s advisor before the crash, and I took over from him and Rhett will take over from me.”

I nod slowly and ask, “And who is Lorenzo?”

“Peanut…” Uncle Rocco pleads, and I scream, “Who is Lorenzo?!” making him flinch and the men curse.

“I was the Don of the Italian Mafia before Roman took over six months ago,” Lorenzo admits, and I choke back a sob.

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