Page 68 of Vicious Vows

“Then maybe I don’t need you.”

“What? After all you did to…” I released her from my hold and pushed her away to run my hand through my hair. “After everything we both sacrificed, now you don’t know if you want to be with me?”

Now it was me who needed time to process. I put my family situation on hold to keep her away from Collins. Because of her, my father was still out there trying to figure out what happened to the cartel member. He didn’t have the support from me since I was too busy putting out fires because I had chosen her.

Her words cut deep.

“I didn’t mean that.” She pressed her palm to her forehead. “I told you I’m trying to understand this. How would you react if your father ordered a hit on me and shot you?”

“My father would never do that!” I raised my voice. “Because he is nothing like your father.”

“I’m not the only naive one here if you really believe that.”

“Don’t.” I grabbed her arm. “Don’t you dare compare them.”

Gian and my father may have been in the same line of work, but my father followed a code. He was fair and swift with his justice. That was why he was on top. Gian was underhanded and didn’t form loyal bonds. He did what benefited him. He didn’t care who he worked with as long as it was good for him.

“For the record, when my father orders a hit, he doesn’t botch it or go after innocent people.” I squeezed her upper arm. “Do you know why?”

“Let go of me.” She struggled against me. “Stop!”

“Nico Accetti has honor, and when he orders something to be done, it gets done. You should be prepared for that.”

“What does that mean?” More tears streamed down her face. “What are you saying?”

“You’re a smart girl.” I gritted my teeth. “You figure it out. It’s time you learn how this business works. People get hurt. They get killed.”

Milo barged into the room and slammed the door behind him. “That’s enough, Chello.”

“No.” Lissia pushed my chest. “I want to hear what he has to say.”

“Let go of her,” Milo said. “The whole sales floor can hear you. Is that what you intended?”

I released her from my hold and stepped away from them.

“I want to go,” she said. “I don’t want to be here anymore.”

“Fine.” I stormed to the desk and grabbed my keys and phone from the drawer.

“No.” She pointed at me. “I need space from you. I don’t want to be with you.”

How many more times would she punch me in the gut?

“Ricardo can take me back to the penthouse.” She straightened her posture, challenging me with her tone.

“No fucking way.” I shoved my keys in my pocket. “Like I would ever allow that. I’ll tie you to a chair before I let you leave with him.”

“I’ll take her,” Milo said. “A little space is a fantastic idea.”

“Thank you,” Lissia said.

“Ricardo is downstairs.” Milo nodded toward the hall. “Can you wait with him?”

“Sure.” She maneuvered between me and Milo to get to the desk and grab her bag from where she had put it when we first arrived.

I caught her elbow.

She looked over her shoulder and into my eyes. “What?”

---