Page 34 of Veil of Vengeance

“Do you need to get your ears checked or something?” he asks. My lips pull back in a scowl and my eyebrows scrunch up. He laughs when he turns to look at me again and repeats, “I said that you could go to the picnic.”

“The one your Mom invited me to?” I ask him.

“Is there another picnic you’re invited to, other than my ma’s?” he asks, lifting one of his eyebrows.

“No. But I thought that you’d want to keep me locked up?” I’m so confused. Maybe he’s trying to get information on the Outfit. Information I don’t have.

“No point in isolating you if everyone in my family refuses to stay the fuck away from you. I’d prefer it be done on my terms. The only time you’ll be locked in the room is when I’m away on business,” he clarifies, but it rings hollow.

I shrug off the feeling that he’s up to something and continue walking. When we reach the top of the stairs, there are six doors. Two on the left, three on the right, and one at the end of the carpeted hallway. He heads toward the one closest to the stairs and farthest from the one at the end of the hallway. Stopping in front of the door, he turns to me and steps closer. My skin tingles with anticipation and my face heats. His eyes narrow as he takes in my flushed face.

“Why is your face as red as the bell peppers I grow outside?” he asks. And just like that, he pisses me off. There’s no way I find him even remotely attractive.

“You love being an asshole, don’t you?” I counter. His fingers reach for my face, tracing the slope of my nose. I wrinkle it, trying to shake off the way my skin pebbles with goosebumps. He gives me a somber look before stepping back, and I let out a breath. Flinging the door open, Emiliano steps in, moving aside to let me in.

Inside is a beautiful light cream carpet, the walls a sage green, and the bed has blush pink pillows and covers. Emiliano walks toward a glass door and stands next to it.

“Don’t try to leave out of this door. You’re on the third floor of the house and will die if you try. I won’t lock it because you might be stubborn, but you’re not stupid,” he warns, as if I’d try to get down from a second-floor window, let alone a third-floor balcony. I must look insane for him to even think that. “Got it?” he asks once I don’t give any indication that I’ll listen. When I nod, he heads past me and to the door, taking out the key.

“You can lock it using the key. If anyone tries to break the door, an alert will sound on my phone and I’ll know. The only other person who has a key is me. I won’t use it unless you make me.”

I just give him another nod. He doesn’t say anything, but I can tell it annoys him. He walks toward another door near the head of the bed, opening it and flicking a light.

“This is the shower and toilet. Don’t try to lock yourself in here. I’ll break down the door. And if I break down the door, it won’t be going back up.”

“Are you done with the threats? I don’t want to talk to you more than need be.”

He gives me a ‘are you stupid’ face and strides closer. Stopping three feet from me, he slides his hands into his pants pockets.

“Listen. If your dad cooperates, then it won’t be long before you're sent back to your family.”

“Oh, how kind of you to remind me that I’m only here till you get your way,” I say sarcastically. He steps close to me, backing me against the wall, making my breath catch. My eyes widen when he reaches for my arm, squeezing it tightly. My throat dries up as I try to ignore the tingles that spread across my body.

“Keep up with your snarky little remarks, and I’ll have you dangling from your feet over a vat of acid. Such a waste, a pretty face, but a rotten soul.” His words are harsh, but his touch is intoxicating. As he reaches out a hand, I hold my breath. I stay completely still as he tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear. My skin breaks out in more unwanted goosebumps, his eyes searching mine. I spot an anchor tattooed on his middle finger when he retreats his hand. Then he leans in and whispers, “Wishing you the most horrific nightmares.”

I recoil, and he huffs a laugh before moving back and heading to the door. I clench my jaw, my teeth grinding against each other. He shakes his head, as if he’s amused, and leaves without another word. I walk quickly toward it and turn the lock.

I don’t know how my life went from uneventful to a shitstorm within two days.

CHAPTER 10

EMILIANO

Ilean against the door and hear the faint click of the lock turning. A small smile dances on my face before I wipe it away and call Romiro.

“Get the jet ready. We’re leaving soon,” I tell him as I take the stairs two at a time.

“Where are we going now?” he whines.

“Back to New York City, or did you forget that I called for a mandatory meeting back at the OX?” It wouldn’t be the first time Romiro had forgotten our little sessions. I guess he likes to block them from his memory.

He sighs and replies, “Bro, Eli, my friend, and boss. I would like to take a holiday.”

I laugh at his tone.

“You knew what you were getting into,” I tell him lightly. Being a Capo isn’t the easiest job in the world and you need to have some people you trust around you. It is what it is.

“So, is that a yes?” he asks with a fake high-pitched voice. It irritates my ear to the point that I have to move my phone away for a second.

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