Page 28 of Seeking Vengeance

“Were those hardships caused by the Costas?” I ask.

He continues to stare, long heartbeats ticking by as his chocolate gaze builds bridges between us. “Some. Yes.”

Another thrill skitters down my back, the tingles hitting every nerve, spreading through every muscle. He’s giving me so much. Information. Insight. Maybe my trip here wasn’t a waste after all.

“Now it’s your turn.” He rests his elbows on the bench, unshakable. “Tell me what knowledge you’re seeking about them. Tell me what you already know. Better yet, tell me aboutyou,and put those assholes to the back of your mind.”

Guilt stabs between my ribs. Sharp and fast.

This business of secret spilling was always going to be one-sided. He can’t know about me. Not therealme.

“I’ve learned a few things about them that isn’t common knowledge.” I dilute my admission, hoping to appease him with tidbits. “And not all of it makes sense. I’m aware Costa has four children, but he only acknowledges three of them. Their oldest son, Dane, is in hiding, for reasons unknown.”

“It’s Dante,” he corrects. “And he’s estranged, not in hiding.”

My heart kicks with the insight. “You know about him?”

“Of course I do.” There’s the slightest edge of superiority to his tone. Or maybe it’s disappointment that I haven’t done thorough research. “They attempted to bury evidence of his existence years ago. But there are still clues if you look deep enough.”

“I also know Emmanuel’s wife comes from a long line of Italian mafia,” I add, hoping to redeem myself.

I don’t.

He doesn’t react to the meatier morsel of information either, making me question if he’s a master of schooling his expression, or if he knows all there is to know about my enemies.

“Were you aware of that, too?” I raise a brow.

“I was, but not many people are. They go to a lot of effort to keep that information from going public.”

“They should’ve tried harder.”

I’m boasting for no reason. Cole was the one who obtained the knowledge. Not me. I only had the good fortune of overhearing him relay the news to Hunter.

“You’re quite the sleuth, aren’t you?” His compliment is slight, even a touch sardonic, and yet my heart warms. My stomach tenses.

This isn’t good.

I’m succumbing to him. It’s ridiculous and uncalled for. Dangerous and entirely stupid. My siblings would despise the choices I’m making. The risks I’m taking. And they already hate me enough.

“I’m sorry, Matthew, but this was a mistake.” I hitch my purse strap onto my shoulder and brace my palms on the table. “I should go.”

“What? Why?” His brow snaps tight, concern taking over his entire face all the way to the thinning line of his tempting lips. “We just sat down.”

“I know, but…” The squeeze in my stomach increases, the war between want and obligation waging inside me. I came here for revenge. For redemption.Notfor a romantic rendezvous.

“But you don’t want to share any more of your secrets,” he finishes for me. “You’ve decided you’ve got what you want and now it’s time to leave.”

Yes… No… Maybe.

I can’t tell him what he wants to know. I refuse to divulge who I am or why I’m really here.

He wouldn’t look at me the same way if I did, and I want his devouring attention to stay with me forever.

“I have a lot more information to give, Layla.”

My insides twist. Not only due to the potential intelligence I’m giving up, but because he wants me to stay. Nobody has ever wanted me to stay before.

“I know.” I swallow and push to my feet. “Regardless, it’s best if I leave.”

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