Page 85 of Undone

I believe him.

Ignoring his outstretched hand, I climb out. People frantically snap pictures of him as we enter the packed club. It’s well past midnight and things are just heating up. He refuses to let my hand go and pulls me closer to him as we walk in where he’s instantly recognized. I duck my head, forced to keep up with his long strides. His men and the bouncers close rank around us as he takes me up a set of stairs I hadn’t noticed earlier. As we reach the top, Tanya’s slurred screeches mix with a burst of angry Italian.

“I told you she was here. Can we leave?”

“But we just got here,tesoro.” He snaps his fingers at the hostess. “A bottle of Dom and two bottled waters. Bring them all unopened,” he warns.

“What does it mean?”

“Tesoro?It means darling.”

“I’m not your darling.”

He shrugs, pulling me down next to him in on long velvet couch. “She wants a night out clubbing. He wants her safe. We’re both stuck here until dawn,tesoro.”

“Luce? We thought you left…,” Amy trails off noticing Roque. “Hi, I’m Amy. We’re partnered together for the wedding.” She dips seductively, extending her hand as she leans across me to reach him. Everything but her nipples pop out of her tight dress.

He ignores her hand, calling out. “Vito! Who am I paired with?”

“Amy!” He calls out, taking his mouth off Tanya’s as they grind and neck as if none of us are here.

“I guess they made up.”

Roque turns to look at me as he calls back out to Vito, “Switch it. I want Lucille.”

“You can’t have Luce! It will mess up all my planning!” Tanya squeals.

“I. Want. Luce.”

And that’s how I became his date for the weekend.

I won’t lie though.

The holes in my heart healed an inch. The serrated edges where Smith plunged the knife bled less. I was too busy keeping the handsome Italian gangster’s hands off my body and helping Tanya hook the train of her gown, to notice how the guests at the wedding stared at me.

I had forgotten to charge my cell ever since Roque crashed into my life two nights ago. Only two men have stared at me like I’m the only woman on earth—Roque and Lucas.

One ended before we began and this time—I’m not willing to fall down another rabbit hole. I waited until he was deep in conversation with some wedding guests then darted away. I found an empty coat room and breathed a sigh of relief. I need a minute of quiet. The city’s too much. Being in a crowd of people 24/7 is too much. I can’t breathe here. I miss the tall pines and woods covered in snow.

And despite using the hotel’s complimentary computer room to research apartments and potential jobs, I won’t follow up on any of them. My home is in Springdale now.

Sliding down the wall until my butt hits the floor, I slide my heels off, rubbing my poor feet. I open my clutch finally turning on my cell. I charged it in one of the SUV’s that took us to the church. It powers on and dozens of texts light up my screen.

“What the heck?”

I scroll down, most are from Dev… my mother, and two numbers I don’t recognize.

Devon:You have some serious explaining to do. Smith is hitting the roof. Gangsters? You’re in Chicago for four days and hooking up with Roque Salvatore? WTF!?

MOM:Honey? Are you okay? What is this all about? Reporters are camped outside. Call me as soon as you get this.

Unknown:Is he keeping you against your will. Answer this text.

Rog:Answer Dev’s texts.

Dev:LUCE! You’re on TMZ! And Page Six!!!!! You went clubbing with him?!!!! CALL ME NOW BEFORE I HOP ON A DAMN PLANE!

UNKNOWN:Stop hiding in the closet and come out. They’re about to cut the cake.

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