Page 144 of Empire of Seduction

My upper lip curled in disbelief. “I’m not keeping the winery as a link to her. I’m keeping it because it’s a good business investment.”

Both Enzo and Paloma laughed. In my face. “Vito,” Enzo said through his chuckles. “Not even you can believe such a thing.If you want a winery as an investment, there are at least five successful properties in Toscana for sale.”

“I will have it rebuilt. The damage will be fixed.”

Paloma said, “Even still, that winery is a terrible investment and it’s obvious you’re hanging on to it for her. To keep tabs on her. To tie the two of you together.”

I lit another cigarette and took a deep drag. They were wrong. This was about building an empire. “They will send me a list of what they need to rebuild and I will wire them the money.” My siblings exchanged another look and everything inside me went hot. “Why the fuck are you two looking at each other like that?”

“Because we don’t believe you,” Enzo said. “You know this place was shit before it was destroyed. Now it’s a pile of rocks. InAmerica.” He made a face. “Not to mention the family hates you. Cut your losses and move on.”

“Unless . . . ” Paloma let the word drift off.

“I’m not keeping the winery as some pathetic excuse to talk to her. She made her position clear the last time I saw her. I’m dealing with only the brother from now on.”

Paloma sighed and threw up her hands. “Fine. Live in denial. Torture yourselfandher by keeping the winery.”

More voices erupted from the hallway, loud even through the heavy wood door. I rubbed my forehead. My temples were now throbbing.

“Vito, why don’t you go to the penthouse,” Paloma suggested. “We’ll keep an eye on everyone here.”

“This is a good idea,” Enzo said. “Maybe the peace and quiet will let you sleep.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but their expressions darkened. I knew I couldn’t win, not when they were united like this. And truthfully, I needed to get away from my siblings—and this crowd—for a bit. “Good idea. I’ll go now.” I stood and pointed to my brother. “Don’t kill anyone tonight while I’m gone.”

He gave me a shark-like smile. “I make no promises, fratello.”

Quiet greeted me an hour later when I stepped inside the penthouse. The knot behind my shoulder blades eased ever so slightly as I hung up my long coat on the rack. As the guards disappeared into their wing, I headed to the bar.

A stiff drink was in order.

I reached for a random bottle, then paused as one caught my eye. The bourbon-whiskey. The one she bought me in the casino. A knot formed in my throat, heavy and thick. Forcing it away, I reached for a different liquor, one without memories.

It tasted like shit.

Still, I threw it back and poured another glass. Maybe getting drunk was the cure for my sleeplessness. I dropped onto the sofa and stared through the glass. The terrace mocked me with memories, however. Dio, that night had been so fucking hot.

“Want to fuck out here?”

And when she’d taken off all her clothes out there? Mamma mia.

I drew in a shaky breath, the reality of what I’d lost sitting painfully in my chest. Maybe coming to the penthouse was a bad idea. I hadn’t been here since Maggie broke things off. I even canceled the cleaning crew this week because . . . I couldn’t bear for the sheets to lose her scent.

I dropped my head into my hands. I was an idiot.

Fuck it. I put my glass on the table, returned to the bar, and wrapped my fist around the neck of the bourbon-whiskey bottle. I’d drink it in the shower, then fall into bed. On sheets that hopefully still smelled of her.

Plan made, I took the stairs two at a time. My bedroom was exactly as we’d left it. The imprint of her head remained on the pillow, the sheets tangled from her legs. I missed sleeping next to her, feeling her soft skin against mine during the night.

Sighing, I carried the bottle into the bathroom, ready to shower and wallow in my misery.

I stopped in my tracks, the bottle dangling from my fingertips. Lipstick on the mirror shouted at me, a message left behind from our night here.

MAGGIE LOVES VITO

There was a little heart drawn beside it.

I couldn’t breathe.

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