Page 2 of Surprise Twins for the Mafia Prince
I slept with the enemy. It feels like I betrayed my family, and I don’t know how I’ll ever forgive myself.
My shoes are easy to find, kicked off by the entrance to the suite, but my purse takes a moment to locate. Somehow, it ended up tossed into the kitchen area. Opening it, I grab my cell phone and see that Rosa has texted me twice.
She was at the club last night too, and I was reluctant to leave her to hook up with Dario, but she insisted. She wanted me to have an adventure for once in my life.
Some adventure. Sleeping with a mafia prince wasn’t exactly on my bucket list.
That’s what I wanted too. I’d agreed to come to Vegas, despite my bad history here, to have a good time and get over my ex-boyfriend. The jerk stopped sleeping with me months ago because he was cheating, so when Dario invited me back to his hotel room, it gave me the confidence boost I desperately needed. I was even starting to think that I should embrace a more spontaneous side of myself that I’ve always suppressed.
Growing up with fear instilled in me and an emphasis on lying low had an impact that’s carried over into adulthood. I’m usually cautious, an over-thinker. But just this once, I stepped out of my comfort zone.
And it turned to shit.
I’m not sure that I’ll ever allow myself to do something adventurous again.
Pushing those thoughts aside, I return my attention to my phone. Rosa’s first message was an hour ago, checking in to make sure I’m okay. I’m really not, but I know that I can’t give her the details of what’s happening. My family’s connection to the Italian mafia isn’t something that I can talk about with anyone. Not unless I want to put a target on their back.
Rosa’s second message came through a few minutes ago. The sound of the phone going off might be what woke me up. I can only be grateful for that since it’s giving me a chance to escape before Dario wakes up.
The message is a reminder that checkout at our hotel—a much less fancy one than this—is in two hours. Our plan is to check outand drive straight back home to Phoenix. I can’t wait to put this city in my rearview mirror.
Once I have my heels back on my feet, I turn toward the door to leave, but the bright sunlight streaming in through the window catches my eye. Even at nine in the morning, it looks like it’s already hot out there, and my mouth is insanely dry. Another unfortunate consequence of drinking last night.
Maybe I’ll stay sober for a while after this.
I spot an insulated cup on the counter in the kitchen. I fill it up with water from the sink before silently slipping out of the hotel suite.
It’s not until I walk out of the hotel and in the direction of mine, about a mile away, that the tightness in my chest loosens and I feel like I can breathe again. I’m not even bothered by the blazing sun and dry air.
The panic and fear that took root the moment I realized who Dario is fades away, leaving only self-disgust and regret behind.
When Rosa suggested I come here with her to escape my boring life, I convinced myself that I wouldn’t run into any of the Andrettis. It’s a big city, so what were the chances of that happening?
Now, I know the universe is against me. If I want to avoid ever seeing one of those Andretti assholes again, I can’t ever return to Vegas.
Nothing will change my mind about that.
2
DARIO
My blood rushesin my ears, a roar I can’t shut out as I pace the hotel suite like a caged animal.
The place is fucking trashed, and I kick a couch cushion out of my way with a low growl that claws its way up from my throat.
“Son of abitch,” I snarl, my fists clenched so tight my knuckles burn white. I’ve torn this entire goddamn room apart looking for that cup since I woke up in bed alone an hour ago.
The mini refrigerator hangs open, all the dresser drawers upended. I’ve ripped the cushions off the couch and flipped the chair like I’m interrogating the fucking furniture.
But it’s gone. The fucking cup isgone.
I shove my hand through my hair, tugging on the thick brown strands until the roots scream in protest.
That bitch must have taken it.Fuck. One night. One moment of weakness. And everything I’ve worked for is in jeopardy.
A knock on the door of my suite makes my head snap in that direction, and for one implausible, desperate moment, I wonder if it’s her. Did Paige come back?
But no. It’s my brother standing on the other side when I wrench the door open. Luca’s eyes are sharp as he steps into the hotel suite and surveys the carnage.
