Page 7 of And Twice as Twisted
“N-no. Take me to my office, please.”
He walked me to my car, helped me slide in the back, and paused to stare at me.
“I don’t want anyone else to see me like this tonight.”
Rocco nodded his understanding before closing the door and climbing into the front passenger seat.
Weak. Women were presumed to be weak. That’s why they had no place in the mafia. In one night, I’d given up everything I’d worked so hard to earn—respect at the top of that list.
Men were allowed to make mistakes. The dick swinging between their legs ensured those mistakes were forgiven. Forgotten. That same sentiment didn’t exist for women. The moment our emotions seeped through our tough façades, our power was stripped away. No matter how long we’d fought to earn it. It was a hard, fast truth that surpassed corporate America. The world was changing. Women were fighting for equality because we sure as fuck were a lot stronger than men gave us credit for.
And, normally, Sienna Agostino was in the trenches. Until my stupid heart took everything from me. Not anymore. I’d swallow down all the bullshit and move on. From him. From my family’s shadow. And from this city.
Because this mafia princess didn’t take shit from anyone. Including myself.
Chapter 3
SIENNA AGOSTINO
“You will be home for dinner,” my mother ordered over the phone, but I was barely listening.
He was going to be there.
I wasn’t weak, nor was I stupid. I’d become resigned to the fact that I was never going to get what I wanted from him. So now I was going to hold my head high, steady my feet in my red-soles, and become the fucking queen of Philadelphia.
Maybe.
Romano had been amazing since the day I met him—through contracts, murder plots, and my confessed love for another man. He was still so patient with me, when there was absolutely no reason for his kindness. As the Philadelphian Don, he could very easily call my father on the engagement and force my hand. But he didn’t.
I needed to rid myself of these irrational feelings for Apollo. For a man who didn’t deserve me. Even if it felt like I’d ripped my heart out and left it in that hospital room.
I hung up without a word to my mother.
“What part ofyou’re fireddid you not understand?” I questioned the man behind me.
I was standing in my office, overlooking the city I used to love so much, which was now nothing more than ash from the fire that destroyed everything I’d cared about. My head was pounding and my mouth was dry; the coke and whiskey were dissolving but one hell of a hangover was left in their wake. I slept in my office, wearing the Balmainsheer-panel bodycon dress from last night.
“If you’d answered your phone, I wouldn’t have had to hunt you down.” Ander—I mean Alexei barked.
“Funny how I never noticed that Russian accent before.” I tossed a glance over my shoulder, glaring at him. “Judas.” And I only wished my tone was as biting as the rage I felt.
“I was trying to protect you when I learned what my family was doing. I was never a part of it.”
I laughed, leaning my forehead against the floor-to-ceiling windows.
“You fucking poached me, Sienna!” he attempted to counter.
“Sienna.” Rocco stalked into the room with a slight limp from the accident. “Do you needanything?” He stared at Alexei as he emphasized the word.
I thanked him but declined. Alexei was my problem. I needed tohandlehim.
“How’s the leg?”
I could tell Alexei’s question burned Rocco, his glare showcasing his disdain as the enforcer pivoted on his heel and exited the room but not before slamming the door.
“Listen Ander—shit, Alexei. Whoever the fuck you are.” I didn’t turn around. “I don’t want to hear whatever lies you tell your pillow before you drift off to a nice, remorseless sleep.”
“Goddamn it, Sienna.” His hands gripped my shoulders, spinning me to face him. “I tried protecting you the entire time!” He released me and turned away, giving me a chance to really look at him.
