Page 43 of Hostile Devil
He pivots, sets his empty shot glass on the bar, and collects a freshly poured one. “You’re gonna love Sicily, India. It’s a shame Giovanni is too busy to join us.”
20
INDIA
“I’m not going to Sicily. Not for a few months.” I tell him.
“Right.” Matheus replies, his attention snared by a platinum blonde waitress. “Maybe you should talk to Dré about that,” he says, looking past me.
“What do you mean?” I move in front of him, blocking his gaze.
“We’re flying back to Sicily later this afternoon.” His eyes finally slide to mine, the color of burned chestnut so rich and deep it gives me goosebumps. “Tommy and Carina are coming with us.”
My heart stops. “Us—”
“Yeah. Us.” He confirms. “I’ll save you a seat beside me on the jet, and you can tell me stories about my brother.”
Jesus Christ.
“I’m not going anywhere!” I maintain, spinning on my heels. “Where the hell is Dré? Gio’s pilot is coming back for me in a few hours.”
“This will be fun to watch.” Luke’s voice slips over my shoulder.
I look across the room where André had returned after smoking outside. Today had nothing to do with my birthday. He’s only buttering me up and playing with my emotions. Reinforcing our unconventional family and reminding me where I belong—with him. All before he drags me onto a jet and takes me away from Giovanni. If it wasn’t so underhand, I’d be flattered by the effort.
“André!” I’m before him in a few quick strides, my hands shelved on my hips. “What’s really going on here?”
His brows snap tight. “Are you pissed because the cake hasn’t arrived yet? It’s your favorite.”
He takes a drink and ever so subtly looks over my shoulder where I know Matheus and Luke are standing. Nodding slowly, he lowers his glass and regards me quietly as the next song spills out of the speakers.
“You know I’m going back to Gio’s place this afternoon, don’t you?” I point out, suddenly feeling unsettled.
If I had to choose between them, who would I pick? If he makes me decide, would I hate him for it?
André lets out a heavy sigh, whiskey and a tinge of marijuana strong on his breath.
“You’ll get over your little crush on Gio eventually. We’re all leaving Colombia, India. You included.”
My eyes blow wide. “Little crush? Haven’t you heard me at all, Dré?”
“I heard you and I also heard him when he said he’d escort you onto a jet himself. Times up, India. There’s no need for you to waste your teenage life in an empty house with a guy who’s never there.” He runs his tongue under his top lip like he’s tasting his temper. “I’m doing this for you. You’ll thank me for it one day. There’s nothing for you at his place. Besides, a whole new life’s waiting for us in Sicily.”
“No, Dré.” I shake my head, aware of the solid locket at my breastbone. “He’s expecting me to get on the helicopter. I have to go back.” I palm my forehead, hot and flustered. “Scratch that. Ineedto go back. I feel at home there now. It’s my happy place after Reno...”
“Your home is with us.” He grinds his teeth so hard they almost break. “Like always. Me, you, Letterman, and Sinéad, too.” His large hand lands on my shoulder. “Sicily is a new start, Indy.”
I steel myself, my heart thrumming in my throat and my hands trembling. “Dré?” His name rushes out on a tattered breath. “Please… don’t do this.”
“Do what?” He raises his glass to his lips and drinks. “Being with Gio was temporary. He understood the mission and you knew you’d end up under my protection again. Letterman is expecting you. He’s lost his way lately and I think seeing you will make his whole fucking year.”
“Emotional blackmail, André?” I snap. “I can’t believe you’d pull a shitty move like this.”
“It’s not my fault the guy isn’t handling it well.” He throws up his hand and raises his shoulders. “He won’t speak to a shrink and tells me he’s okay when I know he’s far from it. He’s not the same.”
I clench my fists and swallow the lump in my throat. “I want to spend time with all of you. You know that. But you can’t just steal me away from Gio, not like this.”
André tilts into me, his mood darker. “You know I can—and I am. I won’t let you waste your life waiting on a guy who’d never put you first.” His voice is thicker, full of grit and authority now. “My brother has business on the brain, India. He won’t notice you’re gone.”
