Page 52 of Steal My Heart

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She smiles sadly, walking to the door.

“What I thought,” I call after her.

Chapter Sixteen

Angelo

“And outside on our veranda, you and your guests can enjoy the fireworks display over the majestic Mississippi River,” a woman gives us the sales pitch.

“Love it,” Al says, moving her phone to record every square inch.

Having left Remi at my apartment in the city, I resist the urge to grab my own and check the security feed; my obsession with the woman bordering on the absurd.

“So shall we put down the security deposit?”

“We have other venues to consider before we make our decision,” I tell her, ushering Al to the door.

“Thank you,” Al calls over her shoulder.

We return to the vehicle, with Maks opening our door. “How’d it go?” he asks when he slides behind the wheel.

“It’s actually a really cool space,” Al says. “It’d be perfect to host Fabien’s welcome home party.”

I reply with a noncommittal grunt.

“You realize he’s getting out of prison in less than a month?” Al presses.

“I’m well aware.”

“So you’re just going to ignore him when he gets out? That’ll go over big.” Al snorts.

“Was Fabien pumping you for information about me during these visits?” I demand.

She rolls her eyes. “Believe it or not, Angelo, not everything is about you.”

“The attempt on my life was about me,” I counter.

Al gasps. “What?”

“If I find out your brother was behind it, I will show no mercy. Do you understand me?” I warn her.

“You two are going to kill each other, and over what?” Al cries.

I remain silent.

“La famiglia prima di tutto, or have you forgotten?”

I laugh acridly. “How could I forget? My life was sacrificed on the holy altar of ‘family above all else.’”

“Sorry to have ruined your life,” Al snipes.

“Believe it or not, Alessandra, not everything is about you,” I childishly throw back at her.

“Oh, I believe it alright,” she says between her teeth, putting in her ear buds and ignoring me on the ride home.

Remi

Opening Angelo’s cologne, I bring the bottle to my nose.Ahhh.So this is why the man smells so good allllll the time.

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