Page 100 of Carnal
He chuckles. "Guess I am. Bye." He waves as the elevator doors shut.
I stare at the silver doors, trying to get my thoughts in order. Dante's sent me on trips before, but there's always a clear assignment. And it's never been with any of his brothers.
Does he know?
I race to my office and call Tristano. It goes to his voicemail again. "Ugh!"
I text him.
Me:Dante just told me we're going on a trip. What's this about?
Tristano:I'll tell you in the car. Pick you up in an hour.
Me:An hour?
Tristano:Yep.
Me:I need to pack.
Tristano:No, you don't. Trust me.
Me:Does he know?
Tristano:No. Chill out.
Me:I'm so confused.
Tristano:As I said, chill out. Everything is fine, baby girl.
Me:You'll tell me as soon as I get in the car what's going on?
Tristano:Promise.
I release an anxious breath then try to clean up any remaining work issues. It doesn't help my nerves. I pace my office and then decide I need fresh air.
I go to the lobby, step out of the building, and run right into a hard chest. "Sorry! I—" My mouth turns dry.
Biagio's lips curl. "Pina. Long time no see."
"What are you doing here?" I hurl.
He steps closer and moves me to the side of pedestrian traffic.
"Don't touch me!"
"Calm down," he orders, then closes the space between us.
I retreat until I'm against the wall. "Get away from me!"
He grabs my chin so tight it hurts.
"Stop!" I cry out.
"You're trouble, aren't you?" he asks.
"Back off!" I shout, trying to push him away, but he's a thousand-pound stone that's unmovable.
He seethes, "You cost me money."
