Page 137 of Flawed

Tristano grins and tugs her closer to him.

"Maybe we should talk about the Maldives," Massimo suggests.

"Oh God," she mutters.

I rise and step next to him, grabbing the microphone and interjecting, "Since I know the bride the best, I think it's time we discussed the real deets about her."

Pina covers her face and groans, but she's smiling.

Dante yells out, "I think I know her better, Chanel."

"Keep telling yourself that," I sing.

Massimo's eyes light with mischief. He states, "Do tell."

"Oh no," Pina mutters, shaking her head.

I beam at her. "Don't worry, dear friend. I won't tell the embarrassing stuff. Okay, well, maybe I'll tell you a few things."

"Chanel," Pina says, laughing.

Tristano tightens his arm around her and kisses her cheek. She snuggles closer.

Massimo goads, "Do tell, Chanel."

I continue, "I thought long and hard about what I should say. I think it's best to discuss the time—" I freeze and drop the microphone. My knees wobble, and I grasp Massimo's arm to steady myself.

Zara's at her table. Luca stands next to her. Every fear I've ever had comes to fruition.

Massimo catches the microphone, inquiring, "Whoa. You okay?"

My insides quiver so hard, I think I'm going to get sick. I straighten my shoulders, not taking my eyes off my daughter or Luca. I barely growl, "Get away from my daughter!"

Luca's eyes flash with everything I remember. But this time, I won't fall for it. I need to get Zara away from him before it's too late. He steps to the side of the table. "Chanel—"

"Zara, go outside!" I order. Without thinking, I reach behind Massimo and grab his Glock. I point it at Luca.

Zara shrieks. "Mom! What are you doing?"

Luca tries again. "Chanel—"

Massimo lowers his head and calmly demands, "Give me the gun."

Heat rushes through my blood. I can't look at anyone but Luca. I grit my teeth, warning, "You have three seconds to get away from my daughter."

He puts his hands out as if to calm me. He claims, "We need to talk."

"I said get away from her!" I scream like a crazy woman, unlatching the safety.

My father steps in front of the table. "Mon chou, give me the gun."

I glance at him quickly then back at Luca.

"Chanel, what are you doing?" Pina frets.

My entire body trembles. Confused, I swallow hard, asking, "Why do you have an Abruzzo here?"

"An..." She rises and steps next to me. "Chanel, he's—"

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