Page 142 of Flawed

Pierre Gagnon pins his deadly gaze on me, seething, "I'll deal with you later, Luca."

His wife shoots me daggers, and they swiftly leave the restaurant.

It confuses me further.What does he have to do with Chanel?

Everything has gone wrong. For months, I bided my time, knowing Chanel would be here. I didn't press Angelo or anyone else for her information. Every day, I focused on getting my life in order so there would be no issues with giving her everything she deserved. And I rehearsed too many hours to count how I would come clean on all the lies that were always between us.

I figured it was best to not draw any attention to us before I had a chance to clear the air with her. My heart assumed we'd see each other tonight, I could explain, and we'd no longer have any obstacles around us.

I was wrong.

She kept my flesh and blood from me.

Maybe I have no right to be upset, but I am. There's no way I can put the timeline, Zara's middle name, and the birthmark that's exactly the same and on the same spot as my body, together, and not know she's my daughter.

Massimo snaps me out of my haze, stepping in front of me and snarling, "What was that about, Luca?"

"I don't know," I lie.

Pina joins Massimo at his side, glaring at me. She seethes, "What have you done?"

"I need to speak to Chanel," I blurt out and move toward the door.

Massimo grabs my arm and spins me. Pina's quick on his heels. He demands, "You're why she didn't want anyone to know where she lived, aren't you?"

A shiver runs down my spine. His accusation is painful, but my gut says it's the truth. And I realize I still have no idea where she lives. I lock eyes with him, "I need to talk to her. What's her address?"

Pina spouts, "You don't get it unless she wants you to have it." She picks up her phone and holds it to her ear.

Massimo threatens, "If you hurt her, I'll kill you, Luca."

I have no time to react.

Pina removes the phone from her ear and states, "She isn't answering." She steps closer, jabbing me in the chest, "What have you done to my best friend? Tell me!" Yet, something gives me the feeling she knows more than she's letting on.

Massimo declares, "I'm going to get my gun."

"I'm coming with you," I state.

"The hell you are!" he claims.

Angelo appears. His dark scowl matches Massimo's. He interjects, "Luca, is there something you want to tell me?"

Massimo steps outside.

"No," I reply, then follow Massimo.

His driver pulls up, and he opens the door. He spins, declaring, "You aren't coming."

I pull my Glock, remove the safety, and press it to his head. "Hell if I'm not."

His face hardens. He goads, "What? You're going to shoot me?"

I threaten, "Don't test me. Now, get in."

He stays planted for a minute before challenging, "Are you sure showing up at her house is a good idea? The woman practically blew your head off. And I've never seen her hold a gun in her life."

"Well, she obviously knows what to do with one because she turned the safety off. But I'll take my chances," I comment.

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