Page 51 of Flawed

My blood races hot through my veins. I glare at Aidan, curling my fingers into fists at my sides.

Angelo points at Aidan. "You're going to do what I order you to do, understand?"

He licks his lips. Defiance fills his expression.

Brody asks, "Does my father know about this?"

Angelo turns toward him, answering, "No. I didn't want to discuss details over the phone. But he authorized my lead on this."

Brody clenches his jaw and then stares out the window.

I can't help but feel sorry for the guy. It would suck to find out your best friend's been betraying you all these years. But now, it's even more important than ever that I don't blow my cover. I'm the closest I've ever been to taking down the Abruzzos. One of these days, I'm going to be in a position to kill Jacopo without leaving in a body bag myself.

Angelo continues, "Aidan, you'll go with Brody and Danny. No matter what happens, you three take Jacopo's guys and Danny out. Understand?"

"I'm clear," I state.

"Same," Aidan replies.

Brody keeps his gaze on the lawn, muttering, "I'll let you know when Danny calls." He turns and walks out of the office.

Aidan and I follow. We all get outside, and Aidan gets in the car. I open my door, and Brody calls out, "Luca!"

I glance up.

He steps closer, lowering his voice. "You're sure about Danny?"

I sigh. "I'm sorry, but it appears to be true."

"Things aren't always as they appear," Brody claims.

I lock eyes with him then ask, "You want me to take Danny out? You can take one of the Abruzzos?"

Brody sniffs hard then shakes his head. "No. I'll do it."

Silence flares between us. He finally spins and gets in his SUV.

I slide into my car, turn on the engine, and exit the Marino estate. I drive for hours, lost in my thoughts. Against my better judgment, I veer my car off the exit and end up across the street from Chanel's building. I turn off the car and sit for hours until darkness sets in.

Her apartment is dark. I wonder if she's home or out. I try to imagine her out with friends, but I don't even know that aspect of her life. Besides the night I met her, I've never seen her with anyone. It's only been the two of us.

There are so many things I wish I knew about her. Yet the one thing I wish the most was that I could be the man she deserves.

The light in her family room turns on. She appears at the window, and my heart skips a beat.

Can she see me?

Does shewantto see me?

What is she thinking?

Even though I know I'm flawed and can't offer her what we both want, I can't stand the thought of leaving things between us the way we did. So I finally get out of my car. I wait on her steps until another tenant comes out of the building then enter.

My pulse quickens. The elevator's on the top floor, so I take the staircase. When I get to Chanel's front door, I pause.

What am I going to say?

How is this helping?

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