Page 94 of Flawed

Why does it still hurt after all these years?

He would have adored Zara.

Glancing at the time, I take the list and put it inside my nightstand drawer. Then I shower, dry my hair, and put on my makeup. I go into my closet and assess my wardrobe.

Glad Pina knows what clothes I have. It makes it so much easier.

I pull out the green minidress, along with my matching stilettos and evening bag. Then I return to my vanity and curl my hair. I'm spraying my perfume on myself when Pina calls.

"Hey, girl," I answer.

She announces, "I'm downstairs when you're ready."

"Be there soon," I reply and hang up. I put a black trench coat on and leave. As soon as I step out of my building, Pina's voice hits my ears.

"Hey, girl!" she chirps out the backseat window of a black SUV.

"Did you change your car out?" I ask, sliding next to her. She works for Massimo's brother, Dante. Years ago, she negotiated that he pay for a car and driver in her contract. She told me I should, too. I told her I couldn't ask Massimo for anything. He was already too generous to me.

Pina took it upon herself to put the bug in his ear about giving me the same perk Dante gave her. Well, I should rephrase that. When Massimo tried to steal her from Dante, she told him she couldn't leave because he didn't treat his employees as well as Dante. Of course, Massimo fell for her trap and asked her what she meant. And that's when she stated that she noticed I was still taking taxis.

That was on a Friday. By Monday morning, I had a vehicle and a driver assigned to me.

She shakes her head. "My vehicle had to be serviced. Dante loaned my driver this one."

I glance around the SUV. "It's nice, but I think your car suits you better. This is really big."

She shrugs. "I think I could get used to it."

"So, where are we going?" I ask.

She glances at her driver then shuts the privacy window. She turns toward me.

"Why the secrecy?" I nervously ask.

She leans close to my face. "Don't freak out."

My butterflies flutter. I admit, "Your comment not to freak out is making me freak out."

She laughs.

"Pina, where are we going?"

She hesitates then replies, "Soooo..."

I arch my eyebrows. "Spit it out."

She continues, "I'm taking you to a secret club."

I tilt my head. "I thought you said we weren't going to a club?"

She nods. "It's not the type of club you're used to."

My senses are all on high alert. I challenge, "What does that mean?"

She studies my face.

"Pina!"

---