Page 56 of Taken By the Underboss

Chapter 21

Sienna

Vinnie led me into the kitchen and while the last thing I wanted was to follow him, I knew there was no way to escape while at the compound. From what I’d seen since staying there, the only way out was through the front gate which was guarded at all times.

Once we got into the kitchen, Vinnie pointed to the small round table off to the side. "Sit."

"I'm not a dog,” I said with some annoyance.

He cast me an impatient look and I rolled my eyes, feeling childish, and begrudgingly sat.

"What do you want to drink?"

"I'm not thirsty."

"I was told to get you a drink. So, pick or I'll pick for you."

I sighed, "water's fine."

Vinnie opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water. He stalked over to me and unceremoniously sat it on the table.

I opened the bottle and made a point of taking a drink before sitting it back down. Vinnie plopped down in the seat across from me, crossing his arms on the table and leaned in like we were sharing a secret.

"So, what'd you do?”

I sat up a little straighter. “What do you mean what did I do?”

“I mean the don and my boss seemed pretty upset. They don't usually get so serious this early in the day unless some thing’s happened, and since they asked me to keep an eye on you, I'm assuming you had something to do with that. So, what did you do?”

“I didn't do anything. I was given the opportunity to see if I would like to work for Matteo and I had one month to make my decision. I chose to go home. This life just isn't for me. Alessandro was taking me to the landing strip so I could go home when he suddenly pulled over, said that he couldn't do it, and brought me back here.

Vinnie's eyes lit up with a knowing expression and his mouth turned into the shape of an o. "So now he's in there talking with Don Venturi," he said thoughtfully. "Damn,I hope you're worth it."

"Worth what?" I raised my brow curiously and leaned in closer.

"The trouble he's getting into."

I wasn't sure why, but a sense of dread twisted in my gut at the thought of Alessandro getting into trouble. After everything he had put me through, I shouldn’t care but, but for some reason, I did.

The worry must have shown on my face because Vinnie's cocky expression suddenly changed to one of concern and curiosity.

“Don't worry, bella. I didn't realize you cared. He will be fine. Him and Matteo go way back. They will sort this out.”

I nodded and took another drink of my water. “Is he really going to be in that much trouble?” I kept my voice low.

“Whatever happens, he can handle it.”

Just then, Alessandro came into the kitchen with a stern expression on his face. I stood from the table, eager to see that he was okay.

"Alex, are you okay?"

For a split second his stern expression gave way to surprise before quickly returning. “I'm fine. Let's go.”

I hesitated for a moment, casting a quick glance back at Vinnie, but quickly followed him out of the kitchen as he walked without looking back.

“Where are we going?”

"Home." The single word was hard and short, and he didn't stop for further explanation as he walked out the front door toward his car.

---