Page 65 of Virtuous Lies

“It’s important, baby.”

“Work?” I test.

“Hm.”

“I can’t come with you?”

His eyebrows pull together. “It’s at the club. Best you don’t come there.”

Trix has never mentioned a Gabriella in our conversations. I haven’t seen her in months, though. My temper flares at the thought of Trixie, and I swallow my animosity, my focus on his lies.

“Okay.” I step from his touch. “I’ll call Cat and see if she’s free.”

Whoever Gabriella is, she’s more important than me, and I hate the way that cuts into my heart.

“Baby, don’t look so hurt.” He cups my cheek, and it takes everything within me not to push him away.

I shake my head, forcing a smile. “I’m not hurt. I understand.”

He steps into me, lifting my chin. “Dinner tonight?” He kisses me softly.

“Okay.”

“Good girl. Make sure Andre is with you wherever you go.”

I nod. “Of course.”

“And wear that fucking coat. I don’t want to have to shoot someone today for looking at you,” he yells over his shoulder as he exits our apartment.

I stare at the elevator, thinking of all the ways that I’d like to cause him bodily harm.Fucking liar.

Texting Andre, I ask him to pick me up in half an hour, busying myself by making coffee while I wait.

I hand Andre a coffee as I fold into the car.

“Ah, Mrs. Ferrari, you’re too kind to me.”

“Andre,” I sigh. “Please. Vincent isn’t here. Call me Bianca.”

He smirks. “If you say so, Mrs. Ferrari. Where to today?”

I shoot off the address, and Andre turns in his seat, coffee half-forgotten at his lips. “Bianca?”

“Yes?”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“I didn’t ask your opinion, Andre.”

He’s taken aback by the bite in my tone, but I don’t apologize.

“Mr. Ferrari will have my head.”

“As he will if I’m forced to call an Uber.”

He breathes through his nostrils. “You fight dirty, Mrs. Ferrari.” He pulls the car away from the curb.

Pulling outside my father’sclub,I scowl at the inconspicuous building.

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