Page 54

“Not on this boat. Javier will come later as a second set of eyes.”

Stupid boat. Stupid wind. Stupid salty air. Stupid jacket. Stupid island. Stupid extra-stupid Rod.

I repeated my mantra the entire stupid ride, looking back at the worst housing choice possible. Of course, men had made all the stupid decisions.Not one of them thought about what I’d have to go through. I could guarantee that.

Just put a windbreaker over your head, Emilia. Oh, your makeup is running, and the salt spray ruined your hair? Stop complaining, Emilia.

“Fucking men.”

“What’s that?” Derek asked, but I ignored him. He heard me.

The second we got into the car, I did my best to fix myself. Checking my face in the compact from my small purse, I cleared up the smears under my eyes. I couldn’t do much about my hair other than finger comb it and smooth down the frizz, not that it would last. The humidity here was ridiculous. Even with my potion, it was nearly impossible to keep my hair from coiling up.

“Here we are,” the driver announced way too soon.

I needed more time. I needed a chance to take a breath and get my head clear.

Derek got out and then went around the back to open my door. I took his hand and used him to steady myself on the sidewalk.

“You’ve got this, Em,” he whispered before stepping away to open the restaurant door for me.

I met his gaze with a cocked brow, “Em?”

He looked over my head, “It works for Millie and Emilia. I figured if I call you that I won’t accidently slip up.”

It made sense and I preferred it over nena or princess so I nodded and he waved for me to go inside.

The low light and dark wood with the quiet string music was probably supposed to feel romantic, but it put me on edge. If I hadn’t memorized the layout and had an exit strategy, I’d turn around and leave.

I could barely see the other patrons, but that was probably the point. This place offered privacy and ambiguity.

“Millie, you look breathtaking.” Brazzi appeared in front of me in a blue suit and crisp white shirt. He took my hands and kissed the backs several times before meeting my eyes. “I’m so glad you accepted my invitation.”

I pulled my hands back and forced a half-smile. “I wouldn’t normally say yes to a date when the man didn’t bother to ask in person, but the theatrics lured me in.” I cocked a brow. “How did you find me?”

“I know everything that happens in this city.”

Sure he did.

“Besides, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since you walked away the night of the gala. It was like you were Cinderella. I had to find you.”

He emphasized the last part in a way that made my stomach tighten. I didn’t enjoy being a treasure to hunt. I’d been around bad men my whole life, and he was quickly adding his name to that list.

Why was I doing this again? He wasn’t the target.

He was creepy and leering and good god did he stink.

I nearly pulled back as he leaned in. “So I made sure I did.”

Don’t puke. Don’t puke.

It was like he bathed in musk de skunk. Was that an Italian fragrance illegal in the U.S.?

My eyes watered. I blinked, stifled a sneeze, and turned my head to suck in fresh air.

“Our table is this way.”

He took my hand and led me deep into the restaurant as I looked back at Derek, hoping he could see the cry for help in my eyes.