Page 108

Benny Marchetti callsme before the sun meets the earth.

“Marchetti,” I say as I answer.

“I’m going to kill your ass, Bellini.” That’s how he starts the call.

Those aren’t the words I like to hear from the next in line in the country’s most dangerous Mafia family, but I don’t let it affect me.

“Why’s that?” I reply, my voice calm.

“My wife has suddenly decided she wants to volunteer at a shelter now since your girl mentioned it to her and her sisters.”

I can’t help but smirk as I sit behind the steering wheel of the Escalade.

That’s exactly what I wanted when I suggested girls’ night. I knew if Neomi, Gigi, or Natalia volunteered with Genesis, she’d be protected. Those men give their wives the best security. If she’s with them, she’s also offered that prime security, and I don’t have to be there.

“Why’s that my problem?” I ask.

“One of my men will have to accompany them.”

“Good.”

“Joke’s on you because that man is Luca.”

I clench my hand around the phone, not expecting that bullshit.

Plan backfired in my fucking face.

“Consider it my day to watch them at the shelter,” I say, gritting out each word.

No fucking way am I having Luca around Genesis.

I’m not jealous of him, but I don’t like him. If he does one thing to piss me off, I’ll happily put a bullet in his head. And then I’ll be unleashing the worst Marchetti beast if I kill Cristian’s nephew.

I hate that another man has touched what’s mine.

I’ll make sure it never happens again.

29

I wakeup to peonies on the nightstand again.

But no Julian.

I’d rather have him than flowers.

I’d rather have him thananyman, even a guy who could give me a safe life, a 401(k), and a white picket fence.

It’s always been Julian from the time he walked into his parents’ kitchen.

I check my phone, noticing I’ve almost overslept, and roll out of bed. I was so exhausted last night that I don’t even remember falling asleep as we watched the movie.

Deciding to take a quick shower, I step in to turn on the water, noticing all my shower essentials have been moved from the guest bathroom and are in here now. As I shower, the glass steams, blocking the view of the rest of the bathroom.

I think about Julian and about the last time I was in here.

How he touched me.

Fucked me.