Page 28 of And Twice as Twisted (Agostino Crime Family #4)

My father was unusually quiet, his eyes flicking between us.

The man I adored, the man that slayed the monsters under my bed, was long gone.

His two daughters had been destroyed—one leaving, the other still missing.

The realization settled heavily on my shoulders as I noticed just how much he’d aged.

My hair was mostly dry as I ran a brush through it and piled the locks into a high ponytail, adding a slight curl to the ends.

I kept my makeup natural with a light blush and winged liner.

I added several thousands in diamonds to my ears and neck before stepping into my Oscar de la Renta Magnolia Guipure lace dress.

I then added my bright-red Louboutin pumps to add a pop of color.

One last glance in the mirror, and I hated the reflection silently judging me.

“Mirror, mirror on the wall… tell me I’m the perfect queen.” I ran a palm across the image staring back at me before heading out.

“I win that bet, Romeo.” Romano stepped closer to the bottom of the stairs, his hand out to help me into the foyer. “He said I’d picked the wrong venue because this time of night you’d be anything less than stellar.”

I smiled as he whisked me out of the house, Romeo holding my door open for me. The sound of Frank Sinatra crooning in the background was the only noise the entire ride. We drove just outside the city to an opulent restaurant I’d never been to before.

We stepped inside and the dining room was filled with people, all stopping to stare.

They watched in silence, too frightened to speak as we were ushered into a private section.

The room was a wide-open space with a single table, two chairs, and long-stem roses placed in the center.

It was only illuminated by candles, the light from the outside diminished as Romeo closed us inside.

The chatter and slight music from the other room was muted, a calming silence settling between us.

Afraid of having nothing to say, I was saved by two waiters who quickly filled our wine glasses.

The conversation was light and friendly, normal and enjoyable. We laughed about the most asinine things. Once again, I was taken aback by how easy it was between us. He seemed interested in continuously getting to know me and for a brief second, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment.

Until he ruined it.

“You seem particularly close to your father.”

I nodded, my hackles rising. I knew what was coming next.

“What secrets does the illusive Mario Agostino keep from his favorite daughter?”

It wasn’t necessarily the question that irked me; it was the tone and serious expression that accompanied it. I remained quiet, while the anticipation of which way this would go seemed to clog my throat. I was officially skeptical of the man in front of me.

A man with many faces.

“The skeletons in his closet are breaking free, Sienna. Who else will pay for his sins?” Romano’s finger lightly traced the rim of his glass.

I was no longer interested in where the night could lead us. I tossed my own wine glass back, swallowing the contents in one gulp before dropping my napkin on my plate. The scar on his chiseled face suddenly mocked me.

My father had trusted him enough to come and get me when I needed rescuing. Romano had seemed to be in agreement with whatever matter they were drawing up between them. Yet, here and now, this individual before me seemed ready for a fight with the head of New York.

“What’s the matter, Sienna? Daddy got your tongue?” He looked at his watch.

“I think it’s time you took me home.” I pulled back my chair the same moment Romeo stepped into the room, his kind face suddenly closed off.

“Have you ever wondered if Daddy wasn’t telling you everything?” Romano smiled as my attention snapped to him. “Mario has lost control of his city and is handing a flaming pile of shit to your brother. And then there is Octavia.”

“Do not. Talk about her,” I warned, my palms itching as I clenched them together.

“Does anyone in your family? To me, it seems she’s off-topic and no one is wondering why she doesn’t want to come home.” He slowly rose from the table, taking another sip of wine. “Funny how your weakest link was able to escape. Don’t you think?

“I’ll get my own ride home.” I reached into my clutch for my phone, his calloused grip stopping me.

“Now, now. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He motioned towards the door. “I protect things in my care and promised your father I’d get you home in one piece .”

I hid the shiver that took over my other senses.

Once again, someone looked at me as a possession.

I didn’t wait for security as I walked through the dining room. My head held high, even if my insides were screaming. What the hell just happened? It almost seemed like a threat, but in the same breath… like he was trying to tell me something about my sister.

How did he know she didn’t want to come home?

“Your father told me.”

I jumped, realizing I’d asked it aloud.

“Your father needs more help than he’s telling you.”

“What aren’t you telling me, Romano?” The car came to a stop in front of the compound several minutes later, security lining the front of the house. “What was the point of this dinner?”

“I enjoyed the company.” He got out and walked around to my door. “Until next time.” He kissed my hand before climbing back into the car and I watched it pull down the drive.

As if in slow motion, I turned on my heel with my clutch in my hands and floated into the house. Security opened the door and I drifted inside, ignoring everyone as I continued up the stairs to my room. I closed the door lightly and went through the motions of getting ready for bed.

Romano wasn’t at all what he appeared. I kept replaying the conversation over and over, coming up with more questions than when I’d started.

What the hell was up Romano’s sleeve?

Tonight was the last straw. The single thread that broke me and made my plans transparent. My family wanted me gone? Well, they’d won. I’d finish what I needed and then I’d disappear.

I had a confession to make. Nobody owned me. And damn if that realization didn’t feel good.