Page 64 of Bellini Born

My best friend clicked her tongue in disappointment. “Not really helping sell the story that she’s not being held captive here, dear cousin.” Sarcasm colored every word.

Matteo narrowed his eyes. “Her safety is paramount, Gabriella. Are you willing to argue that point?”

Gabi let out a huff born of pure exasperation. “You’re playing dirty. Of course I want her to be safe.”

“Then you’ll agree to let the man who is willing to put his life on the line for hers not only drive you but keep an eye on all the drunk assholes who are looking to use the holiday as anexcuse to score an easy hookup. At fucking Ballistic.” The name of our destination was spat with such contempt that it had my eyebrows raising. “Really, Gabi, you should know better. Does your father know that’s where you’ve been hanging out?”

Uh-oh. The man had just stepped on a landmine without even realizing it. Gabi’s wild streak was the direct result of her dad’s tight control during her childhood. Hell, he’d nearly had a stroke when he saw the seedy apartment she shared with me, but she told him he couldn’t do a damn thing about it since she could afford to pay rent with her salary as a graphic designer.

Taking a threatening step forward, Gabi spat, “I’m sorry, but the last time I checked, I was a grown ass-woman who is free to go where I want, when I want. I need my daddy’s permission even less than I need yours.”

Matteo barked out a wry laugh. “I don’t give a shit if you want to walk into the lion’s den, but your little act of rebellion puts Summer in danger. What kind of friend would knowingly do that?”

Gabi stumbled back like she’d been physically struck, and her olive complexion visibly paled.

What the hell was I missing? What was the deal with Ballistic, and why was Matteo so adamant that I not go there?

Swallowing, Gabi turned to me. “It’s probably best if we let your assigned goon take us tonight.”

My mouth dropped open. Her one-eighty was utterly unexpected.

“Glad we could come to an agreement.” Smugness crept into Matteo’s tone. “Enjoy your evening out, ladies.”

Stunned, I stepped closer to say a quick happy New Year to both the girls before leaning in to whisper to their father, “The streaming services have countdowns you can play on demand. For when Bianca starts to fade.”

When I pulled back, he flashed me that panty-melting smile and mouthed,Thank you.

I spun on my heel and snagged Gabi’s elbow, dragging her from the room.

Her eyes darted around as we made our way to the front door. Almost like she expected the walls to have ears.

Keeping her voice low, she said, “Pleasetell me you’re not sleeping with him.”

“Come on, Gabs,” I chided, avoiding a straight answer because I didn’t want to outright lie to her. She would lose her mind if she ever learned that I’d let my boss, the mafia don, fuck me with his gun. I could practically hear the rant about how I’d succumbed to Stockholm syndrome in my head.

She shot me a look over her shoulder that told me she knew I was full of shit as she climbed into the back of the SUV ahead of me.

Once we were sealed inside and Rico had hopped into the driver’s seat, I dared to ask, “Care to tell me what’s wrong with Ballistic?”

A choking sound came from the front seat, and Rico croaked out, “Ballistic?”

“This.” I pointed a finger in his direction. “Why is everyone freaking out?”

Gabi’s head dropped back against the seat, and her eyes slid shut. “Doesn’t really matter, considering I have a feeling that’s no longer our destination for the evening.”

“It’s not?”

“You wanna tell her, or should I?” I could only assume she was speaking to Rico.

As we rolled down the drive and past the gate, he responded, “I’ve been instructed to escort you ladies to Euphoria.”

“Euphoria?!” I screeched. “There’s no way we’ll get in.” It was the hottest nightclub in the city. From the videos I’d seen frominfluencers on social media, it was always packed with Chicago’s elite.

“Oh, we’ll get in.” Gabi let out a sarcastic laugh. “Your jailor just so happens to be the owner.”

“Holy crap,” I breathed out.

“Oh, dear, sweet, naïve Summer. You have no idea the web you’ve got yourself tangled up in.”