Page 56 of Bound By Betrayal

“Watch how you finish that sentence. You say crazy, and I’ll cut off your dick.”

Helena had the audacity to cross her arms and grin as she watched us. “I knew I always liked you,” I heard her say as I turned my back and walked off the dance floor. I kept pace until I reached the end of the paved walkway, and I tossed my heels, crossing onto the grass toward an iron bench.

Heavy steps followed, and I knew it was Kai.

“Muñeca.”

Or not.

“Rocco, I didn’t exactly want company.”

“I’m sorry. You’ve been the center of attention all day, and I haven’t been able to congratulate the new bride.”

“Don’t be a hypocrite. We both know you’re not a fan of Kai’s.”

He chuckled and placed a hand on my shoulder. “You know me well.”

I shrugged him off. Things had changed with Rocco ever since the compound. No matter how much I tried to convince myself, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was somehow involved. It was a hard truth to reconcile, considering I’d known him my whole life, and my father trusted him with his. But without concrete evidence, it was just a wild accusation.

His brow quirked when I moved away, and we regarded each other suspiciously, as if waiting for the other to say something or make a move.

“Amalia?” he questioned, stepping closer. “What’s wrong?”

I wasn’t the type to hold my tongue for anyone, but I suddenly felt strangely vulnerable, and with only a blade strapped to my thigh, if anything went down, I wasn’t confident that it was a fight I’d win.

“Nothing,” I lied.

He moved in closer and dared to lift my chin.

As I swatted him away a second time, another voice joined in. “You know, the men in my life don’t ask questions about another man’s hands on what’s theirs.”

Helena took a casual stance beside Rocco, but I knew that every instinct was on alert.

“Are you going to call your boyfriend, the guy with the ponytail?” he asked, scoffing.

I sat on the bench and crossed my legs, suddenly intrigued.

“Oh no, he knows better than to steal my fun.”

Rocco regarded her, eyes falling on the Ares ring that adorned her forefinger.

“Amalia, I was also coming by to let you know I’m heading out early.” His stony glare slid toward Helena. “It’s a little crowded here anyway.”

“Bye, Ricky,” she said with a smirk.

“It’s Rocco.”

“I know.”

Rocco motioned as if he were going to say his goodbyes with a peck on the cheek, as was his MO with me, but even he knew that something had fractured between us. With a nod, he turned and disappeared down the dark walkway as I kept watch, paranoia getting the best of me.

“Who’s the asshole?” Leni sat beside me on the stone bench, making no effort to conceal the blade she’d tucked in her thigh strap when the slit of her dress fell open.

I rolled my eyes. Clearly, Kai has a type.

“What do you want?”

“Come on, Amalia. We go back years. Kai is a dear friend. And I know you’re not jealous.”