Page 30

brIELLE

The miles melted beneath my car’s tires. Dread sat like a bowling ball in the pit of my stomach, growing larger the closer I got to my destination—the penitentiary where Dad was being held.

I’d woken alone in Ares’s bed. Last night, I’d confessed everything I’d previously left out—what it had been like growing up in my family, how Ser and I had always had each other’s backs against parents who’d cared only for themselves.

I’d opened the door, and Ares had walked all the way into my messy upbringing.

While I’d talked, he’d withheld judgment.

I felt supported. I should’ve known he would be there for me, but I was so used to friends showing their true colors once I no longer fit into their socioeconomic class.

When our lives had imploded, Ser and I had learned real quick who our true friends were.

I hadn’t had any—before Mal. Ser, thankfully, had a few.

I’d spilled everything I knew about my dad’s arrest. Sadly, it wasn’t all that much.

I had no idea how or why the mafia was involved or what to do about it.

Ares wanted to work with the police concerning what we knew and how I’d almost gotten grabbed.

I agreed, but first, I needed to suck it up and talk to Dad.

Because if Dad was involved with the mob, it could put Ares in danger, and it might also change his mind about me.

I wasn’t sure what to do and pushed those thoughts from my head temporarily.

The timing was perfect because Ares had a full day of training and class, so I skipped my only class that morning. I turned into the prison’s parking lot and parked. After going through security, I sat in a chair, waiting for Dad to join me on the other side of thick plexiglass.

When he sat down, I had to will myself not to react.

The man I’d known as my dad had never had a hair out of place, was always clean shaven, and wore a suit.

I didn’t recall ever seeing him in casual clothes.

I must have, but the prison garb made me feel like I hadn’t.

It was a terrible color on him and made his usually robust face seem sallow.

The hardness around his eyes might have been there before but had grown more pronounced.

He lifted the phone, and I did the same, immediately wishing I’d brought a Clorox wipe as I pressed it to my ear.

“Brielle, I’m surprised to see you here.” His tone held no warmth. “How is your mother?”

Not even an “It’s so good to see you,” or “How are you doing?” My back snapped ramrod straight as I hardened myself to the proof of his lack of emotions.

I knew better than to hope he cared. It didn’t make the fact he hadn’t even asked about Serena any easier to accept.

“Mom’s worried, and I am too. Men have been following us.

Mom said you’re in trouble with”—I leaned closer and lowered my voice—“the mob.”

Dad scoffed. “Your mom fucked up. I kept that account to take care of things. I never should have told her about the money—she couldn’t fucking help herself.”

Money? That explained her shopping spree. “So what could get taken care of?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing—I needed more of an explanation. “I don’t understand.”

“What do you expect? I had to keep your mother and you girls in the lifestyle you were accustomed to. When business deals tanked, I panicked.”

“And by that, you mean you went to who for money?”

“Don’t be na?ve. There’s only one place I would go.”

I took a shot in the dark. “The mob?”

A single nod confirmed my answer. “Which family?” There were five of them, and the more information I had?—

“Canino.”

Fuck. That was bad. All mafia was. My fingers tingled with the shock of his words.

“Are you kidding me? Dad, they’re coming after us now that no one’s paying off your debt.

” I should have known it was that family, as Anthony Canino had been arrested a few years back for something like illegal betting rings, or…

I couldn’t remember actually. I did remember his picture on the news, though, with that scar slicing through his right eyebrow and into part of his eyelid, making it droop. Of course, he’d never gone to jail.

“Stop overreacting, Brielle. It was a long time ago. I’ve been paying them regularly. And would still be if your mom hadn’t cleaned out the account. It’s a damn good thing I thought ahead and paid them a lump sum to hold the wolves at bay.”

“So, what you’re saying is that the loan isn’t paid off.”

“Of course not.” He huffed. “And I don’t know why you’re worrying. If they can’t wait for me to get out and start payments again, they’ll get to me in here.”

That’s what he thinks? My mind raced. He could be right.

But the simplest answer would be to go after us first. I ran a hand over my forehead, struggling to wrap my brain around my family’s predicament.

“I’m so sorry to come back around to this”—sarcasm bled from my words—“but why do you think it’ll be okay that you’re not making your payments because you’re in jail?

” I couldn’t believe him. Does he not hear himself?

“They know I’m in jail. We worked out a bargain two years ago. I paid a lump sum to cover my time in jail. I made good-faith payments as well to keep your mother safe. It’ll be fine. I’ll just pick back up where we left off when I get out.”

Is he that na?ve? He couldn’t be. Something didn’t add up. “I don’t understand. You brought the mafia into our lives, and for what? Money? We could have moved somewhere else, downgraded from our luxurious lifestyle for one where we were together, safe.”

Dad leaned closer, anger turning his complexion ruddy. “I had to make hard choices. Your mother and I live a certain way. And don’t pretend you and your sister didn’t benefit.”

“So, you made a conscious choice to put us all in danger.” But that wasn’t it. He didn’t care if Ser or I were in danger, only his wife.

“I didn’t put anyone in danger. It’s handled and none of your business. You no longer live at home anyway.”

“What home? That’s gone, too, because of the choices you made. It was selfish and narcissistic, something I’d always known about you—and Mom—but I’d never thought you would put Ser and me in danger.” Well, Mom wasn’t quite as bad, but come on.

I didn’t bother waiting for his response. With a loud click, I slammed the phone back into its cradle and went to the door to wait for the security guard to let me out. As soon as I was in my car, I connected my phone and hit the button for Mal. It rang twice before she answered.

“I hate him,” I growled. “I never want to see him again.” Neglect was the norm for my childhood. The only good thing was that Ser and I had each other.

“Oh, Brie. It didn’t go well?”

I could hear people chatting in the background as she walked to class.

“No. He treated the mob loan like it wasn’t a big deal and I should mind my own business.

Not only is that a colossal amount of shit, but he didn’t ask about Ser once.

He’s just so self-centered. Mom is, too, but I think she cares about us a little. ”

“Of course she does.”

“Well”—I rolled my eyes then realized it wasn’t a good idea as I swerved on the road—“when she’s not drunk. Her intentions are sort of good. She at least wants to make sure we’re taken care of. I know that’s why she’s pushing Ser to date her friends’ sons who have giant trust funds.”

“Doesn’t she know that Ser bats for the other team?”

“She thinks it’s just a phase.”

“So, she ignores what’s in front of her face?” Mal snorted. “That sounds about right.”

It made perfect sense. If something didn’t agree with the way my mom thought things should be, she wouldn’t acknowledge it. Her way was the only way, and she expected Ser and me to fall in line like the good little debutants she’d raised. Too bad neither of us fit that mold.

“What will you do now?” Mal asked.

I pushed out a breath and turned onto the highway. “I have to call Mom and make sure they’re leaving for your parents’ place this morning. My sister will make sure Mom follows through, but I just want to check in.”

“Good. I would say Serena could stay in our dorm, but not if you’re already being followed there. How’s it going with Ares at his place?”

Some of the tension eased from my shoulders. “Good. I’m glad his roommates are okay with me being there. And Ares and the guys have such packed schedules, it’s actually nice to spend nights together.” If I wasn’t careful, I could get used to that.

“Hey, I’m in front of my next class, and it’s about to start. Will you be okay?”

“Yeah, thanks for being there to keep me from falling off the ledge.”

“Always. And, Brie, please be careful. ”

“Yeah, I know. I’ll be smart. I have to teach class today, so chat later?”

“Definitely.”

I disconnected the call and mentally prepared to deal with my mom.

The rest of the drive went fast, and the conversation with Mom was so much better than I’d thought it would be.

They planned to leave as soon as Ser got home.

Mom had already called the school and let them know they were going on vacation for a week, so Ser would be excused.

With that handled, I’d breezed through my afternoon substitute classes, stayed late to grade papers, and before I knew it, I was crossing the parking lot to go home at the same time as Preston, who waved.

I glanced at the time, realizing the high school football team had already finished practice and headed to the locker rooms. I smiled and waved back at him.

I couldn’t believe how far he’d come in ditching the attitude. I enjoyed having him in class now.

I turned away from the field and strolled the rest of the way to where I’d parked near the back of the lot.

My mind swirled with thoughts of Ares—he’d texted, asking if I would be back for dinner.

Rather than grab food at the college, he planned to eat at the condo with me, then he would head back to watch tape for a while.

For the small amount of time I’d spent at his place, I could feel us falling into somewhat of a routine, and I wasn’t upset about it. Not in the least.

A long black SUV pulled in, driving too fast for a school parking lot.

I slowed as it neared, stopping to cut me off.

The back door opened, and my blood ran cold when a man with slick black hair and a very nice suit stepped out.

Two huge guys followed, flanking him. I didn’t need an introduction to know who he was—Anthony Canino of the Canino crime family.

“Seize her,” he ordered, and the two goons grabbed me.

When I screamed, a meaty hand clamped over my mouth before I was shoved into the back of the car.