Page 30 of The Temptation

“Considering I’m forced to live under the same roof as a nutjob, I’m not surprised,” I counter.

I wait until she storms out of the room before I reach into my top pocket and retrieve my phone, pulling up Dante’s number.

I need out of this nightmare stat.

Me: Would you be free to swing by the house sometime today? I need to talk to you about something.

His reply comes through a few minutes later.

Dante: I’ve got to take Caterina to see the nurse this morning, but I can come by after that. Is everything okay?

Me: See you then.

I purposely don’t answer his question. This is something I need to discuss with him face-to-face. I only hope my confession doesn’t end up getting me killed.

I’m pacing back and forth on the front lawn when Dante finally shows up. It feels safer out here, away from everything …from her,even though my boss may have my head when I confess what’s been going on.

I owe this man everything, so lying to him isn’t an option. I need help—some direction—because I have no idea how to stop this freight train that’s wreaking havoc on my life.

My fingers twitch, extending and then balling into fists by my sides, as he steps out of the car and starts across the lawn towards me.

I’ve been trying to find the right words while I’ve been waiting, but now that he’s here, I’ve got nothing. I have no idea how to even begin this conversation with him. I’m a little embarrassed that I’ve let things get so out of hand.

“Hey,” he says, stopping in front of me.

“Hey. How did Caterina go with the nurse? She’s not sick, is she?”

“No. Nothing like that. Just a weekly checkup.”

“Good,” I reply with a nod.

“What’s going on? You look stressed.”

“Is it that obvious?” I answer, running a hand through my thick, dark hair.

“Has something happened? Do you have news on Salvatori?”

“No. Nothing on him. That fucker has still managed to elude us. I won’t rest until I find him, though.”

“Get in line,” he retorts. “I’ll personally see he’s wiped off the face of this earth, and unable to hurt Lucia … if we can find the cocksucker that is.”

“He’ll slip up eventually.”

“I hope so. Arabella is busting my balls. She wants her sister home.”

“And that right there would be the answer to all my problems.”

His eyebrows pinch together as he studies me. “I don’t understand. Are you having issues with Lucia?”

I tilt my head back and blow out a long breath. An issue is an understatement.

“You could say that.”

“What’s going on?”

My eyes eventually move back to him. “I don’t think I can do this anymore,” I admit.

“Do what? Look after her … keep her safe?”