Page 34 of Unforgiving Queen

“But you should all go,” I cut Raven off. “Just promise me you’ll stick together and be safe.”

“I can stay,” Phoenix offered.

I gave her my most stern look. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“We’re worried about you,” Athena muttered.

I rolled my eyes, ignoring the tightness in my chest. “You can’t be with me twenty-four seven. Besides, I’ll be here when you get back. Just go to the party and have a good time. If you continue to smother me, I’ll have to find myself a studio apartment just to get space from you.” I nudged Phoenix, my eyes softening. I’d darkened enough holidays in the past few months; they deserved a night out.

* * *

I got the girls out and finally had the apartment to myself. Restlessness itched beneath my skin, so I started scrubbing and cleaning. Even rearranging the furniture.

“So the new year can start off right,” I grunted as I pushed the couch around so it’d face the window and its city view. The screeching of the wood sounded like nails on a chalkboard, but I powered through it, gritting my teeth.

I was nothing if not determined. It took me a few hours, but with an hour to spare before midnight, the apartment was spotless.

I was just about to get in the shower and get some much-needed rest when a knock on the door stopped me. I blew a sweaty curl from my face and wiped my hands on my pajama pants. I hoped it wasn’t my nosy neighbor from the floor below coming up to grumble about the noise I’d been making. Determined to end the year right, I opened the door, smiling brightly. It slipped off my face like ice on a hot summer day when I saw who stood in front of me.

Dark. Towering. Scary.

I stared at the face of Angelo Leone.

I hesitated a second too long before reacting. I went to slam the door in his face but he blocked it with his shiny Italian shoe. Angelo Leone was as terrifying as he’d been twelve years ago.

“Miss Reina, isn’t it?” My back teeth clenched, refusing to answer. “Let’s have a little chat, shall we?”

He shoved the door open with surprising strength, and I stumbled backward at the force of it. The door shut behind him, leaving us both trapped in the small apartment entryway. He was blocking my only way out.

I mentally slapped myself for being so stupid. It was Self-Defense 101.

“My friends will be back soon,” I hissed.

"And I care why?" he demanded as he glared down at me, the whites around his cold blue eyes completely bloodshot. “We have something to discuss. Where is your sister?”

Surprise washed over me at his request. Why would he need my sister? But then my grandmother’s words filtered in.The underworld has been tearing us apart ever since your mamma ran into Angelo Leone…

Squaring my shoulders with all the foolish bravery I could muster, I spat, “None of your fucking business.” Shit, now what? It was too late to turn back now. “Get lost before I have you thrown out.”

The stench of alcohol from his breath invaded my senses.

“You and Iwilltalk.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” I attempted to keep my cool, but my voice trembled. If only I wasn’t alone in the apartment. “Now leave, Mr. Leone.”

He let out an ugly laugh. “So you know who I am.”

It appeared he was too drunk to remember the harsh words he’d spoken to us in his home all those years ago.

“Obviously.” My eyes darted around. Maybe I could invite him into the living room and bolt for the door. The man was drunk, so it couldn’t be hard to escape him.

“Please”—I pointed to the living room—“let’s get comfortable in here. Would you like anything to drink? Water, perhaps?”

I sidestepped his huge frame with the intention of making my way into the kitchen and then running for the door as soon as he sat himself on the couch.

What was that saying about best-laid plans? Well, this one backfired. Big. Fucking. Time.

My heart sank as he trailed behind me. My attempt at keeping my wits sunk with each step I took into the kitchen. My heart pounded in my throat, and I forgot what I was doing.