Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70928 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70928 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
I stop near his black town car and stare at him for a few seconds before I say, “All communication remains electronic and comes through Enzo, Nico, or myself.”
He nods. “Fair. I would also be protective of such a valuable asset.”
Turning, I walk to my SUV while throwing over my shoulder, “We can discuss the fee over lunch.”
After I climb into the backseat and Nico gets in behind the steering wheel, he says, “That went well. It’s going to take a while to see if the alliance can work.”
I nod, and as we take the lead so Dragomir can follow us to the restaurant, I mention, “He wouldn’t be here in person if he wasn’t serious. The moment he set foot in New York, the deal was made. That’s why I worked so fucking hard to get him here.”
With Dragomir taken care of, I can now concentrate all my attention on finishing off the Irish and putting the Albanians in their place.
The sooner I get the shit out of the way, the sooner I can focus on Sienna.
Sienna
After spending the entire morning and afternoon moving into my new apartment, Mom drops down on one of the couches and lets out a tired sigh. “I need a break.”
Walking to the kitchen, I grab a cold can of soda from the cooler we brought along and take it to her. “Have something to drink.”
She takes it with a grateful smile. “Thanks, sweetheart.”
“Why do you still have this dress?” Bianca asks as she comes from the direction of my bedroom.
I turn to look at her, and the instant my gaze lands on the pale pink gown, my heart squeezes painfully in my chest.
Searching for a reply that won’t make my sister suspicious, I pause for too long, and it has her eyebrow rises.
Unable to come up with anything else, I say, “I still have it because I like it.”
“But you wore it to the engagement party.”
“Enough, Bianca,” Mom mumbles.
Not listening, she continues, “I would’ve gotten rid of it right after calling off the engagement.” Her eyes flick between Mom and me. “And it’s not like you’ve worn it since.”
Hurrying to Bianca, I grab the dress from her and go to my bedroom.
“Do you still love Christiano?” my sister calls out.
“Jesus, why won’t you drop it?” Mom snaps.
“Christiano is clearly still hung up on Sienna, and neither of them has dated since the breakup.”
Knowing Bianca won’t stop, I walk back into the living room, and just as Dad carries the last of the boxes into the apartment, I admit, “Of course, I still love Christiano. I always will.”
“Then why did you end the engagement?”
“It’s just too much pressure, and I’m done talking about it.”
When Bianca’s lips part to say something else, Dad shoots her a glare. “Enough!”
Her mouth snaps shut, and when she goes back to the bedroom, I let out a breath of relief.
Bianca would actually be a perfect match for Christiano. She never backs down and always speaks her mind.
The thought of Christiano marrying my sister makes my stomach turn queasy.
I’ve repeatedly said I want him to move on, but the day it happens, I know it will rip my heart out of my chest.
“What is this?” Dad’s question draws me out of my thoughts.
I glance at the object in his hand that looks like a mushroom.
“It’s a rain machine. It helps me meditate.” I take it from Dad and get back to work.
“If I had to listen to water running all the time, I’d never leave the restroom,” Mom mentions with a chuckle.
While I pack the last of the kitchenware away, I catch Dad checking the security system for the hundredth time. Coming up behind him, I brush my hand over his back. “Stop worrying. I’ll be safe here.”
“I know. Alfio and Billy will take shifts so there’s always someone guarding you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” I lift myself onto my tiptoes and press a kiss to his cheek.
“What are we eating?” Bianca calls out from the bedroom.
I walk the short distance, and seeing how much she’s gotten done, I gasp, “Holy crap, B. You’ve been busy. Thank you so much.” When she gives me a grin, I ask, “What are you in the mood to eat?”
Her face lights up, and without having to think about it, she replies, “Thai curry.”
Giving her a pleading look, I ask, “Would you mind calling in the order?”
“No probs.” She hurries out of the room to get Mom and Dad’s order, and I continue to pack the last of the clothes away.
My eyes land on the dress that’s tucked into the corner, and taking it out, I stare at the spot where the blood stain used to be before I got it drycleaned.
No matter how much time passes, the memory of Christiano going down still causes me unbearable pain.