me when I say, we’re gonna be fine. Tony and Matteo only have Mia’s best interests at heart. They’re trying to look out for their family.”
Dash’s stomach growls again, so he grabs the seat of the driver as he leans through the gap in the middle. “Can we drive through a Chick-fil-A? I have a hankering for a Deluxe Sandwich!”
The front passenger pulls out a gun aiming it at Dash’s head. “Sit back and shut up. We’re almost there.”
I let out a small giggle.
Dash raises his hands in surrender, slumping back into his seat. “Geez, man, hunger pangs make some people real snappy.”
Looping my arm with Dash’s, I say, “Stop causing trouble.”
Dash flashes his lopsided smirk then winks. “My middle name is trouble.”
I groan. “Pleeease stop!”
He chuckles under his breath as the car turns a corner, then pulls down a pristine street. Off to the left is a waterway that is sparkling in the evening sun. The boats lining the docks in the marina, sway in the gentle breeze. The cars pull down a white driveway lined with giant palm trees. The house in front of us is huge—all red brick and beams with massive windows. Security cameras attached to the underskirts of the roofing give it a menacing tone. The front lawn is perfectly manicured, almost like someone has cut it with a pair of scissors, making this exude a Floridian paradise.
The place is gorgeous. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I wish Eva were here to witness this splendor.
Dash’s stomach rumbles again, breaking me from my daze as the car halts completely. My face is practically smooshed against the window, trying to take it all in.
The front passenger steps out and comes around to my side, then opens the door. “Miss Pérez. If you’d like to follow me?”
I glimpse over my shoulder at Dash.
“She’s not going anywhere without me,” Dash grunts as I slide out of the car.
Dash follows as the soldier reaches out, grabbing my arm. That makes Dash instantly hoist his gun, aiming it directly at the guy. “Get your fucking hand off her! You want her to go somewhere, you ask her nicely like a damn gentleman. You do not… I repeat you do not manhandle her, or I will put a bullet in your skull.”
The soldier drops my arm as Tony and Matteo storm over with anger crossing their faces.
“What the hell is going on? Why are you aiming your weapon?” Tony’s voice is louder than necessary.
Grabbing Dash’s loaded hand, I pull it down, placating him. “Simple misunderstanding. Everything’s cool here, right guys?” I offer as the two men stare each other down.
Dash curls his lip but stows his weapon as the mafia soldier rolls his shoulders.
“I was bringing her over for you, Tony.”
“Ivy is a guest in this house. We treat her as such, capisci?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Ora vaffanculo!”
The soldier spins on his heels, scurrying off without saying another word.
In amusement, I raise my brows at Dash, who’s trying to hold in his laughter.
Tony holds out his hand to me. “Come… let’s take you to meet Mia.”
Taking Tony’s hand, I smile as he starts walking me toward the entry of the giant house, but I make sure to peek over my shoulder to ensure Dash is following. He’s walking behind me with Matteo, so I relax a little, now being more at ease.
I do wish Void were here.
Tony ushers me inside the lavish two-story mansion.
My eyes widen as I take in what’s in front of me—the grand staircase leading up to the second story. Plush cream carpet lines the stairs with gorgeous polished wood banisters and ornate ironwork railings leading to the top.
To my right is an offset coffee nook with a built-in seat. Plush white and silver cushions are placed perfectly, giving it a homey feel. The opaque curtains are pulled to the side overlooking the sparkling waterway and marina out the back—a perfect way to spend the afternoon reading a book and relaxing I would imagine.
Tony leads us through and to the left, which opens to a spacious living room, the colors all warm and earthy. Leather with chestnut wood and red cushions are scatted on the huge black leather sofa, which seems excessively large in the floor space. A chesterfield armchair sits at the end of the sofa in pride position. It’s worn like maybe it’s been in the family for many years.
At the rear of the living area, the kitchen is sleek and modern in