“I have no intention of ever letting you walk down the aisle toward that asshole. But Antonio needs time to figure out a plan. Your father has always managed to keep his hands clean, but I think we can only assume Mike Fascini will go to any lengths to get what he wants.”
“Do you know what he has on my father, Luis?”
My bodyguard liked to talk in riddles, but riddles didn’t help my predicament.
“I have my suspicions.”
I raised a brow. “Are you going to share them with me?”
“Will it change anything?”
Silence fell over us. “No, it won’t.” The truth was like a knife to the heart. “He made his choice. And I made mine.”
Luis placed down his mug and stood. “You should get some sleep, it’s late.”
“You’re probably right.”
“I’ll handover with the night shift and get some shut eye. See you in the morning, okay?”
I nodded. “Okay. Goodnight, Luis.”
He gave me a tight smile, his mask of indifference sliding back into place as he resumed bodyguard mode and headed for the door.
But he paused at the last second, glancing back. “It won’t always be like this, Arianne. Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives set us on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us. Try and hold onto that.”
I wanted to believe him.
But something told me the worst was yet to come.
Chapter 11
Nicco
She was late.
Arianne was supposed to meet me at the motel on the edge of Blue Hills Reservation, twenty minutes ago. But there was still no sign of her.
I’d almost worn out the spongy carpet pacing back and forth, waiting for the black SUV to roll into the parking lot. I’d been tempted to ask Uncle Alonso for the keys to one of his places, but it was already risky asking Arianne here. So I’d kept it vague. The glint in his eye as I’d told him I would be gone all night was all the sign I needed that he knew exactly where I was going. He didn’t try to stop me though, because he knew he couldn’t.
I needed to see her.
I needed to hold Arianne as I told her everything I’d learned after talking to Elizabeth Monroe. But it was more than that. I needed to know she was okay. I needed to look her in the eye and see it.
I was just about to call Luis when I spotted their car. “Thank fuck,” I breathed, yanking open the door.
Luis climbed out and scanned the parking lot. I’d already done a sweep of the area. Twice. Watching Arianne step out of the vehicle had the tension in my shoulders melting away. She spotted me and ran. She ran all the way until she launched herself into my awaiting arms.
“Nicco.” My name was a prayer on her lips. But it was me who wanted to fall to my knees and worship her.
“You’re okay.” I cupped the back of her head, cradling her body against mine. “You’re okay.”
“I’ve missed you.” Arianne craned her neck to look at me. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“I know, Bambolina. I know.” Dipping my head, I brushed my lips over hers. Once. Twice. Letting myself memorize their shape, reacquaint with their taste. But it was Arianne who took control, fitting her body against mine like a missing puzzle piece and deepening the kiss. Her tongue slipped between my lips, searching for my own.
Luis cleared his throat. I liked the man, I did, but right then, in that moment, I wanted him to disappear.
“We should talk,” he said, when I made no effort to break the kiss.
Arianne had fisted my sweater, anchoring us together. “Bambolina,” I breathed against her mouth, gently tugging her hand away. “Give me a second.”
She smiled up at me, her cheeks flushed, and lips swollen.
“Go inside.” I flicked my head to our room. “I’ll be right there, I promise.”
“Okay.” Arianne hesitated, letting out a small sigh as she stole another kiss before disappearing inside.
I pulled the door shut and stepped toward Luis. “You swept the area?” he asked me.
I nodded. “It’s clean. No one knows I’m out here, not even my uncle.”
“Nicco,” he frowned, “that’s a big risk.”
“She’s worth it”.
“You said you found something in Vermont.”
“I did. But we shouldn’t talk out here. You were on Roberto’s security detail when someone tried to get to Arianne at the school?”
“I was.”
“I need you to talk to this guy.” I handed him Tommy’s nondescript card. “He’s expecting your call.”