“Yes, but it didn’t stop me worrying after what Scott did—”
“I’m okay, Mamma, I’m okay.”
“You’re safe?”
I smiled dryly. I couldn’t help it. She acted like an overly concerned parent, but she had been so willing to force my relationship with Scott before she discovered what a monster he was.
“Where are you?”
“You know I can’t tell you that.”
“Oh, figlia mia, everything is such a mess.”
“Have you spoken to Tristan?”
“I have. He’s trying to speak some sense into your father. He’s beside himself, sweetheart.”
Too little too late.
“You could come home, to the estate. We can keep you safe.”
“I can’t,” I let out a weary sigh. “I won’t.”
“No.” I heard the sadness in her voice. “I don’t suppose you will.”
“Have you spoken to Suzanna?”
“Not a word since the morning after the party. Once we found out what had happened, your father ushered me back to the estate.”
“It isn’t safe for you there, Mamma. You could be in danger. Is there somewhere you can go?”
“Whatever are you talking about?”
“Mike. He isn’t who he says he is. You can’t trust him.”
“What do you know that you aren’t telling me?”
I hesitated. “Just be careful, okay?”
“I will. Your father has extra security around the house. He’s become very paranoid of late.”
“You need to try to talk to him, Mamma.”
“I’m not sure I can get through to him anymore.”
“But maybe if Tristan is there too, maybe the two of you can make him see sense.”
“I will try.” A beat passed and then she said, “This isn’t what I wanted for you, Arianne. I hope you know that.”
“I know, Mamma.”
But the truth was, I didn’t know anything anymore. Not where my family were concerned. There were so many secrets and lies, it was impossible to sort the truth from the falsities.
“I have to go,” I rushed out, suddenly overwhelmed.
“What should I tell your father?”
“Tell him, I’m not going back. I won’t.” Not while Scott was roaming free and Mike Fascini was still pulling the strings.
“Okay. I love you, sweetheart.” She let out a small sigh. “Be safe.”
“Bye, Mamma.”
I hung up, swallowing down the tears burning my throat. But I didn’t dwell on our conversation. Instead, I dialed my best friend’s number. She answered on the third ring.
“Hey,” Nora said. “How is it being secreted away with your handsome bodyguard and hot mafioso boyfriend?”
“Nor,” I let out a strained chuckle.
“Please, you’re in hiding with your guy... it sounds like heaven if you ask me.”
“Have you forgotten why?”
“No, Ari. God no. But when life hands you lemons and all that.”
“You’re crazy.” A faint smile traced my lips.
“And you love me. So what’s up?”
“Antonio and Nicco’s uncles just got here,” I kept my voice low. I could only make out the rumble of their voices beyond the bedroom. It all sounded very fraught, but I couldn’t distinguish words.
It was probably for the best.
“Wait a second, they’re having a business meeting, right now?”
“I guess so.”
“You have to go listen.”
“Nora!”
“You’re telling me you’re not curious what they’re,” she lowered her voice, “talking about?”
“It doesn’t matter. I would never—”
“They could be making decisions that affect you.”
“Nicco will tell me.”
“Will he? They live by a code, babe. Secrets. Lies. Cover ups. It’s the mafia way.” She was so flippant about this stuff.
“You’ve been watching too much TV.”
“You know I’m right.”
“Maybe, but I’m not about to go eavesdrop on them. It’s... wrong.”
“You say that like any of this is right.”
What Nicco and I felt for each other was right.
No one would ever persuade me otherwise.
“What do you think they’re—”
“Nora, seriously?”
She chuckled. “I should be there. I’d get us some answers.”
“How are classes?” I changed the subject.
“Dull. It’s not the same without you. The apartment is so empty, and Maurice isn’t half as interesting as Luis.”
“You could always ask Dan to keep you company.”
“I think I have decided Dan and I are more compatible as friends.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Not really. He’s busy with the team, and I’m... well, I’m not really feeling it.”
“Well as long as you’re not throwing away a shot at something good for a certain brooding mafioso?”
“Enzo, really? Please, I have some dignity.” The lilt in her voice suggested otherwise, but I didn’t argue. We had bigger problems at hand.
A beat passed, and then Nora whispered, “When do you think you might be able to come back?”
“I don’t know.” My heart ached. We’d never really spent any time apart. Even when we’d lived on my father’s estate,