Taken_ A Dark Mafia Romance - Piper Stone Page 0,11
your mind.
Don’t go. Don’t do it.
The little voice had been screaming the words since leaving Tampa International Airport.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are on our final approach to Long Island MacArthur Airport. Please make certain your tray tables are back in position and your seats upright. As always, thank you for flying Southwest Airlines.”
The rumbling deep baritone of the pilot was the voice of fantasies; a gorgeous buff man strolling down a pristine white beach, his long blond hair flowing in the warm summer sun. Sighing, I adjusted my seatbelt, realizing that not having a boyfriend for almost two years hadn’t done my libido any good.
At least I had a few days off after a grueling few months. I loved my job as a nurse, my career more important than dating or even spending time with my girlfriends, but a break was in order. I would keep my cool with my parents and if they had something up their sleeve, I’d simply leave and head back to my real world.
Not the fakeness that I’d grown up in.
I closed my eyes as the plane began its final descent. At least I could share news of my recent promotion with my parents. Hopefully, they’d be happy for a change instead of arguing with me about staying in New York. I grimaced as I remembered the last nasty conversation, including my proclamation that I’d never return home under any circumstances.
Never say never.
When the plane touched down, I held my breath, my hands white-knuckled on the armrests. I could only imagine what tonight would be like. Had they planned a stuffy event with their influential friends, perhaps attempting to entice me with introductions to various men? Or would they honor my request with a quiet dinner at home?
If I knew my mother, a combination of both. She always did enjoy a frivolous party, as long as she wasn’t responsible for anything but the lavish plans. One night I could handle.
The worst part? The rain delay. The plane had been almost two hours late. I could just imagine the kind of wrath I’d receive.
I’d expected to see one or both of my parents waiting in the airport, not the arrogant and stuffy man in a staunch suit, his expression one of disdain. Roberto had never been one of my fans, his cold and indifferent attitude sparking more than a few words with my father. The choice of chauffeurs pissed me off. My mouth was dry, my head already aching and I’d yet to reach the house.
What troubled me even more was the short call Roberto made the moment he’d pulled away from the curb, the few words sending a chill down my spine.
“I have her secured.”
Secured. Images from the past flooded my mind, yanking me into the same darkness I’d experienced before. No. Roberto was their employee and had been for years. My parents were just too busy.
There were no weird turns, no strange cars flanking the SUV during the ride. Just silence.
As he pulled the car into my parents’ driveway, I leaned forward, glaring at the large white tent positioned on the side of the house filled with dozens of chairs and tables. There was also a huge catering truck near the front door, flowers positioned on either side. My parents knew how much I loathed parties and always had.
They’re lying to you. Leave. Get out now.
Breathe. You can do it, girl.
I didn’t bother asking Roberto what the hell was going on. Somehow, I knew he wouldn’t answer. Perhaps he’d been forbidden to share anything about the ugly festivities for the night.
This was another attempt at changing my mind, returning to the fold like a good little girl. Had they fallen back into the ways of the sect? They’d said almost nothing since the death of Father McGivney, although I knew my father had never considered him a man of the cloth. I’d asked my father why only once, the hard slap across my face my answer. There were so many ugly secrets hiding in dark corners. Another reason I’d left town as soon as possible.
I was sick to my stomach, hating myself for coming. Well, I was no longer a girl and I certainly had my wicked ways. If this was a ruse, I would make certain they never saw me again.
I stormed into the house, tossing the two small suitcases on the freshly polished marble floor, my anger increasing by the minute. There were people everywhere.