Are women running criminal organizations outside of the U.S.?
If they are, she’s definitely one of them.
“We are not acquainted,” Tristano says. “Yet, you know who I am and sent me a very specific line of text that caught my attention. Well, señorita, you have it, so I think it’s best you explain yourself. Now.”
“He’s pissed,” Beni murmurs to himself.
I agree but say nothing. My unease, as well as my curiosity, spreads like the tension hovering in the air. What I wouldn’t give to know what that message was…
“We cannot continue this conversation,” Octavia says with a lift of her chin. “There are too many ears and eyes here in America. You’ll need to come with me.”
“With all due respect, you’re out of your fucking mind.” Tristano cocks his head in what appears to be genuine confusion. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but it sounds as though you want me to leave the country with you, someone I don’t know a damn thing about. Why in the hell would I do that?”
The woman’s smile is slow to widen, but it’s one of total confidence. She crosses the space between herself and Tristano, and once she’s close enough, Octavia leans forward to whisper in his ear. When she pulls back and puts a hand on her hip, there’s triumph written all over her facial expression.
And Tristano has paled considerably, even under his tanned skin.
Whatever she said must’ve been really bad or really significant.
“That crazy woman has something on the boss,” Beni says. “And right now I’d say it’s his nuts. One in each hand.”
If that wasn’t such an accurate description, I might give him a look of exasperation.
Tristano’s calm facade disappears like a curtain at a play being lifted so the show can begin. He runs his fingers through his hair, disturbing the deep brown locks, and then brings his gaze to Octavia, the heat of it enough to ignite spontaneous combustion. I’m glad to be a safe distance in the car and not on the receiving end of that.
“Give me a minute,” he says.
Enrico follows Tristano as he briskly walks back over to the vehicle. I avert my gaze, not wanting to be caught staring, but I do glance at him when he settles into the backseat beside me.
“Who is that?” Beni asks.
Enrico gives a minute shake of his head in warning and Beni frowns.
It astounds me that he can’t sense the waves of fury rolling off Tristano. Or maybe Beni’s not intimidated by his anger. I don’t talk, but even if I did, there’s nothing that could compel me to do so now.
Tristano types rapidly on his cell phone and once that’s done he brings his gaze to me. I don’t allow myself to react by leaning back in a defensive gesture, but I want to.
He exhales sharply and brings a fist to his mouth. “She’s given me no choice.”
“Who, that woman?” Beni asks. He twists in his seat and props himself on the center console. “What could be so urgent that you’re actually considering leaving with that bitch?” He clears his throat. “A fuckinghotbitch, but still a bitch.”
“It’s…personal.” Tristano drops his hand and nods, whether to himself or his men, I’m not sure. “I can’t give you any information because I don’t know a fucking thing. What I can say is that I won’t miss out on this opportunity to find the answers I’ve been searching for over the last twenty years. This could be the only chance I have to know the truth.”
He opens the door and exits while Enrico and Beni share a look of confusion. I join them as soon as Tristano appears at my door and opens it. I crane my neck to look up and meet his gaze, reticence causing me to press my lips together.
“Come with me,” he says.
Tristano holds out his hand for me to take and I stare at it for a long moment, taking in the signet ring that winks at me under the strong lighting, and then bring my focus back to his gaze. The bright lights above cast him in shadow, making the lines on his face all the more sharp and severe. His decision has been made and the stony expression he wears only confirms that.
“Signorina, I’m telling you, not asking. And if I have to tell you a second time, I will drag you to that jet without a single ounce of remorse. My promise to your sister was with the understanding that you would do as I say and without hesitation.”
He plants his hands on the frame of the car and leans toward me until I’m able to smell his cologne and feel the warmth of his body. “Should you think to provoke me, your hedge of protection will remain intact.” Tristano stops and that slight pause speeds up my pulse. “But not fromme, Violetta. Like I gave Carina my word, I’ll also do you the same courtesy. Know that I will do whatever it takes to keep you alive and well, even if that means whipping your ass, grabbing or dragging you by the hair, or tying you up and leaving you bound and gagged. Because when I do those things, it’ll be with the intention to keep you breathing,nothappy.Hai capacito?”
Oh yes, I understand. Most definitely.
I nod while holding his gaze so he’s more than aware of my comprehension. I’m not agreeing with him whatsoever, but I’m beginning to clearly see his disposition.
Which is in direct opposition with mine.
