“I’m just warning you now he’s not someone you could be involved with.” She pauses and rubs the back of her neck, glancing around to make sure no one’s listening. “There’s your father. Plus, I heard Leo doesn’t like to give up control and can be a complete dick.”
“It’s only one date. What could go wrong?”
Michelle rolls her eyes and glances up toward the ceiling. “Everything.”
6
Daphne
Leo’s text was cryptic.He simply said to be ready at six and wear a dress with heels. He didn’t drop a clue as to where he’s taking me even though I asked many times. He only sent back a quick reply that stated, “You’ll see,” and left it at that.
When I make my way downstairs and open the door to my building, I expect to see Leo, but he’s not here. Instead, there’s a man dressed in a black suit with dark sunglasses, and a fancy car parked at the curb.
“Good evening, ma’am,” he says, dipping his head slightly.
I peer to the left and then to the right, waiting for Leo to pop out of somewhere and yell surprise.
“Mr. Conti is waiting for you at your destination.”
“Where are we going?” I ask with a shaky voice as I pull the door closed behind me and wonder if I’m walking to my death.
I’m headed off to God knows where. Maybe it’s a trap. Anything’s possible with my father now out of prison. Leo could very well be kidnapping me to hand me over to his father in some crazy-ass Chicago mafia coup d’état.
“I’m under strict orders not to reveal a single detail.” The driver walks ahead of me, and I follow like a lamb stupidly heading to slaughter.
“Wait.” I stop and grab my phone out of my purse. I shoot Leo a text, asking what the fuck he’s thinking sending a strange man to my door when I’m already apprehensive about going out on this date to begin with.
The man folds his hands in front of his chest, watching me, not the least bit amused.
Leo: Just get in the car, Daphne.
Easy for him to say.
He’s the one in the know, while I’m clueless and supposed to trust a man I barely know.
Sure, he’s hot as hell, but beyond that, I only know our fathers hate each other.
I punch in a quick reply, trying to take deep breaths before I hyperventilate.
Me: You could be kidnapping me.
There’s a brief pause before he starts typing something back.
Leo: I could’ve done that when you were passed out. Just get in the car. It’s a surprise.
Me: I hate surprises. They don’t mesh well in my world.
The driver’s phone rings, and he turns his back to me before answering the call. “Yes, sir,” he says quietly. “I understand.”
I tap my foot, waiting for someone to give me a straight answer or I’m turning around and calling off the big date. “Well?” I say as soon as he faces me again.
“Mr. Conti has instructed me to tell you we’re going to the airport. But beyond that, he’d like to keep it a surprise.”
“The airport?” I nearly choke.
“Ma’am, Mr. Conti has chartered a private plane for the evening. Now, if you’ll please.” He motions toward the car. “I don’t like to keep him waiting.”
“I’m sure you don’t.” I walk past the super stiff driver and head toward the car.
