“What proof? I would never betray Lord, but I don’t know anything about him with another woman.”
“If you knew, you wouldn’t admit it.”
“True. You didn’t seem like the type to give up this easily. Especially after everything you’ve been through with Lord. Who is this other woman? This woman you have proof that Lord cheated with?”
I hesitated, weighing how much to reveal. “Her name is Lolita LaGrassa. You don’t have to act like you don’t know about it.”
“Primo’s oldest daughter?”
“Sure, that bitch.” I snapped. I could feel the anger bubbling under my skin.
“Are you sure?” He grimaced.
“Yes, and you can stop pretending that you don’t know.”
“Look, sweetheart, this is the first I’m hearing about it. I don’t even think Lolita LaGrassa is Lord’s type, and I’ve known Lordes a lot longer than you. Lord isn’t me. I’d fuck anything that was born with a vagina. Lord is disciplined, prissy and particular.”
“Well, I guess you don’t know every damn thing about Lordes.”
“Okay. I’ll bite. What’s this proof?” he asked.
I set my pen down deliberately. “Nude pictures on his cell phone. X-rated text messages. He said he was on a plane to New York, and he was at a restaurant on a date with her. I saw him kiss her.” I shrugged as if these details didn’t still cut me.
“What?” Nicco blurted, and either he was a damn good actor, or he was clueless.
“I followed him to a restaurant and waited outside. He left with her, and he kissed her. I saw it with my own eyes. I will never, ever stalk or chase a man again. Doing shit like that isn’t even in my character. Never again.”
“Does Lord know any of this?”
“I don’t know what he knows, and I don’t care.”
“Did you tell him?”
“He knows what he did. I left the house two weeks ago, and he didn’t even contact me. He doesn’t care, and I don’t either.”
“Well, he hasn’t mentioned anything to me, which makes me believe he has a plan that could lead to murder. You should be careful.”
“I appreciate your warning, but clearly Lord knows where I’m staying, and he doesn’t care.”
“I’m sure he cares.” Nicco responded, his face revealing nothing.
I nodded slowly. “Well, thank you for the warning, anyway. And for your discretion regarding Gianni.”
Nicco’s expression hardened subtly. His next words came out measured and precise. “If I were Lord, I would probably kill you.”
The statement was delivered with such calm certainty that it took a moment to register. He wasn’t threatening me directly. He was simply stating what he believed to be fact, which somehow made it more terrifying.
I swallowed hard but kept my composure, refusing to show fear. “Are you here to warn me or threaten me?”
“Neither. I’m simply stating facts.” His eyes never left mine. “Lord is underboss. You were his woman. You left him for his cousin. In our world, that doesn’t usually end well. If he hasn’t come for you or his hasn’t beat your ass, I would be worried if I were you.”
My heart hammered in my chest, but I kept my voice steady. “I’m not in his world. He’s moved on, and I have too.”
“I protected you once, but I can’t do it again.” Nicco’s voice carried no judgment, only cold assessment. “I’m going to have to look the other way if he comes for you.”
“I think I’m safe. He hasn’t contacted me. He doesn’t care, and I’m okay with that.”
“Do you know Lordes Romans Bregoli at all?”
