“Do you trust me?” she asks, and I nod. “Then confide in me. Let me take care of Enzo. But I need to know how serious it is.”
I sigh deeply as if wishing to expel my despair. “I would love to. But I would never want to put you in the position of having to hide the truth from your husband.”
She pins me with a hard look. “And you’re my best friend, Dahlia. You’re not alone anymore. You have me.”
I have the freaking best sister-in-law possible. I need to confide in someone before this darkness spreads and there won’t be anything left of me.
“I’ll tell you. Tonight.”
28
MIKAIL
Am I happy for my best friend? The answer is a resounding yes.
I’ve been worried sick for months about his mental and physical well-being. At least that’s a worry less. But the misery that owns me might as well bury me. I just want to be alone to wither in peace.
Enzo has it all. I’ve lost it all. It’s the first time the balance between us tips to one side, it might as well break.
Dahlia is physically so close, yet I don’t think we are further apart than right now. Once you cross the line, even if you step back, things won’t shift back to their original alignment. It’s impossible.
“You’re quieter than usual,” Enzo says while the women engage in conversation, my sister recounting their honeymoon.
I mumble a noncommittal sound, sipping from my glass of vodka. We’re at the Villa, my best friend’s newest project, catering to those who appreciate and can afford luxury. From the food to the service and accommodation, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
Calla offers Enzo a secretive smile. I take it that this place means something to them. From the corner of my eye, I catch Dahlia stealing glances at me. She’s been mostly silent too. When these two are together, she opens up more. My sister is a troublemaker, and since Dahlia has a rebellious streak, they are like two peas in a pod.
A small smile grazes my lips. My sister is a damn force. The best sniper in the underworld. She thrived in this dark world and made it bow at her feet.
She now leads the Council, an organization she once served, and is happily married to the only man she let in. If her radiant face is any indication, Enzo does a fabulous job as husband and partner. He would give my sister everything she desires, and that thought comforts me.
I believed I’d lost my baby sister and my mother in that car explosion. An attack. My father tried to find out the culprit for years. Once he discovered the truth, he sought retribution for his loss.
What should have been a joyous celebration turned into a bloodbath. He killed Davide and kidnapped Dahlia on her eighteenth birthday. Finding out the truth about who was behind the attack didn’t sway me. I knew she was innocent. I knew my brother had nothing to do with it. So I betrayed my kin, and I would do it a thousand times over for her.
Staring out the window, I take another long gulp, the clear alcohol sliding down my throat just as impatient to reach my bloodstream as I am. I just want to go to the club, work until exhaustion knocks me the fuck out.
“Everything all right between you and Dahlia?” he asks, nudging my side.
Guilt sucker punches me in the gut, hard enough to knock the air from my lungs. I can’t even look him in the eye, knowing theforbidden I’ve indulged in his absence. And how my only regret is that I can’t anymore. She doesn’t want me.
My fingers tighten around the glass, the pressure I apply might shatter it. I bring the drink back to my mouth. “Mm-hmm.”
He groans. “Asshole, will I get more than monosyllabic answers from you tonight?”
“We’re fine,” I snap, dragging a hand down my face to stay composed.
“Usually Dahlia would have tried to get a reaction from you. I guess the Porsche and the trip helped.”
He lets me know, oh so subtly, that he’s in the know. I guess he doesn’t want to believe the rumors, or Lorenzo handpicked which ones to tell him. I don’t fucking care.
It’s a known fact that I have spoiled her. It’s the trip that raises questions.
“Tristan told me you two seemed very close.”
I crack my neck, anger crawling out of the hole I try to keep sealed. That asshole wants to die. I wonder what strategy he follows now. You can never tell with him.
“We’re close, Enzo. Nothing fucking new,” I grit out.
