“What an insecure little prick,” Abella huffs. “I’m so glad you won’t be chained to him.”
“Me too.” Mariella checks the time and sighs. “Sorry to cut this short, but I have to run back to my office.”
“I’ll walk Gabi to her car,” Abella offers.
“Thank you for being here today,” I tell Mariella. “And for arranging Cecilia’s help. I really appreciate it.”
“Anytime,” she says. “I’ll see you on Friday.”
“Friday?”
“Your birthday?” Her mouth quirks. “We planned a party for you at the penthouse. This is your advance notice so you can prepare to be spoiled.”
“Oh, okay.” I nod.
With everything going on recently, I’d almost forgotten it. My family has never celebrated my birthday, but my friends have always made sure I had one, with all the bells and whistles.
Mariella says goodbye, and we part ways, our guards trailing after us as we walk through the courtyard.
“You still haven’t told me how you knew this was happening today.” I glance at Abella.
“I know,” she says, a note of tension lingering in her voice. “I wanted to wait until we were alone before I mentioned it. Eros tipped me off.”
“How?” I frown.
She hesitates for a moment before she answers. “I know who he is.”
“You do?”
She bites her lip and nods. “I found out sort of inadvertently, and I can explain how if you want to know his identity.”
I contemplate that, but the thought of facing the truth still makes me anxious.
“What do you think? Should I know?”
“That’s something only you can answer.” She offers me an apologetic shrug.
“Well, you aren’t telling me to run, so I’m assuming that means he’s not completely deranged.”
“Not completely.” A quiet laugh escapes her.
“Can you hint at how you found out without completely giving it away?”
“Angelo found out first,” she confesses. “You remember that day you had to move out of your apartment?”
I think back on it, remembering the way Angelo looked at the city inspectors like he knew them. Something was definitely off about the way it played out, and it’s a safe assumption he did some digging to find out who was behind it.
“Is it someone we know?” I ask.
Abella starts to answer, but another wave of panic hits, and I stop her. “Wait, don’t tell me.”
“Okay.” She slams her mouth shut.
“I don’t know what to do,” I groan. “Things are so perfect right now, and I’m afraid when I find out who he is, that will be ruined.”
Her expression remains neutral, giving nothing away.
“Do you think that will be the case?” I press her.
