“I think a girls' day would be a good idea,” Luca says, staring at me and then glancing at his mother.
Is he out of his mind?
Or maybe he realizes I’m safer with Nikki than with Dante?At least I’ll be out of the prison that they call a home.Perhaps I can disappear long enough to get help for the little boy, unless I can trust Nikki.
Dante’s eyes tighten, and he forces a smile.It doesn’t look the least bit natural.“How about you hand me your phone, and I can make sure you have my number, in case you need anything.”
“It’s in the bedroom,” I say and gesture toward Luca’s room.
“Of course, it is.Would you get that for me, son?”he says to Luca.
“I know your phone number.I’ll put it in her phone,” Luca says, challenging him.
Does Dante intend to use my phone to spy on me?I can’t fathom any other reason he would want me to have his number.
Nikki reaches for my arm and leads me down the hallway toward the stairwell.“Dante was telling me how you’ll both be staying with us for a while, which I think is great, but you both do have classes to attend.Your education is important to us.”
“Of course,” I say, glad that at least Nikki seems to be reasonable.“I was hoping we might be able to just visit on weekends.”
A strange look crosses her features.“Of course, Harper.Whatever you both want.I hope my husband didn’t scare you into an invitation to stay here.”Nikki glares at him over her shoulder.“Sometimes he can be a bit of a brute.”
Understatement of the century.
I walk down the staircase beside Nikki.
Dante and Luca are right on my heels.
“Perhaps we should all go out to lunch to celebrate the engagement,” Dante insists.
“We’re going shopping and maybe even the spa.Do you really want to come with us to get our nails done?”Nikki glares at her husband, and he nods.
“Take Moreno with you.”
“And that will guarantee Nova won’t come along,” Nikki says more to herself than to me.“Fine.”She doesn’t seem to argue with him.
We head downstairs, and I realize I only have my heels that I brought.I forgot to bring a second pair of shoes.I’m wearing blue jeans and a sweater.The shoes are a little awkward, but at least I don’t have to run through the forest.Luca saved my ass with his big-ass tennis shoes.
His shoes are strewn by the back door, mine are placed nicely beside them.
I grab my shoes and coat while she shows me to another exit of the house, apparently where the garage is attached.
Luca is practically my shadow while I put my heels on.“If you need anything, call me.”
I nod slowly.If he’s sending me with his mother, then I’m to assume he trusts her.I reach for him, giving him a hug, hoping this won’t be the last time I see him.
Nikki will keep me safe, right?
Moreno comes waltzing down the hallway, wearing his famous suit and shiny black shoes.He stops near the garage door, grabs a set of car keys hanging on the rack.
Luca’s lips brush mine.I know it’s for show.His mother is watching.She must think we’re madly in love if we’re engaged.
His breath is warm, his fingers pull me closer against him and my body instantly relaxes, momentarily forgetting the worry and pain that is torturing me from the inside.
I feel him moan, and I break apart the kiss before it goes any further.
Luca grazes his lips against my ear.“Moreno is there to keep you safe.”
I’m not sure I agree with his assessment, considering the man wanted me dead less than twelve hours ago.All of those men had orders to kill me.
