I silently curse as I turn around.
“Don’t make me regret my decision, and you only get one pardon.” He stares me down, his gaze intense and deadly. “If I discover you have touched my daughter again, I will bury you alive and not lose any sleep over it.”
22
Natalia
It’s been six weeks since my life was upended, in good and bad ways. The good is I am no longer obligated to marry into the Grecofamiglia, but Papa has told me he will be looking for another match for me. But he has agreed it won’t happen until I get my undergrad degree from NYU, so I have four years of freedom to look forward to.
And four years to convince Leo he made a mistake dumping me.
I know why he did it. Mateo must have forced his hand. Blackmailed him into letting me go in exchange for his silence. Or maybe Leo’s conscience got the better of him. Yet it makes no sense. I am unattached, and while we would need to continue sneaking around in secret, I thought I was worth it. Or did he mean nothing he told me?
Papa has reassigned Leo now the risk to my life has ended with the monster’s death. Brando is my permanent bodyguard because there will always be threats, but the risk is low right now. Hearing it was Carlo who attempted to kidnap me, so he could act out his depraved fantasies on my innocent body, only makes me more grateful for Leo and Matty. They have saved me from a fate worse than death.
I try to remember that when I’m crying into my pillow at night, heartbroken and so lonely without Leo’s strong arms to comfort me. He is purposely keeping his distance, and it hurts so much. He failed to attend my eighteenth birthday party three weeks ago, and he didn’t show up last night at my graduation.
But he can’t avoid me today. It’s his twenty-first birthday, and I know where he’s having his party. I wasn’t issued a formal invite, but I have no qualms about gate-crashing. Hence why I am currently at Frankie’s apartment in the city, getting dolled up. I’m sure Mateo will throw a hissy fit when he sees the dress I’m wearing, but that’s exactly why I didn’t want to get ready at home.
“Ho. Lee. Shit.” Frankie whistles under her breath while I check myself in the long mirror fixed to the wall of her bedroom. “There is no way he can resist you looking like that. Red looksso goodon you.”
I twirl a little, and the red chiffon layers float around my shapely hips, resting just above my knee. “Do you think it’s too revealing?” I ask, pursing my lips as I scrutinize my reflection. The halter-neck straps support my bust despite the large dip in the front, which exposes a lot of my cleavage. The wide bandeau-style panel around my middle accentuates my small waist, making my hips seem curvier.
“No. It’s perfect. It’s seductive but classy. You look like a million dollars, Nat. Every man in the room will be salivating and clambering for your attention.”
“I only want one man’s attention,” I say, applying another coat of red lipstick to my lips before I secure the locket Leo gave me around my neck.
“You’ll have it.” She reassures me while turning around so I can zip up the back of her short black minidress.
“You look beautiful.” I lean in to kiss her cheek. “When is Archer getting here?”
She looks at the time on her cell phone. “Any second now.”
The doorbell chimes, as if on cue, and we both smile.
“Come on.” I grab my black and gold purse from the bed, grateful Frankie talked me into buying it when I was purchasing the matching strappy stiletto sandals adorning my feet. “Don’t keep your man waiting.”
Raucous laughter can be heard from the kitchen, where Frankie’s family is eating dinner, as we pass by.
“Fuck me,” a familiar male voice says when we enter the living room.
I slam to a halt at the sight of Vaughan Fitzgerald. “What are you doing here?” I blurt, surprised to see him. There is no way he can come to the party with us. Not unless he wants Leo or my brother to finish what they started in the alleyway last year.
Frankie moves toward Archer, and he pulls her into his arms, smashing his lips against hers. Their romance shows no signs of abating, and at least one of us is happy and in love. I would never begrudge that of my bestie, even if the sight of them together exacerbates my heartache and my longing for things I cannot have.
Vaughan’s eyes are out on stilts as his gaze rolls over me. “You look fucking beautiful, Natalia.” His eyes blaze with need, and I’m startled to see such naked desire. As far as I’m aware, he has been dating some girl from his school the past five months. I assumed he was well over his little crush on me.
“Thank you, but that doesn’t answer my question.”
He shrugs, stepping a little closer. “I didn’t like how we left things. I thought I’d stop by and tell you there are no hard feelings.” His earnest blue eyes latch on mine, and I see the truth written there.
“I don’t deserve that. Not after what my brother did, but thank you.” I smile graciously at him. “I should’ve told you I was engaged, but it’s not an easy thing to just slip into a conversation, and I hated my fiancé and didn’t want to marry him. I wanted to go out with you and have a good time, so that’s why I said nothing.”
“I don’t blame you for anything that happened, Natalia.” He takes another step closer, and the tops of his shoes brush against my sandals. “I heard a rumor you’re no longer engaged.” He flashes me a gorgeous smile, taking my hand and threading his fingers through mine. “And I’m newly single. I thought maybe we could pick up where we left off?”
He cannot be serious. Does he honestly think Mateo would approve of me dating him now, just because my engagement is over? Extracting my fingers from his, I step back, shaking my head. “That won’t ever happen, Vaughan.”
“Why not? I know you like me.” His brow puckers in confusion. I doubt many girls say no to him, and I get it. He’s hot, smart, charming, and attentive.
