I am almost to the door when a guy with slicked-back jet-black hair steps into the apartment with a frown on his face.
“Who the fuck are you?” I ask, instantly reaching for my gun.
“I’m Sebastien,” he says as if it should mean something to me. “Elisa’s boyfriend,” he adds.
I blink profusely, staring at him as I consider the words. Lili has a boyfriend? “Since fucking when?” Removing my gun, I point it at his face willing him to give me a reason to use it.
His eyes pop wide as he holds up his hands. “Woah. There’s no need for that. I have no beef with you.”
“Answer the fucking question, asshole.” I stride right up and prod him in the chest with my gun. He is tall, but I’m taller by at least a couple of inches, and I’m definitely packing more muscle. A clean-shaven jaw, clear olive skin, and perfect hair point to immaculate grooming. He has Mediterranean looks, but he’s not Italian American, and he’s notmafioso. Raking my gaze over the rest of him, I note the preppy loafers, designer jeans, fitted sweater, and tan woolen coat with a modicum of disgust. An expensive watch is strapped to his wrist, and he’s carrying a black Berluti leather bag. He exudes money and arrogance and I instantly hate him.
“I go to NYU, and I met Elisa at the start of our senior year. I’ve been asking her out for months, but she finally said yes just before Christmas. We’ve been dating ever since.”
“Is that true?” I ask Beatrice while keeping my gun and my eyes trained on the preppy douche. Never trust a man who wears loafers and a tan coat.
“Yes, and I don’t think Elisa would appreciate you holding a gun on him.”
A muscle ticks in my jaw as I stare at the guy, and he stares back. He’s got balls, but he’s still not good enough for her.
Is this the kind of guy she wants? Because he is nothing like me.
Perhaps that’s the appeal.
Reluctantly, I lower my weapon and tuck it back in the waistband of my jeans.
The asshole has the nerve to glare at me. “Who are you?” he asks after a few beats of silent staring.
“None of your business.” I square up to him. “Hurt Elisa, and I’ll end you. That’s a promise, not a threat.”
His jaw tightens as he tersely nods.
I’m halfway to the door when he calls out after me. “You’re him, aren’t you? You’re the one who broke her heart.”
I flip him the bird as I stalk toward the door and exit the apartment thoroughly enraged.
Back in my car, I slam my hands down repeatedly on the wheel as frustration powers through me. “Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Images of that douche touching my Lili flit through my head to
torture me, and I don’t like it. I’m close to racing back up there to pump his body full of bullets when an incoming call waylays me.
“What’s up?” I growl when I answer my stepdad’s call.
“I think I should be asking you that,” Leo says. “Who has your panties in a bunch?”
“Elisa’s boyfriend,” I grumble as I power up my car.
“I heard something about her dating.”
“Thanks for fucking telling me.”
“I didn’t think you two were talking.”
“We’re not, but that’s all on her. Is Mom there?” I ask, backing out of the parking space and speeding off. Tires screechon asphalt as I round the corner and drive up the ramp leading outside.
“She’s at the hospital, but she’ll be home later.”
“Ask her to find out the guy’s full name. I want to run a check on him.”
Leo chuckles. “Do you honestly think Alesso hasn’t already done one?”
