“Elio, right.” He nods before thumping me in my injured upper arm. If I didn’t know him, I’d think he did it deliberately. “Sorry, man. I didn’t mean to interfere. No hard feelings, yeah?”
It’s hard to stay mad at Rowan. He’s not a bad guy. Just hyped up on hormones and making the most of his twenties before he has to shoulder all the responsibility coming his way. While I went about it differently, I understand where he’s coming from. “It’s already forgotten.”
“Sweet.” Rowan winks at Sloane. “If you ever get tired of the old guy, you know where to find me.”
“Punk,” I call after his laughing form.
“Poor Lia,” Sloane says, resting her head on my chest. “She’s got it bad for him, and he’s completely blind.”
* * *
The rest of the evening is much more enjoyable, though not without further drama. Tullia leaves early, clearly upset over something. When Rowan returns from taking a call, he’s surprised to discover she left without him. I have no clue what went down, nor do I have any desire to find out. After Cassio Greco shows up to collect Rowan, we stay a little while longer, and it’s a calmer environment now the source of the drama is gone. Before we head home, I pull Fiero aside and update him on how the search is going for Cruz’s kids, promising to keep him informed when we have more news.
* * *
Sloane is in her room taking a shower after reading Elio his bedtime story, so I use the opportunity to call my mom and make the final arrangements for the NC trip. I’ll meet them at the private airfield in West Harrison in the morning, where my plane will be ready to fly them to Charlotte. Elio is excited for his mini vacation with my parents and looks forward to visiting his aunt and uncle. I’m gonna miss him. We are rarely apart for long.
I have just finished plating the charcuterie board when Sloane appears, wearing her coat and boots. I frown. “You’re going out?”
“Yes. I did say I had plans.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “Stupid me. I thought you meant plans with me.”
“Don’t be angry,” she whispers, cautiously approaching me. “I’m only meeting him to break it off.”
I work hard to leash my anger, but today has been a trying day, and my patience is practically nonexistent at this stage. “I thought you did that last week.”
She averts her eyes, shoving her hands in the pockets of her pink Moncler jacket. “Something came up, and he didn’t make it.”
“You mean he stood you up,” I say in a clipped tone. “I don’t know why you’re showing him any respect when he clearly doesn’t respect you. I thought it was only casual. You could break up with him by phone.”
Her gaze connects with mine. “That’s not who I am. I get why you’re mad, but I promise I’m not interested in him. I just want to do this the right way.” Her eyes lower again, and I hate to see her suffering.
A heavy sigh trickles from my lips. “Come here.”
She shuffles toward me, sniffling, and I bundle her in my arms. “I’m sorry. I’m jealous, and I wanted you all to myself tonight.”
“We have all week and every night afterwards when Elio goes to bed,” she says, clinging to me with a desperation that equally concerns and consoles me.
“Take John Angelo with you,” I say, tipping her chin up. Pain shimmers in her eyes. “I’d offer to go myself, but I can’t promise I won’t kill the guy.” I expect horror, fear, disappointment, but she looks like she almost wants me to. “I don’t like this, but I respect your decision.” I kiss her deeply, wanting her to remember who and what is waiting for her at home. “I’ll be waiting.”
29
SLOANE
I’m shaking like a leaf as I set foot in the diner. What little I ate at dinner is threatening to make a reappearance when I spot Diego waiting in a corner booth for me. His back is to the window, and he’s wearing a cap with a hoodie over it so John Angelo can’t see him. His eyes never leave my face as I walk toward him on wobbly legs.
Wordlessly, I slide into the seat across from him. He licks his lips as his gaze rakes over me, and it’s like being dumped in a bucket of ice-cold water. I shove my hands between my knees to try to stop the trembling. “You’ve been a very naughty girl, Sloane.”
“It isn’t my fault the phone is out of action.” I hate how much my voice quakes, and I tell myself to get my shit together. Dragging up my alter persona, I try to remember my acting skills. “I got caught in the crossfire, and my cell broke when Cristian slammed me to the ground. Maybe next time, try not shooting at me,” I snap.
A flicker of something glints in his eye, but it’s gone before I can decipher it. Tension is thick in the air. “That wasn’t a sanctioned hit,” he coolly replies after a few beats, poking his teeth with a toothpick as he studies me.
“What?” I lean forward a little, setting one hand on the table. “What do you mean?”
“Where did you go today?” he asks, ignoring my question.
“What?”
