Elena wraps an arm around her. “You’re safe, hun.”
“But for how long?” My sister’s gaze finds mine. “He’s in the United States. Why? Is he somehow tracking me down?” She covers her mouth with a trembling hand.
I don’t have any answers yet. “If he’s here, do you want to go back to Italy? Or Estonia? The convent there can protect you again. We can send you anywhere in the world.”
She shakes her head. “I want to stay here. I feel safest right here.”
“Good. Because youaresafe here. I won’t let that monster get to you, I promise.” I look at Elena. Her expression holds the same conviction. We will both protect Julianna with our lives.
Niall’s number lights up my screen. As soon as I answer, he says, “This Nero is one very bad man. How did your sister get tangled up with this guy?”
I walk into the kitchen to take this call.
“It was an arranged marriage,” I admit, internally cringing.
“That’s fucked up.”
Yeah, it was. We don’t always get it right. How in the hell were we supposed to know he was a bad seed?
There’s a long pause. “So?” I prompt. “Will you take the job?”
“How long are we talking?”
I lower my voice. “Only a few months. Our father’s already in the process of finding her a suitable husband. Once she’s married, she’s no longer yours to protect. Her husband will be responsible for her safety.”
“Let’s hope your father’s a better judge of character this time around.”
No kidding. “Three months.”
“Your father’s going to find a groom and plan a wedding all in three months?” He scoffs.
“You’re right. This will probably take nine months. Maybe up to a year.”
“That sounds more reasonable. That’s a long time away from my day job.” He’s playing hard to get again.
“I’ll make it worth your while. Name your price, I press.”
“I’m not doing this for the money,” he growls. “I’ll keep this fucking psycho away from your sister.”
“Good, because we have reason to believe he’s in the States.”
“I’ll start tomorrow.”
CHAPTER 63
Elena
ItypeThe Endof my trilogy for a second time. Attaching the file to an email, I send it off to my editor. I’m still in shock that an agent reached out to me about my story. What’s even more unreal? A big publisher accepted our submission. The entire trilogy will be published next year with all the bells and whistles. Never in a million years have I thought this would happen to me.
Traditionally published author by day, mafia queen by night. Life is a wild ride. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Closing my computer, I stretch in the comfortable velvet chair. Across the hall from Maximo’s office, I have my own space that’s part work space, part library. He built and customized it just for me. I absolutely love that man.
Speaking of the devil. Maximo taps on my open door, a faint smile on his lips. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Pontrelli. Are you done working?”
“I am.” I beam at him. My insides are all light and fluttery. “It’s finished. Sent to my editor—hopefully for the last time.”
His grin widens. “Perfect timing. I have a surprise for you that can’t wait a moment longer.”
