21
Chiara
It’s late. Luka still hasn’t called me, even though he promised he would. He was so excited about the audition. It’s only a walk-on part, one line, but it could lead to other roles.
I’ve tried calling him dozens of times, but each time it just goes to voicemail.
Angelo isn’t home, and Fina is back at her father’s place, so I have nobody to talk to. I make a drink and then wander back into the family room, where the movie I was trying to watch is on pause.
Coco is asleep on the sofa, and Felix has gone out to hunt more rodents. He’s taken to bringing dead mice back as gifts for me. It’s gross, but also funny when Angelo finds them in his shoes.
I try calling Luka again, but there’s still no reply. There’s nothing on his socials either, which is odd because he usually posts everything on his social media, no matter how banal.
It’s why his fans love him. That and the thirst-trap videos he uploads daily.
Where the fuck is he?
Something’s wrong. I can feel it in my gut.
When the front door opens, I drop my drink and run into the hall. It’s Kane.
“What’s up?” he asks when he sees my stricken expression. Before I can reply, he storms over and cups my face. “Are you hurt, kitten?”
I shove him away because seriously? How would I get hurt in this house? It’s surrounded by armed guards, so unless I slash my wrists with a vegetable knife, I’m safe.
“It’s Luka—he’s not answering my calls!”
Kane rolls his eyes. “He’s probably in a club or at a party.”
“No, he promised he’d be back after his audition.”
“Audition?” Kane seems surprised. “What audition?”
“Never mind that. Can you track his phone?”
“Yeah, of course. Seems overkill, though. I’m sure he’s fine.”
Dammit, he’s not taking my concerns seriously. “I’ve been targeted twice now. What if someone has gone after Luka?” It’s a legitimate concern. Luka’s connection to Angelo isn’t widely known, but anyone trying to hurt the family would know of his existence.
Kane loses the amused expression at my reminder of what’s happened lately.
“Let me check his location.” Kane pulls up an app on his phone and a few seconds later, he rolls his eyes. “He’s in a hotel downtown. Happy now?”
I gnaw my lip. Luka was supposed to come back here, so why would he be in a hotel? It makes no sense. Add in the fact that he still hasn’t called me back and my messages are unread, and I’m certain something’s wrong.
“Take me there.” Kane doesn’t budge. “Please?”
“You’re overthinking this, Chiara, but if it will make you happy, fine. Let me message Angelo first, so he doesn’t lose his shit when he sees us driving away.” He fires off a quick text message to Angelo.
Maybe I am overthinking this and Luka’s asleep or whatever, but I won’t relax until I know for sure. And if he’s with some cougar or hanging out with his friends, then he has some explaining to do because I will not be treated like shit.
Kane’s expression tightens when we pull up outside the motel where Luka’s phone allegedly is. The place is sketchy as hell. A second car pulls up behind us, with four of Angelo’s guys armed and ready for whatever might happen.
Kane’s not taking any chances with my safety, which I appreciate. He tried to talk me out of coming on this trip, but I told him he’d never see me naked again if he refused. Funnily enough, that did the trick.
“Stay in the car,” he tells me.
“No.” He scowls at me then rolls his eyes.
