Page 101 of My Favorite Kidnapper

“I know he took you there without permission. My dad told my mom, and she told me the whole story. You must dislike my family.”

“No.”

“Did he hurt you, Bri?”

I shook my head. “He-he was very kind to me.” I looked down, tracing a finger over the blanket. “He was nicer to me than anyone else has been my whole life. He treated me like a queen.” I dropped my voice. “Despite how we started, I thought he loved me. I was wrong.”

“You love him?”

I could only nod.

“Do you know he has an apartment here for you? All ready for when you want it? And he wants to invest in a bakery for you. He told my dad anything you need or want, you get.” She met my eyes. “That doesn’t sound like someone who doesn’t care.”

I leaned my head back, refusing to let her words sink in. “He feels guilty.”

She shook her head. “Uncle Dante doesn’t feel guilty. I used to think he didn’t care about anything, but I was wrong. I think he cared—much more than he let on. I think he still does.” She paused. “He’s in trouble.”

I snapped up my head. “What?”

She leaned forward. “The man who hit you? He’s dead.”

I gaped. “What?”

“He was found beaten to death. Uncle Dante was arrested under suspicion of murder.”

I shook my head. “No. He wouldn’t do that.”

“Several witnesses saw him beat him. Heard him threaten him.”

“He was angry. But he would never kill someone. Not on purpose.”

My heart was racing. He wouldn’t, would he? Was Dante capable of killing someone? Had Winters provoked him again? Then I mentally shook my head. No. Dante would never. He had too much self-control. They were wrong.

“Where is he?”

“Dad said he was in jail for a few days. They dragged their feet letting him out. But he’s in Naples under house arrest. He is considered a flight risk since he has dual citizenship. His passports have been seized. His lawyers are working on proving him innocent.”

My bagel was forgotten. “Oh God, Carolina. This can’t be happening. He wouldn’t do that. He isn’t capable.” I got off the bed. “I have to talk to your dad. I have to do something.”

“What can you do?”

“Call them, tell them they’re wrong.”

She laughed, not unkindly. “They won’t accept his lover as a character reference.”

I felt my cheeks darken at her words.

“We were more than that.”

“So, you still love him.”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go see my dad.”

* * *

Paolo offered me a kind smile. “There is nothing you can do, Brianna. He has lawyers and investigators working on it.”