Page 3 of The Taste of Deceit

I drag a hand down my face.

“Baby Girl, please sit down.”

She lets out a sharp laugh.

“Baby Girl?” she repeats. “That’s what you’re going with right now?”

“Sarah—“

“No. Tell me what the fuck my best friend doesn’t know, or you can stand there and watch me walk out of here for good.”

She points toward the bedroom door.

Every instinct I have is screaming at me to keep my mouth shut. Mikey is my best friend. My brother in every way that matters. If he finds out I told her, he’s going to be fucking furious. I know that. I also know Sarah. I know that look in her eyes. If I dodge the question or try to feed her some bullshit answer, she’s gone.

I’ve been taught my whole life to protect the secret, protect the family. That’s how this life works, but right now, all I can think about is Sarah walking out that door and never looking back. For the first time in my life, loyalty doesn’t feel like the most important thing in the room, and I’m faced with a choice I never thought I’d have to make. Betray him or lose her, and the worst part is I already know the answer.

“You’re going to hate me,” I say.

Her face crumples for a second.

“Luca, please.”

She takes a step toward me.

“Just tell me.”

I drop onto the edge of the bed and drag both hands through my hair.

“Sit down with me.”

I swallow.

“Please.”

“Okay,” she says, settling beside me.

For several seconds, I can’t speak. I take a deep breath and keep my eyes fixed on the sliding doors of the terrace.

“My family—Mikey in particular—owns restaurants, hotels, real estate, shipping companies, and investment firms. Most of that is legitimate.”

“Most?”

Fuck. I close my eyes.

“Sarah.”

Her voice drops.

“Luca.”

I look at her.

“The Amatos don’t just do business.”

“What are you saying?”

I swallow hard.