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Vincenzo sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. “Either way, you stole from me, and your uncle has sensitive information on my family.”
“He’s blackmailing you?” My throat tightened. Did my uncle and Mark have a backup plan in case the robbery failed?
“Details don’t matter, but you're the key to finding out where he’s keeping the evidence.”
“Me? We hate each other,” I remind him.
Vincenzo ignored my statement. “Can you think of anything my brother could use to ascertain a clause in the trust?”
I shook my head as I trailed Vincenzo out of the kitchen. “Uncle Cono is always two steps ahead and will have thought of everything.”
“He thinks he’s smart, but I’m smarter.”
“Can I ask a favor?”
He paused and turned to face me.
I sighed. “I know I have no right asking for a favor, but please let me visit my friend one last time before…” I bit my lip.
“Before what?”
“Before I die by your hand or my uncle’s.”
Taking my chin, he stared at me intently. “What are you talking about?”
It was a surprise to be touched so intimately, and I licked my lips nervously. He also sensed it and dropped his hand.
“He threatened to kill me if I didn’t marry you,” I whispered.
Vincenzo took a step back.
“Loyalty doesn’t run in my family like yours.”
“We never put money above our family. Our parents taught us to stick together.”
“Can I see Cassandra? Please?” Vincenzo hated me, but for a split second, I glimpsed compassion in his eyes at the despair in my voice.
Vincenzo walked away. “Get to bed, Nyla. The car will be waiting for you in the morning.”
Sitting in the coffee shop, I was excited but nervous to see my best friend. It seemed Vincenzo did have a heart buried somewhere by allowing me to see Cassandra. Although it was probably because he expected me to fall in line by marrying him. The coffee shop was closed to the public, so we could meet while Vincenzo’s guards hovered nearby. He’d allowed me this brief meeting to let Cassandra know I was okay but wouldn’t be able to contact her in the near future.
The door swung open, and Cassandra entered, her braids swinging left to right. I stood and lifted my hand in a wave.
Cassandra hurried over to hug me. “Nyla! I missed you so much.” After a moment, she pulled back, looked me over, and hugged me tightly again.
Cassandra sat opposite me, and I grabbed the menu to see if she wanted to order.
Removing her jacket, she reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “Tell me from the beginning. Where have you been? And why are all of these men gawking at you?”
“Um, Cassandra, I have to tell you something.”
“Shoot.”
“What I am about to say isn’t easy. I need you to let me get it all out first.”
Her eyes darkened with concern. “You're scaring me, Nyla.”
I blew out a breath. “You and me both.”
