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Carter reappeared with a muffin and coffee for Cora.
“You remembered what I like,” she beamed at the guard before returning her attention to us. “It’s nice to meet you, Nyla and Cassandra. You should come to family dinner sometime so we can have a proper chat.”
I grimaced. “Thanks, but I doubt Vincenzo will keep me around much longer.”
Cora frowned. “What do you mean?”
I shrugged. “I’m sure you must know what happened.”
Cora scanned my face. “I really don’t.”
“It’s a long story, but I made a bad choice, and Vincenzo hates me.”
“The men in my family are no angels,” Cora stated. “If I know Vincenzo, he’ll forgive you.” She patted my shoulder and left the cafe with a cheery “goodbye.”
“She seemed cool,” Cassandra observed, sipping the iced latte the server placed in front of her.
I nodded. “All the women in the family are cool.”
“I can’t tell you what to do, Nyla, but you need to make a decision fast.”
“You think marriage is the answer? He’ll probably kill me as soon as he gets his money.”
“Then we go to the police,” Cassandra whispered.
I shook my head. Bringing the police into cartel business could be deadly. “I know my fate. I die betraying my uncle, or I die betraying Vincenzo.”
“Negotiate,” Cassandra urged. “Maybe your uncle will reconsider if you hand over the money.”
“No. He hates me. I never asked to be in his life.” It would be best for everyone if I took off.
“What other option do you have?”
I bit my lip, looking at Carter, then back at Cassandra. I took her hand and stood. “Carter, I need to use the restroom. It’s, uh, that time of the month.”
“I’ll walk you back there,” he said immediately.
I gestured at the other men surrounding us. “I can't escape, Carter. Vincenzo has security everywhere. I promise to come back.” I smiled, and Cassandra looked at me like I was nuts, but it did the trick as Carter nodded.
Stepping into the bathroom, I locked the door and checked each stall to ensure we were alone. Moving to the sinks, I turned on the faucets to drown out our voices.
“My other option is to leave,” I whispered to Cassandra.
Her eyes widened as if to say, Bitch are you crazy?
I smiled. “Before you say it, I’m not crazy.”
“How are you planning to leave? You’re my best friend, and I love you, Nyla, but you continue to make stupid choices.”
“What would you suggest I do?”
“Marry him. Pretend for a few months, then leave. You may even end up happy.” Cassandra said, like it was all so simple.
“Happy? With Vincenzo? Never. He keeps me under surveillance in his condo, but I know an opportunity will come at some point.”
“And where will you go?”
“I could leave the country.”
