Why?
"Well, I don't want you going around killing innocent people."
He nods. "Okay, I get it. It's not what you're used to being involved in. Fine. But I assure you, Niko's done some shit worth dying for. We have to protect our family, Calli."
He turns and walks toward the door.
Little does he know Niko and our future baby are family that needs protecting, too.
"Now that you're home, we're having a meeting tonight," he adds, turning the doorknob. "All of us. Eight o'clock in the study. Don't be late."
His hand lingers on the knob before he looks back at me. "In the off chance you know something you haven't told me, now's the time. After tonight, it won't matter."
I freeze, my muscles locking instantly. He nods once, then shuts the door.
The silence that follows is so heavy it feels like I've sealed myself inside my own tomb.
23
CALLI
The front door to the main house closes behind me, and I step into the open air like I've just surfaced from deep water.
Every step across the path toward my house feels longer than it should. I'm aware of each and every security staff posted along the perimeter, their gazes flicking toward me and away. None of them speak, but I can't shake the feeling they somehow know everything.
Clearly, I'm not used to hiding such a big thing, and I feel everyone is already one step ahead of me.
By the time I reach my porch, my head is pounding. I fumble with my keys at the door, hands shaking so badly that I drop them. When I bend to pick them up, a wave of nausea rolls through me. I close my eyes, breathe through my nose, and wait for it to pass.
I get inside and shut the door, leaning against it. I close my eyes, trying to collect myself. Then I force my body forward, toss mykeys into the bowl by the entry table, and drop my purse on the table.
I sink into my couch and pull out my phone. It's been burning a hole in my pocket since I got off the plane.
Staring at my reflection in the black screen, I barely recognize the woman looking back. I'm exhausted and terrified.
I press the power button and wait for it to boot up. The black screen flickers to life. I unlock it, and the first vibration rattles through my palm, the notifications rolling in immediately.
It’s Keira.
How's Rome?
???
Did you tell him yet??
CALL ME!!!!
A small smile flashes across my face because her urgency is so Keira. But before I can even process those messages, a new name appears on the screen.
Niko.
My chest constricts, and I sit up straight. His unread messages start filling my screen, one after another.
Calli, answer your phone.
Come on.
Calli, what the fuck is going on?
