“She told me about you last night.I don’t know what you did to my little girl, but thank you, Adriano.I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard her that excited.Ever since the accident, when she lost her best friend—I’m sure she told you all about that—she’s been withdrawn.And yesterday, she finally called and even invited us over for the weekend.”The happiness in her voice is as clear as day.“Thank you, Adriano.I really don’t know how to thank you for bringing our daughter back.”
She says it all so fast that I have no idea how to reply.I don’t even know how to feel about Capri telling her mother about me.“You’re welcome,” I mutter, even though I know I’m supposed to say something else.
“Is Capri there with you?I’ve been trying to reach her for some time now.”
“She’s asleep.I can let her know you called once she’s awake.She’ll give you a call back.”
“Okay.I’d appreciate that.I can’t wait to meet you—” I swallow.“Good night, Adriano.”
“Good night.”
I feel a little guilty hiding the truth from her.But she only just thanked me for bringing her daughter back from the brink of oblivion.Telling her that some members of the Mafia might have kidnapped her daughter and that I’m at fault might be a little too much for her to handle.
I promised her daughter that I’d protect her, and I’ve failed woefully.Capri trusted me, and I wasn’t even here when she needed me the most.If only I hadn’t walked away when I came here last night, I’d have known something was wrong.
I let out a frustrated shout and punch the wall.I’m going to make this right.I made a promise to Capri, and I’m going to keep it even if it’s the last thing I do.
I have a good idea who is behind this.He had subtly threatened me at the party, but I didn’t think he’d have the guts to make a move on me.My phone buzzes just in time.I check my caller ID.It’s exactly who I have in mind.
“Hello, Adriano.”His sadistic voice filters through my speakers.
“Simeone.Did you call me to gloat?”
“Not really.I was hoping you’d call earlier, but I got tired of waiting.”
“I swear on my parents’ graves that if any harm comes to her, I’ll find you and peel your skin off your bones.And when you finally beg me to kill you, I’ll burn your entire family in front of you, then burn you, too.”
“Great!It actually means you care about her.When you didn’t call, I began to think I had the wrong person.You and I have got some scores to settle, Adriano.I’ll send you an address.You know what to do.”
He hangs up, and a message pops up almost immediately.That bastard.I’m going to kill him.
Chapter Eight
Capri
The cold bites at myskin, seeping into my bones.It’s been an entire day, and no one has come for me.My parents probably think I’m back in my hole and aren’t looking for me.Adriano hasn’t come to see me in days and probably wouldn’t even notice I’m missing.I’m in this mess because of him.Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten myself involved with him.What did I think getting involved with a gangster would bring me?I should have known those green eyes and that perfectly sculpted and inked body would only bring me trouble.
