“You did not think,” I correct as I snap my fingers.
Terry is there in an instant. “Sir?”
“Escort Miss Lombardi from the premises.”
I sit back in my chair as the bartender tries to pry a sobbing Danny from the floor. So much for not making a scene.
I look around for one of my more able-bodied men to assist, only for my attention to snag on a retreating figure about to push through the main exit—her black dress snags on Mia’s persistent feet at her heels.
When Cas’ turns so she can free herself, her face is streaked with tears.
My insides hollow out.
Did she just see that?
I’m on my feet a heartbeat later, pushing through the crowds to chase after her, not caring that everyone around me seems to be staring.
“Boss?” Teo’s voice crackles through my earpiece. “You might want to listen to what Lazzaro just said.”
“Not now,” I bite back.
“Did you know that Cassandra’s surname is Bellini?”
“I said, not now!”
I yank the damn thing from my ear and throw it to the ground.
Because it doesn’t matter. Even though it absolutely should.
I should be running after her to demand the answers I need, to confront her about being Carmine Bellini’s daughter.
Yet the only thing I can think about is how I’ve hurt her again. That she might think someone like Danny could hold my attention for even a second now thatshewas in my life.
That despite every inch of distance I have tried to put between us, my heart aches at the mere thought of it.
There is nothing rational that spurs my steps toward her.
Only the memory of her tear-stained face and the thunderous voice in my head screaming at me to make this right.
Someone grabs my arm before I can make it to the front doors.
“Haven’t you done enough?” Mia hisses at me.
“Remove your hand, or you will lose it.”
“I told her to stay away from you.”
I turn to look at the redhead. She has the decency to swallow her next words and let go.
Vaguely, I’m aware that she curses as I push through the front doors of theCandelabra.
“Cassandra!” I start shouting into the night.
But she’s nowhere in sight.
I mindlessly begin to stride forward, taking in every face that passes by.
It’s a cool night, and it’s nearing the early hours of the morning. There are enough people around for her to get lost in, but not enough to find anyone sober to ask if they’ve seen her pass by.
