“Miss Mendez.”
I turn.
It’s one of the drivers.
“Mr. D’Amico would like you back at the office.”
Not a suggestion.
The executive floor is quiet when I return.
Frankie and his friends are gone—ushered into Raffaele’s office, probably, or sent away entirely.
I sit down. Try to stop my hands from shaking. Fail.
Raffaele’s door is closed. I can hear muffled voices behind it—the meeting continuing, or wrapping up, I can’t tell.
I wait.
A few minutes later, the door opens. Frankie and the others file out, barely glancing at me.
Then silence.
“Bea.” His voice from the doorway.
He’s leaning against his desk when I enter.
The door clicks shut behind me.
“Lovely day for a walk.”
“I needed air.”
“Three blocks’ worth?” He doesn’t move. Doesn’t raise his voice. “You stopped at the crosswalk. Stood there for two full minutes.”
“The light took long.”
“The light changed three times.” He finally looks at me. “You didn’t cross.”
I have no response to that.
“That’s what I find interesting.” He pushes off the desk and takes a step toward me. “Not that you ran—anyone would run. But that you stopped yourself.”
Another step. I hold my ground.
“Why?”
“Because I’m not stupid.”
“There’s that.” He stops in front of me. “But that’s not the only reason, is it?”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Nothing you don’t mean.”
He reaches out. His finger traces along my collar. Adjusting it. Barely touching skin. The contact sends electricity down my spine. I can only hope he doesn’t notice the goosebumps spreading along my skin.
“I told you there’d be consequences for disobedience.”
