Page 75 of Roman

“Yes.”

“That was retaliation—at least the start.”

He nodded.

“They’ll come after me next. Try to get to her.”

“No. They’re frightened of you. They will make contact, though. They’ll want compensation.”

I leaned my head back. “Yes.”

“I upped security at the estate and the hotel. They are scouring the building and parking areas. Everyone is on high alert.”

“Effie…” I trailed off. “Fuck, I have no idea how to tell her. She’ll hate me more than ever.”

“What happened last night, Roman?”

“It got heated. Things…happened.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yes. But she is angry.”

“There is a fine line between love and hate.”

I barked out a laugh. “I know which side of the line I’m on, Aldo. And after I tell her that her home and business are gone, that line will never be crossed again.”

“Have you told her about the Santini brothers yet? How they found her?”

“No.”

“Maybe it’s time you tell her the whole story. Let the chips fall where they may.”

I stared out the window. I already knew how they would fall.

Into dust, never to be whole again.

Effie was in the chair in the bedroom, her Kindle open on her lap. She wasn’t reading, though, but staring out the window. I studied her from the door. She looked as exhausted as I felt. Last night had flipped something in her, and I was about to add to it. I only hoped she could handle it.

I walked in and sat on the bed, facing her.

She tilted her head, studying me. She must have seen something in my expression, and she closed the device, leaning forward. “Roman, what is it?” Her eyes widened, and she reached out to clutch my arm. “Is it Nonna V?”

I was surprised she touched me, and I took full advantage of it and covered her hand in mine. On some level, I was pleased over her concern for Nonna, but it didn’t surprise me that she put aside her own feelings to reach out and care. “No, Nonna is fine. But I have bad news.”

Her hand tightened. “Tell me.”

“Bagels and Bites burned down this morning.”

She blinked. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Your building burned down. I’m sorry, Effie, there is nothing left.”

“But how—why? How did you know?”

“Aldo got a call from the police. Margi had given my name, and when they couldn’t reach me, they called him. We went to the scene right away.” I gripped her hand. “It’s all gone, Effie.”

I watched the news sink in. Myriad emotions played across her face. I saw that inner core of strength inside her tighten and come alive.