Page 76 of Barinov

“Eyes?”

“The Luceros were clients of my cousin’s,” he admits. “Carlos would send us updates on you from time to time.”

My heartbeat races in my chest. That name sending a sick chill down my spine.

Did this fucker just admit that he got me put in Miami?!

Breathe, Bella. Do not snap again.

“You knew Carlos?” I ask, taking another sip.

“Never met him personally but I had dealings with him over the years,” he confirms.

“Did you know that he—” I start.

Stop. Don’t freak out. Let it go.

“Never mind,” I mutter. “Keep going.”

His eyes narrow, but he doesn’t press the subject. “Like I said, I needed eyes on you once you left Miami. Insert Ivan.”

“You said you’re cousins, right?” I press.

He nods.

“But they’re Polish and you’re Italian.”

“Half-Italian,” he corrects. “My mother was from Poland.”

I push my lasagna aside, appetite officially gone. “I see.”

“You alright, my love?” he asks, reaching for my hand.

“I’m fine,” I lie. “Just trying to piece it all together is all.”

He smiles softly, like he’s proud of me for even attempting to understand this mess. “It’s a lot, I know. But just remember, everything I’ve done, everything that’s happened… it was all so we could be together again.”

This guy, I swear.

“Why take Zeke? Why the poems? Why not just take me when you saw me at Ditmas Park that day after we shot—”

Slow down, bitch.

I take a deep breath. “I just don’t get it.”

Luca’s smile is faint. “Because timing is everything, my love. I didn’t want to just take you. I wanted you to choose to come home to me.”

He reaches for his wine again, utterly unbothered by the insanity of the words flowing from his mouth. “Your brother was… how do I say this?” He stops himself. “Convenient. I knew he’d be useful for me.”

He smiles to himself. “And you used to smile every time you found one of my poems in your locker.”

“That wasn’t me,” I whisper.

“No…” he says softly. “It was.”

His gaze sharpens slightly.

“But when you got distracted by the brute and the painter, I realized I needed to be a little more direct with everything. I got jealous. Angry.” He gives one small shrug. “It happens.”