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“You were fucked over that night, too,” Soren hissed. “Weren’t you?”
“Now we know why.” I finished my drink before standing. “Is there anything else you can tell me?”
He shook his head. “Without knowing if Collins is telling the truth or not, I can’t be sure. Just keep your wits about you. Don’t go fucking her without us knowing for sure who she is.”
“Nothing to worry about there,” I said. “She’s already put distance between us, and I can’t remember the last time she said hello to me.”
“Good, that’s all the better for you,” Soren replied. “Send me a copy of that video, and I’ll add it to the file we have now.”
I gave him a crooked grin. “You sure it’s not for your personal consumption?”
He flipped me off. “Asshole.”
With a wave, I was off. Benny and Antonio were in front of me and behind me. Now that I knew who the mole was, I had to figure out how much Brooke was aware of, and who she was selling the information to besides Mario. I also needed to figure out if Collins was really Stephanie. Because, if she was, I had a whole new set of problems dropped into my lap.
“We’re going home,” I said to my men. “Who has eyes on Brooke right now besides Soren?”
“Frankie does,” Benny answered. “He’s been reporting back frequently since the night Robbie hooked up with her and took the jewelry.”
“Good. Have him report to me in the morning,” I stated. “I need to know what else he’s found out.”
“I’ll let him know now.” Benny sent the text while Antonio got behind the wheel.
Next on my list of things to do, find Collins and make her talk to me. Our relationship, even as boss and staff was strained. Our pseudo-friendship more so. I wanted to protect her from whatever was going on in her life, but I couldn’t do that if she didn’t let me in a little. Even if what she told me hurt me more than continuing with the lie.
When we arrived at the house, the lights were off, except for a few in the cottage. As I started across the walk to the backdoor, the door to the cottage opened and Lucas exited carrying Rocca; Collins was hot on his heels. Fear knotted my gut. Had something happened to my daughter while I’d been out? Had Brooke used the opportunity to strike back at me, or worse, Torino’s men?
I hurried to their side. Rocca was asleep in Lucas’ arms. She was unharmed. Some of the worry and fear bled from me. “Did something happen?” My tone was harsh. I winced when Collins jerked, taking a step back from me. Damn it, could I do nothing right in her eyes? “Is everyone all right?”
“We’re fine,” Collins quipped, narrowing her eyes at me. In what? Anger? Resentment? Both? I couldn’t blame her if it was both. I’d done everything wrong with her. With her, I’d been impulsive and irrational. I led with anger, even though I had no reason to be mad. She confounded me. Tied me in knots. I didn’t like the easily frustrated version of myself whenever I was around her.
“Let me get the door.” I hurried in front of them, opening up the house so Lucas could carry her in. “I’ll get her up to her room now.”
“If you don’t mind, I can do it,” Lucas whispered. He didn’t wait for my answer. He brushed past me, heading up the stairs to Rocca’s bedroom.
“What in God’s name happened tonight?” I tried to keep my tone level, but the worry and fright of seeing Rocca in Lucas’ arms, along with what I’d learned from Soren, had me coming out of my skin.
“Nothing,” Collins said. “Rocca wanted to hang out with us. So, I said it was fine. I made us dinner. She watched movies with Lucas and I, then fell asleep about forty minutes ago. I didn’t want her here alone, so I waited for you to get back.”
I sagged. Of course, Rocca would come to Collins. “I’m sorry. I’ve had a terrible night, and I took it out on you and Lucas. Forgive me?”
“Nothing to forgive. I get it. I’m the same way with my brother since his accident. She really is a good kid, Miceli.” Well, at least she said my name. That was something. “Do you want to talk about what happened tonight?”
This could be my opening. The one chance I might have to get the truth from Collins. “If you don’t mind. I could put on coffee for us or grab another bottle of wine out of the cellar?”
She paled. “No wine. Coffee’s fine.”
I chuckled. “Sounds perfect. I’ll go up and say goodnight to Rocca, then prepare our late-night snack.”
“Sure. I’ll wait for Lucas to return.”
“The entertainment room is fine,” I said as I exited the kitchen. “If you want to wait there.”
Collins said nothing else as I made my way to my daughter’s room. Passing Lucas in the hall, I thanked him for his help. The boy’s gaze softened before he answered with a “no problem.” Brooke’s involvement with this whole mess had gotten the better of me. The paranoia of the situation only put me on higher alert, which caused me to bark at people who didn’t deserve my ire. I needed to get myself under control before I did or said something stupid. Because if I didn’t, I might get someone hurt or worse, myself.
After tucking in Rocca and kissing her forehead, I returned to the kitchen to make us a pot of coffee. Lucas was gone already, and Collins sat on the couch waiting for me. I could kick myself for all the terrible things I’d done to her. She drove me crazy, yet saying as much out loud would be an excuse for taking advantage of her. That day in the kitchen, Collins braced against the sink, my fingers bringing her to climax in my arms... I’d masturbated to that image more times than I could count. It’d also been wrong of me. I’d used my power and position to seduce her. If given half the chance and if we hadn’t been interrupted, I would have had sex with her right there.
There was no doubt in my mind.
