Font Size:  

Tasha’s hands fall to her hips. “You will not ‘handle’ him! This has nothing to do with you. I don’t need him turning up in a body bag.”

“I’ve said nothing about harming him,” Giovanni says. “But wewillbe paying him a visit. You will never have to worry about him putting his hands on you again.”

By the tight expression on Tasha’s face, she still doesn’t agree. It’s next to impossible to object to Giovanni when he’s in Mafia boss mode, even for someone as headstrong as Tasha. She huffs out an agitated breath and then marches out the room. Louis follows, firing off more questions about Kilroy’s whereabouts.

Fuck.

Giovanni and I stand on opposite sides of the huge hotel suite, so abruptly alone, I don’t know what to do or say. I consider tagging along with Tasha and Louis and then wonder if I can sneak off to the bathroom. Before I’ve made up my mind, Giovanni finally speaks to me.

“Falynn, you cannot stay in this room either. It’s been paid for by this man. He will be next-door. As Tasha’s friend, you will be on his radar.”

“True. I’ll book a flight home.”

Tension buzzes in the air as Giovanni simply stares but remains silent. I busy myself with grabbing the cold compress off the coffee table and walking it to the bathroom. The nerves in my stomach have only intensified. I don’t know how to act around him anymore.

If I look him in the eye, I’ll be putty. My brain will go blank again. My heart might actually explode.

I force another shaky breath, feeling hot. “Giovanni…thanks for coming to help Tasha. I didn’t mean to get you involved. I thought only Louis would show up.”

“Never apologize for seeking anything from me. Everything I have is yours, Falynn. No matter what we are to each other, that will always be the case. If you need help, you can always call on me. I will be there.”

I can’t fight the pull. My gaze flits to his by accident, by the magnetic pull of his alone. As soon as they meet, my breath runs short again. I can’t look away even if I tried. Giovanni’s effect on me is just that strong and inevitable.

How is he so calm and collected?

Ugh.Nobody ever said life is fair.

My heart flutters knowing he’s serious—if I ever need him, no matter the reason, he will drop everything for me.

“It seems Tasha has agreed to stay at the Vittoria,” he says. “You are more than welcome to join her. You don’t need to rush off on the next flight if you would rather stay with your friend and ensure she’s okay first.”

My arms come up to my chest like a shield. I need one to protect my heart whenever Giovanni’s concerned. “Probably not a good idea…”

“Falynn, you have my word I won’t impose on you in any way. I’ll give you both your privacy. I won’t interfere beyond paying a visit to Kilroy with Louis. You and Tasha can do as you like.”

He’s kept his word these past seven months. As far as I know, he’s stayed away from me. He’s granted me my freedom. I give a slow nod.

“Okay,” I say, tension pulsing through me, “but just for a night.”

Giovanni plays it cool—exceptfor the briefest slip. It’s so small, I almost miss it. He remains composed as I agree to staying at the Vittoria, but before he can stop himself, I catch the slight shift in his expression. The quickest flash of relief that vanishes as his composure overpowers it.

He’srelievedI’ll be staying at the Vittoria. Even if it’s just for a night.

“Very well,” he says calmly. “I’ll go make arrangements. You can follow Louis downstairs.”

He disappears in another second, gone from the hotel room as suddenly as he’s reappeared in my life.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
Articles you may like