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The beginning of the end was drawing near.
As I watched her cross the street, a strange sense of knowing filtered into the back of my mind. Was there a chance myleonessawas playing me after all? Was she working with her brother or fighting against the horrors of what she might face?
After tonight I’d know the truth.
And something my mother had always told me. The truth would set me free. In this case, the truth would put an end to years of torment. A dull ringing echoed in my ears as my anger increased all over again.
I refused to be played for a fool.
By Franco. By her brother. And by the girl I’d never been able to stop thinking about. Yet no one would ever lay a finger on myleonessaagain.
But the man who’d been fated to own her.
CHAPTER13
Lucia
“You lucky dog, you,” Joy said, her jovial voice almost grating since I had her on the speaker phone.
“I guess we’ll see.” I glanced at myself in the bathroom mirror, nodding in approval. While I wasn’t into the dating scene, the last one ending with my punching the guy in the nose, I’d also never been this nervous.
Maybe part of the reason was his heritage. Would Enzo stoop so low as to hire someone to seduce me? No. The thought was crazy. That would void whatever contract had been put into place between Giuseppe Romano and my father. Still, a slight nagging remained, which had reminded me to carry my weapon tonight.
“Jesus. You’re fucking the hottest man on the planet and you’re acting as if you’re heading for a full day at the dentist.”
“Very funny.” I checked my makeup, blotting my nose with powder for the fifth time if not more. It was one of my quirky nervous habits.
“Why are you so concerned?”
“I’m not concerned. I’m actually considering your suggestion seriously.” Was I?
“Which one? I’ve had dozens of delicious ideas.”
I lifted an eyebrow, shaking my head. “About suggesting marriage.”
“Ho-ly fuck a duck.”
“Would you stop using that expression? You sound like you’re stuck in the past.” There was no reason for me to be nervous, but the jitters had remained furrowing in my stomach since I’d returned home. It wasn’t anything Nicolo had said. Maybe it was more about Enzo and his threats.
“That’s awesome. Did you talk to him? Do you think he’s a deadbeat or what?”
“No, I have a feeling he’s definitely not a deadbeat,” I said, laughing. I’d sensed a certain aura surrounding him that I couldn’t quite put my finger on. He certainly wasn’t some enemy soldier acting on orders either. They were easy to spot.
“Where is he taking you to dinner?”
“I have no idea.”
“Hmmm… This is so very unlike you. You usually barrage the guy with questions, which is why I think you haven’t gone on but so many second dates.”
Her giggling fit made me roll my eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“What are you wearing?”
“A red dress.”
“The one that shows off that sexy body of yours?”
Sighing, I pressed my hand against the bodice, almost wishing I’d selected something less revealing. Was it possible I was trying to create an irresistible need? That wasn’t me. I didn’t flaunt myself for anyone. “That one.”
