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I sit on the bed, my throat tight, my belly buzzing with nerves. It’s not fair. A few minutes ago, I was in a dream. Elio’s hand was blazing pleasure between my legs. I forgot everything: my fear, doubt, inexperience, Mom and Dad, even the debt.
I’m sorry, Scarlet. I’ve gone to find your father. He called me when you were at work and told me where he is. It’s not a good neighborhood. It’s even worse than ours if you can imagine it. I should be back before you have a chance to read this note. I love you. Be strong.
“Maybe she’ll be back by morning,” I mutter, handing the note to Elio.
He reads it, his jaw tight, the tension in him easily readable. “There’s not enough information here. Do you have any idea where she’s talking about?”
“N-no,” I say, wiping my cheeks. These tears are so annoying. “Dad’s the one who disappears. Mom usually waits until he’s back. If she’s gone too, he must’ve told her he’s somewhere awful.”
“In this city, that doesn’t narrow it down much.” Elio takes out his phone. “That settles it then.”
“Settles what?”
“You’re staying at my parents’ place.”
“What?”
“It’s the most secure location in this city. A penthouse with twenty-four-hour security. It’s far more secure than my apartment.”
“But what if Mom comes back?”
“I’ll have some men waiting just in case. They can bring her to you.”
“But—”
He spins on me, and suddenly, I see the don, Elio Marino, not the man I just kissed. I see the darkness in his eyes, the capacity for violence. “This isn’t a discussion anymore. You’re not staying here. That’s the end of it.”
“But what if she doesn’t come back?”
“We’ll find her and your dad,” he says.
“I’ve got work tomorrow.”
“Not anymore, you don’t,” he grunts. “Pack a bag. We’re leaving soon. Don’t fight me on this. If I have to kidnap you, goddamn it, I will, Scarlet.” He looms over me, veins bulging in his neck. “Have I made myself clear?”
I glare up at him, but what other choice do I have? Maybe it’s a naïve reason, but after kissing him, after being intimate with him, I’m convinced he’s not tricking me.
“Promise me you’ll find her,” I say, stepping forward, close enough so we’re almost touching.
“I’ve lived too long in this city to make promises like that,” he replies.
“No,” I almost yell. I grab his arms and squeeze him tightly like I was minutes ago, except this is an entirely different kind of passion. “You have to promise. You have to. I can’t lose Mom.”
He swallows, leans down, and brushes his lips against my cheek. Then he finds my lips. We kiss, the steaminess tempting me to melt against him, forgetting about the heartache, stress, and doubt. I want to forget about Mom and Dad and just be with Elio.
Pushing against his chest, I lean away. “Promise me.”
He sighs darkly. “I promise, Scarlet. I’ll find her, but I’m not risking you. Pack a bag. Now.”
I turn away, leaving the room. In my bedroom, as I pack my ratty old suitcase—the one I used to dream about filling with clothes for college—it’s like I’m watching myself. I’m in the corner of the room, watching this scared woman get ready to go and live with the mafia boss and his parents. It’s almost too surreal for me to take seriously.
Once I’ve stuffed some clothes into the suitcase, I carry it into the living room. Elio is on the phone, pacing up and down. “That’s right. No. Just sit tight and tell me if anybody comes by. Yeah, exactly. Easy work.”
He hangs up, turning to me. “Ready?”
“I think so,” I murmur. “It’s just…”
He walks over to me, so huge, so experienced. It’s crazy to think how steamy we were getting not that long ago. He takes the suitcase from me, holding it with one hand. With the other, he brushes the hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear.
