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I look at him over my shoulder. “Why did you two get into a fight?”
Antonio watches me closely before answering. “He said someone might be a spy for my uncle.”
I try to not tense. “Oh?”
“Yeah. Things with Franco didn’t go according to plan. Killian pointed out that maybe someone is a spy. Your father specifically.” I keep my face neutral as Antonio talks. “But when I pointed out your father gave me you and it wouldn’t make sense for him to be a spy, Killian made a comment.”
“What kind of comment?” My heart is pounding, and I can only hope Antonio doesn’t feel it.
“That maybeyouwere working for my uncle.”
“What?” I pull away from him. Antonio still watches me closely. “I don’t … No! I’m not working for you uncle.” And that’s the truth. I don’t want to do what Franco and my father want from me.
Antonio pulls me back into him and gives me a kiss. “I know. I told Killian that was absurd. And it … pissed me off. So, I hit him. Multiple times. Not my finest moment.”
After taking a deep breath, I settle back against him. “So, that explains your knuckles.” I give each of his knuckles a kiss.
“I accused Killian of being the spy.”
A flash of guilt passes through me. I know exactly who the spy is, and I could tell Antonio right now, but … I don’t. The fear for my sister keeps my silent.
“Do you really think he is?” I ask.
Antonio lets out a rough breath. “I’m not sure. Killian hasn’t given me any reason to doubt him, but neither has your father. There was something though that you told me …” He traces his fingertips down my arm, sending goosebumps over me. “You told me he cheated on your mom. Now, I wouldn’t normally care what another man does in his spare time, but if that’s any indication of him as a person … Do you think he could betray me?”
I swallow hard. “Antonio …” I have no clue what to say. I want to tell him the truth. That’s there a bottle of poison in the kitchen just waiting to be poured into his glass. That if I don’t kill him soon, my father will beat my sister.
The thing is … I’ve seen Antonio quick to temper. At the gym with that guy Chris and now with Killian. Who’s to say Antonio wouldn’t try to hurt me if he found out the truth? My father has put me in an impossible spot, caught between two very scary men.
“No,” I finally say, lying to Antonio even though it breaks my heart. “My father wouldn’t betray you.” It’s like speaking through concrete. Almost impossible, but I do it anyway.
Antonio relaxes against the couch, smiling softly. “That’s good to hear coming from you. I trust you, Nina. I want you to know that.”
Another flash of guilt.
When will it end? I know the answer.
When either Antonio or me is dead.
* * *
“Killian is in the hospital,”Antonio tells me the following day. “Shit. I didn’t realize I hurt him that bad.”
“Do you want to go talk to him?”
He gets up from the kitchen table, turning away from me. “I’m not even sure what to say. I’m sorry for hitting you so hard you’re in the hospital? I’m still pissed about the accusations he made against you. I don’t know if I can see him.”
“I get it. But you can use all the allies you can get.” And I know for a fact Killian is actually on Antonio’s side. The guilt of knowing Killian got hurt because of what he said, when he wasn’t technically wrong, ate at me all night.
“You’re right.” Antonio stands up straighter. “I should see him.”
“Can I … come?” I ask.
He looks surprised but not suspicious, which I take as a good sign. “Sure. But why? You don’t know Killian all that well.”
“I just want to be there for you.” And find a way to apologize to Killian for the truth without telling him the truth.
“You have such a kind heart.” He kisses me, and it sends the guilt pit straight to the bottom of my stomach.
