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“Yep,” Dante says, offering no further explanation.
“How do we know they’re not setting us up?” Nico asks again. My head ping-pongs between them.
“It’s not a trap. I need you to trust me. Let me do what I do best.” Dante shoves another spoonful into his mouth.
I remember Papa saying Dante was the enforcer. A people hunter.
“If he’s been attacking the Outfit and the Cosa Nostra the whole time, why is he just going into hiding now?” I ask.
“My guess is, because neither of us knew it was him. We thought it was the Outfit and vice versa. The men he sent to get you at the Black Rose failed, so their cover’s blown. Now he doesn’t want any smoke,” Dante answers.
This is a lot to take in.
“But Dom knows you were at the gala,” I say to Nico. “They still think you’re behind the attacks, and now they probably think you’re holding me against my will.” I look at Bash. “I need to call Pa—Cesare to let them know what I just found out and so I can get home.”
“We’ll help you,” Bash finally says.
What? I don’t remember asking for help. I just want to go home.
Dante and Enzo look up at him with their eyebrows sky-high, looking surprised by his decision. Nico didn’t take his eyes off me.
“You’ll help me get home?”
I need him to be clear.
“No. You’ll stay here under our protection, and we’ll help the Outfit locate Andrew Li. Once we find him, you can return to your family.”
“Does this mean I can call them?” I perk up.
Bash nods, picking up his fork. “Nico and I will be in the room. We need to make sure Cesare and Dominic understand the conditions.”
I nod, and to lighten the mood, I hold my drink up in agreement. The rest of dinner held lighter conversation. Mostly Bash updating the guys on the legal side of their business.
After we finish eating, Bash, Nico, and I head into Bash’s office so I can call my family. Bash doesn’t go to his desk. He gestures to the love seat, sitting on a leather chair by a giant fireplace. I bet they have one in every room. I sit on the love seat, and Nico sits by me.
“Why are you helping me?” I ask as Bash pours three glasses of whiskey.
Bash shrugs. “The Triad has been a pain in my ass these last few months. We’ve lost millions because of them. If there’s anything I can do to get Li out of my hair faster, I’ll do it. He won’t leave you alone—that’s trouble for all of us.”
Nico and Bash share a look I don’t understand. For some reason, I don’t believe him.
Nico
Someone knocks on the door, and Uncle Ricky comes in with a burner phone, hands it to Bash, and leaves with a nod.
Bash hands Anya the phone before he says, “Keep it short.”
She takes the phone and nods. She dials a number, and someone picks up almost immediately.
“Violante.”
He sounds like he’s trying to keep his voice calm. Anyone else would be fooled, but not me. He’s panicking.
“Dom!”
“Nat! Where the fuck are you? Are you okay? I swear to God if those Delucci bastards lay a hand on you—”
I snort at his statement, and I can hear commotion in the background. “Dom, listen to me.”
