Page 65 of Maddest Temptation

I ran my thumb under my lower lip trying to calm down. That’s when Vitelli stood up and began walking toward me.

“Can you at least tell me where you are?” I heard her silence and then she told me no. I cursed inward, looked up at the ceiling and tried not to lose my composure.

“Stay where you are,” I ordered. “I’m coming to get you.”

Listening to Francesca cry left me enraged. I had the need to strangle someone. Something had happened and someone was going to pay for hurting her.

“I have to go,” I told Vitelli as he approached me.

“Right now, in the middle of a meeting?” he asked me skeptically.

“Yes,” I answered as I made my way towards the table. “Gentlemen, I’m sorry, but I must leave. As you said, life of a Capo.” I extended my hand towards Romeo. “My brother will escort you back to your jet,” I explained.

“You’re leaving?” Apollo sounded offended.

Romeo took my hand, despite his brother’s outrage, and shook it. “Until next time, Moretti, we have lots to discuss.”

I picked up my jacket from behind the chair and put it on. Vitelli followed me as I exited the restaurant. “Take them straight to their jet—no detours,” I said.

“Where are you going?”

“Just do as you’re told, Vitelli, don’t fucking question me right now.”

“Yes, Capo,” he said with an attitude that would have earned him a punch if I weren’t in a hurry.

I entered my car and turned the engine of my Porsche 911 roaring it to life. I called Vince as soon as the phone connected to the Bluetooth. “Where is Francesca?” were my first words.

“She left the hospital Boss,” he said, sounding guilty.

I pinched my nose. “And where the hell did she go?”

Silence.

“Vince?” I tried to maintain my calm. “You better know where she is?”

“She was at her father’s, Boss. I have eyes on her right now.”

Thank fuck. If he didn’t, then Vince would have to suffer for it.

My heart was beating as fast as my Porsche. Why she was near her father’s house? I could not tell, but I knew something had happened between them. It must have been bad enough for her to call me. We weren’t exactly on the best of terms.

I drove towards Donato’s neighborhood in a hurry, swerving through the traffic like a maniac. It was night, and despite Vince having his eyes on her, I was afraid that something might happen.

She was a beacon in the dark night, her blonde hair shining bright, lighting her up like a fallen star. I would have recognized Francesca anywhere. She was walking fast—head down. Good thing I had specifically told her to stay put.

I parked my car and quickly got out. “Francesca,” I called out.

She jumped, dropped her phone on the ground, and placed a hand on her chest. I approached her slowly; Francesca swayed, and I quickly moved to steady her.

She looked at me but averted her gaze instantly. “What are you doing here?” She sounded surprised.

“What do you mean?” I was still holding on to her, she was freezing. “You called, Francesca.”

“You shouldn’t have come.” She looked at her hands and then used one to wipe a tear away. Then she winced making it even worse.

I removed my jacket and was about to place it around her shoulders when she flinched. “Shit,” I hissed. “I’m not going to hurt you.” I tried to keep my anger at bay.

She nodded and winced at the same time. This time, I slowly placed my jacket around her shoulders and pulled it close. Francesca was still not looking at me.

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