Page 21 of Casino King

“I have to go. Luca just walked in and we have to talk some things over.”

“I have to go, too. Talk soon.”

Hanging up, I lean back in my chair and scrub my hands up and down my face.

Sometimes my family name weighs so heavy on my shoulders that I wonder how my back hasn’t crumbled under the pressure. But then, like right now, I remember what that name represents, and the weight just strengthens rather than destroys me.

My mind wanders back to Tessa and how she doesn’t know what the Carfano name means yet. I could tell in the way she didn’t react when I told her who I was.

She may not know now, but she’ll soon find out what it means to be with a Carfano man.

Chapter 7

Tessa

I was so mad at Alec for telling my bosses at the diner and studio that I couldn’t work for a week. I even tried to call them and tell them I was okay to come in, but they insisted they were fine and I needed to rest and get better. I know they don’t know for what reason, but their concern was evident, and I thought that was so sweet. I hadn’t realized they cared about me like that.

I’m also reluctant to admit that I enjoyed this past week. I went to the beach a few times, my first time this summer, and I made myself my favorite dinners and watched endless movies and shows that have been piling up on my DVR.

It’s sad to admit, but it was the first time I had a week off in…well…ever. I’ve never taken a vacation. I don’t know the last time I requested off, or if I ever even have. I’ve only called out sick a couple of times in the past six years I’ve worked at Lucy’s Diner and the dance studio.

It’s Friday again though, and there’s no way I’m not dancing in the show. The bruises on my face and arm have faded drastically, and it’s nothing my show makeup can’t cover.

Alec has kept his distance this week, which has been making me go a little crazy. I spent the night at his place, he’s all demanding and protective of my safety, and then silence. Nothing. I still have my bodyguard though.

Every night I went to sleep with him on my mind, his dark eyes lulling me under, and every morning I woke up wishing that when I opened them, I was looking out floor-to-ceiling windows that showed me the bright sun, ocean, and the city I’ve grown to call home over almost a decade now.

Grabbing my gym bag, I open my front door to find Enzo leaning against the wall of my apartment.

“Hi, Enzo,” I greet. “How are you?”

“I’m alright. How are you?”

“Good, thank you. I’m sorry you were given the task of following me. That can’t be what you want to be doing.”

“It’s not so bad. You don’t go anywhere that would be awkward for me.”

“And where would that be?” I laugh.

“Male strip show, lady stores, lady doctor–”

“Okay, please stop.” I laugh again, holding up my hand. “And what’s a lady store?”

“I don’t know.” He shrugs. “Bras, panties, lingerie. Boss would kill me if I had to see you trying shit on like that.”

“Okay, okay, okay. Enzo, first you’d have to be in the dressing room with me to see that, and that wouldn’t happen. And second, I don’t buy lingerie. You can feel free to report that back to Alec.”

Smiling, he shakes his head. “Ready to go? I’m driving you tonight.”

“Why? Sick of tailing me?”

“It would be easier if I just drove you, yes, but tonight you won’t need your car.”

“Why?”

“Because Alec says so.”

“And I’m supposed to do what he says?”

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