Page 115 of Ruthless Mafia Daddy

“I can’t believe this.” I groan. “Are you alone?”

“I met up with Emilia, but she took off with some guy so I was going to head back home, but this guy’s been harassing me. I’ve already fought him off once, but he’s not getting the message. I’m hiding in the bathroom, but I know he’s waiting outside.”

I put my phone on speaker as Rosa talks, hastily pulling on a pair of leggings and a jumper as I try to think through what to do. “We should tell Andre.”

“No! Please Lila, you can’t tell Marco or Andre. They’ll kill me if they find out I snuck out.”

“How the hell did you get past Xander?” I press. “You know what, it doesn’t matter. What matters is getting you the hell out of there.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger, trying to think through a plan that doesn’t result in Andre wanting to kill us both for disobeying him.

“Lila, you have to help me.” Rosa’s voice breaks. “You’re the only person I can trust.”

I’m touched by the comment, and I’m glad that she can feel comfortable enough around me.

“You’re going to have to help me get out of the house, Rosa.”

“Oh, my god, thank you, Lila. I owe you one.”

“You owe me a million, but we’ll get to that later. Now, I’m assuming you climbed out the window?”

Rosa instructs me to head to her bedroom, so I do as she says.

I tread lightly across the carpet, praying that Xander is a deep sleeper. He’s been put in the room beside Rosa’s, but as I pass it, I freeze at the sight of the open door.

36

LILA

That open door can only mean one thing. And it is not good news.

“Everything okay, Miss Morano?”

I jump at the sound of Xander’s voice behind me, my heart pounding in my throat.

Fuck, I knew it.

I turn to find him wearing jeans and a black T-shirt that hugs his biceps, carrying a plate of leftovers from dinner.

“Uh, yes.” I force a smile.

Xander’s eyes narrow as he glances down at my attire, and I silently curse myself for not keeping my pajamas on at least until I was inside Rosa’s room.

“Going somewhere?”

“Rosa messaged me, asking if I wanted to have a slumber party with her.” I wave my phone. “This house gets a little…lonely when Andre and Marco are away.” I ramble on, hoping Xander buys my reasoning for sneaking into Rosa’s room.

“Sure.” Xander’s eyes are still narrowed. “If you need anything?—”

“I’ll make sure to call for you.”

Xander hesitates a moment longer before disappearing inside his room.

I exhale, waiting a moment to ensure he’s not coming back out before hurrying over to Rosa’s room and sliding inside.

Turning on the light, I’m met with a sea of pale pink and lavender. It’s the sort of bedroom I would have loved to have had as a teenager, with a huge four-poster bed with a white canopy, a vanity covered in makeup and perfume bottles, and a wall of bookshelves that have been color coordinated.

Unlocking my phone, I call Rosa back, making sure to keep my voice low in case Xander decides to come snooping. “Rosa?”

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