Page 25 of Under His Protection

Romeo huffed. “And he referenced us? Directly?”

In the corner where his video showed, Franco nodded. “He did. Stefan’s been trying to set up new deals, particularly with the movement of guns, but no one wants to work with him after how he’d sided with the Dominos. He’s been telling others that the Constellas would vouch for him.”

I growled and rubbed a hand over my face. “The fuck he can.”

“I lost all faith in Stefan when he sided with the Dominos and backed them up,” Romeo said.

He stole the words right out of my mouth. “And I don’t trust him one bit now,” I added.

“They’ve lost a lot,” Franco said. “It’s not surprising that Stefan’s desperate for something solid as a backup.”

I shook my head. “He needs to look elsewhere.”

“He’s not even looking,” Romeo said. “He’s going around and just assuming that he can count on us to stand with him.”

“He can’t.” Annoyance burned hotter within me. “He can’t presume that I give a shit about him now. Just because we were good friends long ago doesn’t mean that holds true now.”

Franco sighed. “This puts Vanessa in a new perspective too. She’s been so forward and making it known that she wants you…”

I clenched my jaw. “Which started when it looked like the Dominos would be finished, and Stefan would lose alongside them.”

“This is bullshit,” Romeo seethed.

I hated the idea of anyone else seeing me as Stefan’s ally. It was a false notion, and I had to stop the spread of that nonsense sooner than later. Starting with this dinner. I bet some of the men at Escott’s would’ve heard about Stefan’s lies by now, and it would be an excellent place to correct them and set them straight.

“I will not align with the Giovannis.” I looked at both of their images on the video call, making sure they heard this as directly and firmly as possible. “Not with Stefan. Not with Vanessa.”

They agreed and disconnected after confirming that they’d make sure to convey that to everyone else.

Charged with impatience to get to this dinner and do damage control for Stefan talking about something that wouldn’t happen, this fantasy of my friendship and vouching for him, I entered the shop and strode toward the fitting rooms.

“Nina?”

She squeaked, then some shuffles sounded from behind the fitting room’s stall door. “Yeah?”

“Hurry it up. Let’s go.”

I turned to get back to the car, seething and rehearsing how I’d dissuade anyone from thinking I’d back my former friend in any future deals.

10

NINA

Nina

Inearly jumped out of my skin at Dante’s rough order to move it. I didn’t have much time to pick something suitable for Escott’s, a fine establishment I never in a million years thought I’d go to. But the indecision I battled was fierce, worse than the pressing short deadline.

“I’m telling you,” the boutique’s employee said. She rolled her eyes so quickly I could’ve missed it. “Trust me on this. Get this one.”

She was too pushy, likely wanting to make the commission on selling this designer gown. Her imploring me like that, to “trust” her, wasn’t a show of sisterly advice given because she was an expert. It felt more like a joke. Like she was flaunting her supposed know-how that I lacked.

“I know it’s probably not what you’re familiar with…” She emphasized the dig by scooting past the chair where I’d placed my shirt and jeans. While Eva handled the online shopping for a new wardrobe to suit someone of the Constella caliber of wealth, I had yet to actually wear any of the designer garments. I had been sitting around reading at the mansion, not going anywhere with Dante to look good.

Until now.

His dinner “invitation” surprised me, but I’d known something would be coming.

However, my gut instinct about this so-called gown wouldn’t quiet. I felt exposed, literally, with the deep cuts and flashiness of the clingy material. I felt out of my comfort zone, wearing this provocative dress. For dinner?

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