Page 95 of Now and Forever

As we walked toward the living room, I realized not only did I trust Armando’s instinct, but I also appreciated his presence. “Don’t you think it’s about time for me to have my own elevator card?”

“That would be a question for Mr. Luciano.”

We both scoffed.

The elevator button lit.

My pulse kicked up, my eyes opening wide. “Who is coming up? It’s not Dario.” I met Armando’s stare. “Rocco? How?”

Armando reached for his gun as I took a step back behind him.

The elevator doors opened.

Piero and Rocco stepped into the foyer, turning to see Armando’s weapon raised.

“Stop,” Armando demanded. “Mr. Moretti, Mrs. Luciano doesn’t want to speak with you tonight.”

Rocco’s lips curled. “There’s no need for a gun.”

Armando didn’t lower his weapon.

Rocco turned to me. “Catalina, hear me out. I’m coming to you as your brother-in-law. There are things you don’t know about your husband.”

I took a step away from Armando. “I’d prefer to have this conversation with Dario present.”

“You don’t understand. He’s betrayed his oath. Shit is going to happen. Mia is downstairs, and she insisted that we come and get you to safety.”

“Piero,” I said, “please take Mr. Moretti back down to the garage, and give Mrs. Moretti my apologies.”

Piero took a step toward Rocco, who lifted his hands.

“You’re not throwing me out.” He laughed. “You think you can walk into the famiglia and tellmewhat to do?” He narrowed his eyes. “You’re no better than the rest of the cartel scum.”

Armando aimed his gun. “Mr. Moretti, it’s time for you to leave.”

Piero reached for Rocco’s arm.

Rocco flinched and pulled away.

Before I could say anything, Rocco asked. “Where is the stray?”

“This is your last warning,” Armando said, his finger on the trigger.

“Fuck you.” Rocco dodged and pulled a gun from under his suit coat.

Falling to the ground, I closed my eyes as guns fired.

The multiple blasts echoed against the marble tile and up to the ceiling along with my screams. Opening my eyes, I saw blood oozing from Armando’s arm. Although his gun was now on the floor, my bodyguard was still standing. Piero had his gun drawn and pointed at Rocco.

“It was you,” Piero said.

My thoughts were a blur as I tried to make sense out of what Piero said. In my state of confusion, Rocco moved faster than I could register. I gasped as he pulled me from the floor and wrapped his left arm around my neck.

Holding my back against his front, he pointed the gun at my head. “Get the stray,” Rocco demanded. “Now.”

Piero’s gun was pointed at Rocco.

“Mr. Moretti,” Armando said in a calm tone, lifting his hands as the blood continued to saturate his sleeve. “Let Mrs. Luciano go.”

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