Page 61 of Sinister Intentions

I tore my gaze away from him and instead focused on Matt. His warm, open expression put me at ease.

“It’s nothing, really,” I said, aiming for a casual tone despite the tightness in my chest. “It’s in the past. I survived and came out stronger on the other side.”

Fee squeezed my hand and sighed. No doubt, she recognized the bravado for what it was—a shield against the lingering aftereffects.

Against the unwanted attention.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about anything like that happening again,” Vince stated, his deep voice holding a quiet intensity.

I scoffed before I could stop myself. “Is that supposed to be reassuring? Given that you have no concept of personal space, and considering you’re the one who kidnapped and terrorized me today?”

This was good. Anger was good. At least, it was much better than sinking into that dark place.

His jaw ticked, but he held my gaze steadily. “Do we need to get into what started it all again?”

I turned and looked at Matt. “So, how come you’re so normal, and he turned out the way he did?”

Alex cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. “Jemma.”

But I wasn’t ready to let it go, the injustice of Vince’s actions still burning hotly inside me.

Matt chuckled, but he seemed to really consider my question. “Our father is a mean SOB, and Vince is the oldest, so he bore the brunt of the impact.”

“Matt,” Vince said.

“And inherited the meanness?” I asked. Now, I was really curious. What made Vince Salvini tick? What made him act the way he did? What were his weak points? Maybe there was something I could use to extricate myself from him and this situation. Something I could use to gain back my freedom.

Vince leaned back against the window, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “Shut up, Matt.”

Matt looked at Vince, one dark brow quirked upward. “Why should I?”

Vince relaxed even more, if that was even possible. “The two of you are so similar. Maybe this marriage won’t be such a hardship after all,” Vince said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Anger replaced the unsettled feeling in my stomach, and I lifted my chin defiantly. “This marriage is not going to happen.”

A muscle in his jaw ticked as he clenched his jaw and leaned forward. “Wanna bet? You’re on your way to meet your father-in-law.”

I inhaled sharply and searched Fee’s eyes. How did I not even ask where we were going? Wait, I did ask. I glared at Vince. Somehow, I assumed we would just drive around a bit and go somewhere to eat.

I focused back on Fee for confirmation, and she nodded, her eyes full of compassion. “Your Dad couldn’t come, though,” she said.

My heart rate started to double. “I’m not…this is not.” I glared at Vince. “You tricked me.”

He raised an eyebrow.

I folded my arms across my chest and entered a staring contest with him. I should’ve gotten out of that apartment as soon as I was dressed, or at least I shouldn’t have agreed to go with him to “walk” Picca.

Matt let out a heavy sigh and ran a hand through his hair. “Why don’t we just get this dinner over with and come up with an alternative solution tomorrow?”

I turned to Matt, completely focused on him, and ignored Vince.

I could feel his eyes still on me, like two laser beams burning a hole into the back of my head, but from now on, I wouldn’t give him any more attention.

For a split second during this afternoon and our walk, I thought he was okay.

But I should’ve known better. Should stop being so naïve.

It was probably just the aftermath of my panic attack that had me in a bit of a mental state. Because one thing was very clear.

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