Page 219 of Tangled up in You

"Wait a minute!" Tiffany's voice rang out, sharp and incredulous. "You knew that we were coming up here?" Before I changed the terms of the contract? You're already packed and didn't allow me to get anything from my apartment? How did you expect my agreement?"

"Listen, Tiff," I said, trying to inject some fun into the thick air. "It's not like we did this to surprise you. We just needed a little contingency."

Franco leaned back against the helicopter, arms crossed, his expression unwavering. Would we not plan for this trip? We're not precisely winging it here."

Giovanni smirked, shaking his head. "Yeah, it's not like we're unaware. We're not just a group of fools." Had to cover our bases."

Tiffany folded her arms, annoyance evident. "So, what? Were you all aware of this 'contingency' before I agreed to come? Sounds like a setup."

I experienced a slight sinking sensation in my stomach. "That's not what I meant, Tiffany. We are familiar with the risks and are not attempting to deceive you. This was about protecting you from your father. He's been under surveillance recently. Everyone, and I do mean everyone in our circle, including you, was aware that he would betray you to protect himself.

A knot tightened in my stomach. She was right to be suspicious, and I didn't blame her for it. The thrill of her frustration sent a prickling sensation along my spine. In a way, I thrived on it. But what method was available to me for explanation?

As I locked eyes with her, burning with anger and betrayal, I sensed the weight of the moment descend heavily upon me. Icould not ignore this; The truth lay like a stone in my throat, and I struggled to find the right words.

"Tiffany," I finally said, steady yet gentle, "I understand this seems like a betrayal. But believe me when I say that we had no choice. Yes, we were aware. Yes, this was planned. Your father… he fell right into our trap."

Her expression transformed into confusion, wrestled with hurt. "Every move we made, every detail was carefully planned to protect you. The real danger isn't simply out there; it's looming above us like this storm. If we didn't step in, you could have been sold or traded, and we might not have known until it was too late.

I held her gaze, hoping she could detect the sincerity in my words. "I need you to trust me. You may feel like a pawn, but you're not. You're crucial to everything we are trying to achieve. Tiffany's gaze moved from mine to Franco's and finally to Gio's, who agreed with everything I said. I had the sole aspiration that my honesty would assist in calming the fire of her anger and steering her through the storm we were confronting together.

"Are you sure this is the best way to keep me safe, Nico?" Tiffany's voice cut through the tense air; her words laced with skepticism. I could see the frustration brewing beneath her carefully composed façade.

"I get it, Tiffany. You're frustrated," Gio chimed in, glancing between us. "But Nico's right. We needed to act before something worse happened."

"Carissima, you're going to have to trust us," Franco added, his tone steady but firm. "We wouldn't put you in danger without an excellent reason. Siamo famiglia and that means protecting one another."

The silence stretched as Tiffany weighed our words, the tension radiating from her, making it hard to breathe. I could perceive thoughts racing behind her stormy eyes; herlips pressed tightly together as if struggling with her internal conflict.

"Darling! I'm not your carissima! And as to family? If this is what family does, I'm not sure I want to be part of it," she retorted, the sharpness in her voice cutting deeper than she likely intended. Her response stung, but I had to remain composed for her sake.

"Tiffany, it's about survival now. We can explain more once we're safe. Please, trust us this time."

As we started carrying our bags towards the cabin, I attempted to project an air of calm despite experiencing the inner turmoil of a tightrope walker in a storm. The sun peeked through the branches above, casting playful shadows on the ground, illuminating our path and highlighting our game's dark undercurrents. I stole a glance back at Tiffany, who was still silently seething, the corners of her mouth pressed together like she was trying to keep secrets too explosive to share.

Franco spoke calmly, "Tiff, you are a part of this family. I regret that I wasn't involved in what happened to your father this morning, but the truth is, the three of us intended to bring you into our plans. You fit perfectly into what we had in mind.

"Fit into your plans?!" she shot back, eyes flashing. "When you arrived at my apartment this morning, did you know the result? Is being clueless preferable to knowing?"

Giovanni stepped forward, trying to ease the situation. "We thought it was safer this way. For your sake." he trailed off, a distant look in his eyes. "We wanted you to enjoy this trip without the weight of everything else."

Yes, we were brimming with that well-meant but misguided idea that shielding her would keep her safe. "Tiffany," I said gently, "it's not merely about the trip. It's about everything beneath this façade—the secrets and betrayals of your father and, hopefully, our future."

She looked between us, the conflict etched in her brow. "It's not a matter of safety. It's trust. If you all believe I cannot handle the truth, what does that imply about our perception of one another?"

Franco solemnly nodded, his voice softer now. "Carissima, you deserved to be aware of the information, but we could not reveal it to your father." We had to make him think he had the upper hand until you took it and played into our hands. Yes, we want you. Please give us a chance to make it right."

The weight of this "secret" hung heavy in the air, but with it came a flicker of understanding—one I hoped would bridge the gap we'd created. Would she ever understand? Or would she only perceive me, Franco, and Gio as other players in this cutthroat game who were well-informed and had little concern?

"Well, shit. I do not like being predictable." And you—all of you will be making this up to me," Tiffany said, her voice sharp as she pivoted away, storming toward the cabin.

We lifted our bags and followed her toward the cabin. The sun peeked through the storm clouds, casting playful shadows on the ground. It was difficult for me to control my anticipation. Alone in the woods, our secluded paradise awaited, the possibilities endless and exhilarating.

CHAPTER 3

TIFFANY

For all that is holy!

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