Page 204 of Mafia Kings: Valentino

But I didn’t want to ruin things.

Instead I said, “Well, I just thought it would be safer to callyouthan call them.”

I could hear the concern in her voice as she asked,“Why? Is there something you need? Does Caterina need more money? She’s too shy to ask for it, isn’t she? I can get it to her – ”

“It’s not that,” I said. “I was… I was wondering about Massimo and Lars.”

“…oh.”

That single word told me everything I needed to know.

“There’s still no word,”she said gently.

My stomach sank.

“What about Roberto?”

“He’s not back from Hong Kong yet.”

Shit.

I had hoped that if Lars and Massimo were back home safe and Roberto had gotten the money, then maybe Dario would pull me out of Sicily –

And Cat and I could actually have a chance together.

But nothing had changed.

Dario still needed the alliance with Don Vicari so we could stand a chance against Uncle Fausto.

“I guess nobody called you because there wasn’t any news,”she said sympathetically.

“It’s okay… I just wanted to check in,” I said glumly.

“Are you alright?”

“Just worried.”

“I know… we all are. And I hate what they made you do. I really do.”

“Thanks,” I murmured. “Thanks for everything, but… I should probably go.”

“Okay. Please, if you need anything – anything at all – just call me.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Give my love to Cat when you see her again.”

“I will. Bye, Alessandra.”

“Goodbye.”

I hung up the phone, my heart heavy, and trudged back to the car.

When I opened the door, Isabella and Ludavica were teasing Paolo, who looked beyond uncomfortable.

“Come onnnn,” Isabella said. “You mean to tell me you don’t knowanythingabout Valentino’s girlfriend? Excuse me, his ‘mistress’?”

“Fuck buddy,” Ludavica reminded her, and they both dissolved into howls of laughter.

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