Page 115 of Empire of Temptation

“Yeah, well, I want your promise that if I go with you that you won’t hurt anyone, ever.”

“I can’t promise that.”

“So, what? You are kidnapping me and never letting me go?”

“I’m not kidnapping you. I’m taking you until he leaves for Catanzaro.”

“Are you listening to yourself? You can’t keep me that long. I have a restaurant to run.”

An ATV was waiting behind some long branches. Flavio moved the branches off and told me to get on. After I did, he threw his leg over and settled in front of me, then handed me a helmet. I put it on as the engine roared to life. Before I could brace myself, he revved and the wheels jolted forward. I cursed, grabbed his shoulders, and held on.

We drove for what felt like forever, through the brush and trees, swerving and dodging as we bounced along. I was worried about Roberto. I hoped he didn’t suffer any permanent damage after that gunshot.

And Luca. I needed to see him, make sure he was okay. Flaviosaid Luca wasn’t hurt, but I didn’t trust my father. He might be lying to me.

I had to come up with a plan. As soon as Flavio had his say and let down his guard, I would disappear. Woods or not, I would get away and find someone to help me. No way was I staying with him until Luca went back to Italy, which could be weeks. Months. Who knew?

Finally, Flavio drove around the edge of an inlet and a small house came into view. Gray with only one story, the tiny building had a slip with a motor boat docked. There was nothing else around, no other boats or houses. No people.

Was this where he lived?

My question was soon answered when Flavio drove up behind the house and turned off the ATV. I didn’t waste any time jumping to the ground and putting distance between us. Wrapping my arms around myself, I looked behind me and tried to memorize how we got here for when I made my escape.

“Don’t bother,” Flavio said. “I drove us around in circles.”

“My sense of direction is amazing,” I lied.

“Cazzata,” he said and pocketed the ATV key. “You’re like your mother. Can’t navigate your way out of a box.”

Unfortunately, it was true. But I wasn’t sure how Flavio knew this. “Let’s get this over with so I can return to town. Say whatever it is you need to say.”

“Get inside, figlia.”

I trudged up the back wooden stairs to the door and tried the knob. It was unlocked. I went in and expected to find the place empty.

John Natale was sitting at the kitchen table, eating.

I stopped, my hand still on the door as I stared at my former dishwasher. “John. What are you doing here?”

“Hi, Val.”

My father nudged me into the house and I stumbled forward,confused. “I don’t understand.” I shot my father a look. “Why is he here? How do you two even know each other?”

“Prison,” my father said as he closed the door and locked it.

I blinked several times and looked at John. “So you were working for me and reporting back to my father?”

“I’m sorry, Val.” John had the grace to appear sheepish. He stood and took his now empty plate to the sink. “I’ll give you two some time alone.”

What the fuck? My father had sent John to the trattoria as a spy? I rounded on Flavio in disbelief. “Why? Please, help me understand.”

“Sit down, per favore. Sit down and I will explain everything.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Luca

Firemen raced all over the estate like ants.

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