Page 51 of Captivated

“We sort of ran into each other last weekend, and it’s been…a lot since then.” I want to tell Lexi about my family history, but the words are stuck on my tongue again. It’s not easy. So instead, I ask her, “Has Vinny being a Carfano been something you worry about?”

“Oh.” Lexi blows out a huff of air. “It was at first. I mean, I’m the one who warned you about them. But then who he is and what he does…” – she shakes her head – “it became an afterthought, I guess you could say. I realized no matter what happened, or if something did happen, Vinny would make sure I’m safe. He would save me. He would lay his life down for me to make sure I was safe.”

“And that doesn’t scare you? That that’s even a thing to think about?”

“Of course it does,” she says quickly, squinting to look out at the lake. “But it’s a risk I’m willing to take. You know, I tried tofight it. Well, I think I did,” she says on a laugh. “Vinny and I…” Lexi smiles. “He’s worth every risk that come with being with him.”

“That’s what I was afraid you’d say,” I tell her softly.

Lexi doesn’t say anything. She loops her arm through mine and we sit in a weighted silence for a few minutes.

“I think there’s more to what you’re debating, Cass, but I’m not going to push you on it. Just know I love you and I’m here for you.”

“Thanks, Lex.” I lean my head on her shoulder.

“Should we have a girl’s night tonight?”

“I can’t tonight. I have to submit a paper for a class that’s due by midnight and I haven’t finished it.” Wow, that lie flowed off my tongue smoother than I expected, and I’m a little scared at how easily it did, too. I can’t tell her it’s because I need to work. Then I’d have to tell her I’m dancing at a strip club and why, and I’m not getting into all of that right now. If ever.

“Okay. But we need to have one soon.”

I squeeze her arm. “Agreed.”

It’s still the morning, and I have a long way to go until work tonight. I know exactly where I need to go beforehand.

~ Chapter 18 ~

Nico

“Are you moving to Jersey? Why are you still there?” Leo asks when he calls.

“No, I just need more time here. I need to sort some things out with someone.”

“So, a girl,” he presumes. “Makes sense now.”

“Does it?”

“There’s not much that can keep you from work.”

“I’m still handling everything from here. Do you need me for something?”

“No, Luca can handle it. I do need to talk to you about something when you get back, though. It’s important. Something I want both you and Vinny present for.”

The only important topic that would involve just Vinny and I is our sister, Mia.

I knew this was coming after everything with Katarina and Dante. Leo’s sister was supposed to be married to Santino Antonucci as a bridging of the two families. Turned out Katarina and Dante, our family’s hitter and security specialist, were in love with each other, and that arrangement was never going to work.

But my little sister?

Fuck.

Mia is going to hate it, and I don’t even know if I want her to be married off to a guy whose father sold us out to the Armenians and almost got us killed.

“I can tell by your silence you probably know what it’s about. We’ll discuss it before decisions are made.”

“Fine,” I clip, keeping my emotions in check. They’re already out of whack because of Cassie, and this on top of it is going to make me lose my shit if I’m not careful.

Hanging up, I toss my phone on the desk in my hotel suite and pour myself a drink. I need to regain my focus and take care of the rest of the payments to everyone in the family.

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