Page 52 of Texting My Mafia Savior

“If they’re happy…” He chuckles, shaking his head at me in disbelief, flashing a belittling smile. “Can I get you another drink?”

“Let me get them,” I reply. “My treat?”

His grin widens. “Sure, sure, then join me in the VIP section.”

I’m relieved when he gestures to a cordoned-off area in the corner. It’s well within view of everyone else in the club. After he strolls away, I quickly text Nico.

Me:He’s approached me, asked me to join him in the VIP section. I’m ordering us some drinks. I’m drinking soda.

Nico:Make sure he puts nothing in your drink. Fuck. I hate this. If you need to text me fast, just bash a bunch of keys. I’ll take it to mean ‘help.’

Me:I’ll be okay.

I hope I’m right.

I carry the drinks over, hoping Enzo is happy with a beer. That’s what I got him, so he’ll have to be. I know he’s a bad person, but as he ushers me through into the VIP section, a strange feeling hits me. In a few hours, this man might not be alive anymore. Because of me. But what’s the alternative? Let his dad keep Aunt Lucy? When I asked Nico how Aunt Lucy looked at the meeting, he simply stared at me with a hopeless look. That was all the answer I needed.

“Why do you keep looking around?” Enzo yells, leaning over to be heard over the music.

“Lilly was supposed to be here.”

The sickening glimmer in his eyes is exactly the response I want. “Your little friend, hmm? Well, where is she?”

“Do you want me to check?”

He nods, grinning. “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind seeing her and picking up where we left off. Last time, she overreacted, you know. I wouldn't do anythingbad. I was just going to have somefun.”

Earlier, Nico told me about some of the fun Enzo and his dad have. It involves cases that never get to trial because the witnesses are too scared to stand up to the big bad Carusos. But not my man. Not my savior.

I take out my phone and call Nico. “Hey, where are you?”

“Are you with him now?” Nico asks.

“Yeah…”

“Okay, good. Am I supposed to be Lilly?” Thankfully, he’s caught on to my plan.

“Okay…”

“Get him outside as soon as you can. I hate thinking of you in there with him.”

“Really? Oh, okay. I guess I could swing by if you’re sure? How long is he out of town? See you soon.”

Enzo is staring at me as I hang up, his eyes wide and wild, his teeth gritted. “What’s the issue?” he snaps.

It’s just us in the VIP section. I notice other women walking by the red rope, looking over as if they’re jealous. If they knew the truth, they wouldn’t want to switch places with me. “Her uncle’s gone out of town, so she’s thrown a party at his place instead. Urgh. She could’ve told me. I’m going to meet her.”

I stand up, turning away, not wanting to seem too obvious. He wraps a cold hand around my wrist. I almost scream in disgust. He stands up, pulling on me so I’m forced to face him.

“You’re going to walk away, huh? Just like that?”

“The whole point of tonight was to see Lilly,” I tell him. “No offense, Enzo. I don’t mean any disrespect.”

“Didn’t you hear me say I wanted to see her, too?”

“I don’t know…”

His hand gets tighter on my wrist. He leans down, glaring at me. “What don’t you know? I’ve justtoldyou. I’m coming too. I’ll even give you a ride. See? How’s that for polite?”

---