Page 59 of Fierce Secrets

"If he was beaten badly enough for hospitalization, he won't be there." I had already considered the fact that we worked in the same building, but at least it was different companies.

Sofia's brow furrowed. "What about that hoe he was with? She still works there."

"Different companies, I doubt I'll see her." I shrugged, adjusting my blazer. Our companies were on different floors, I'd only seen Logan once every few weeks for coffee, which was crazy considering we were in the same building. But we'd opted to keep our work and love lives separate for the most part. I guess he had had a reason for that, the prick. "I'll take my chances. Besides, she's probably terrified to come anywherenear me after what happened to Logan." It definitely beat moping around here all day with my own thoughts.

"That's exactly my point." Sofia pushed herself up slowly, cradling her head. "Everyone's going to be talking about it if she's gone and gossiped. It might have made its way to your company."

"Let them talk. I'd rather face the gossip than sit here dwelling on everything else." Like Leo's kiss last night, or the memories of my father, or the fact that my brother was involved in organized crime.

"You're either incredibly brave or completely crazy." Sofia took a careful sip of coffee, her brow pinched together. "Maybe both."

"Probably both." I turned, adjusting my purse over my shoulder. "Text me when you're feeling human again."

"Give me a few hours, maybe more," she mumbled as I headed out. "Don't go starting any fights."

I snorted at the absurd possibility before heading outside, already with a plan in mind to get to work.

"Roman?" I approached the car parked at the end of the drive, smoothing my navy blazer. The late-morning air was crisp, helping clear the last fuzzy edges of my hangover. Roman was sipping on a takeout coffee, phone in hand, like my appearance had interrupted some pointless scrolling. What else was there to do when staking out anyway? Did he even sleep? I'd have to tell Leo to at least get him a partner if he was going to be watching me all the time. The man needed sleep. "Morning Roman. Did you sleep?"

"Good morning Ms. Cassaro, I've slept. Not something I do much when on watch, but I have someone who joins me for six hours to take over while I get some shut eye," he said, and I nodded, grateful that Leo did have something in place so he could sleep.

He frowned as he took in my attire. "How are you feeling? Heading out?"

"I'm fine, a little hungover, nothing that will kill me. The office needs some files, so I figured I'd just go in for a half-day shift. In saying that, could you take me to the office?"

His expression tightened as he tapped a finger on the steering wheel. "I don't think Mr. Donati or Mr. Cassaro would consider that wise."

"I'm going, with or without you." I lifted my chin, channeling some of that Cassaro stubbornness. "Your choice if you want to drive me or if I should call a ride. I just figured, since you have to watch me and all, I might as well just go with you. Safer and all that jazz."

He studied me for a moment, his dark eyes assessing, before sighing and opening the car door. "You're a strong-willed one, Ms. Cassaro. Get in."

"Thanks." I wasn't sure if he meant it to be a compliment, but I was taking it as such.

The office felt blessedly normal.It appeared that news of what had gone down between Logan and I hadn't spread. Perhaps his little hoe had decided to keep her mouth shut. Either that, or it simply hadn't reached my company. Yet.

Whatever the case was, I was grateful. There were no whispered conversations stopping when I walked by, no pitying looks. I didn't want that right now. I needed some normalcy, which I was able to find at my desk. I lost myself in spreadsheets and financial reports, grateful for the mindless distraction from my messy reality.

Until my hangover headache started creeping back with a vengeance. The numbers on my screen began to pulse, and I massaged my temple, knowing it had been wishful thinking that my headache would have stayed away. Not after last night's escapade.

Coffee. Coffee and some more painkillers was the answer, maybe a bite to eat as well.

The elevator ride to the lobby coffee shop felt longer than usual, each ding of passing floors echoing in my tender head. As I stood in line, debating between an americano or something sweeter to help with the hangover, a man stepped up behind me.

"We know what really happened to your father, Ms. Cassaro."

I turned, ice sliding down my spine. His face tugged at my memory – someone I should know but couldn't quite place.

"If no one responds to our demands soon," he continued quietly, his breath smelling of mint and tobacco, "everyone will know the truth. Your brother and his friend will go down for what they did."

"Who are you?" I hissed, keeping my voice low so no one else would overhear. My heart was thumping hard now, and I wished Roman had actually come into the building with me now.

"Not someone you want to mess with, little lady," he muttered, glancing around us carefully, his greying hair slicked back. He looked so familiar, and yet I couldn't place him for the life of me.

Maybe I could call for help? Try to hold this guy here while I called?—

"You!" A shrill voice cut through the cafe's gentle buzz, jerking both our attentions to the side.

Logan's mistress stood in the doorway, her perfect blonde hair and polished outfit a stark contrast to her rage-twisted face. "Security!"

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