Page 89 of Ruthless Oath

“I could have kept a safe distance and still let you have your time to yourself.”

“That’s why you’re so sweet.” I touched his hand. “You look out for me.”

“Always.”

“I wish my mother knew that I have someone like you looking out for me.” I looked down at my feet. I couldn’t look him in the eyes as I lied to him. “For all she knows, I’m chained in a basement or something.”

“Marchello would never do that.”

“Oh, I know.” I stroked the back of his hand. “But my mom doesn’t know that. Marchello is so caught up in this war with my father that he doesn’t think my mom needs to know I’m safe. He tends to forget the human side.”

“That’s probably because he wants to keep your father guessing.”

“My mother wouldn’t tell anyone if I was able to speak with her. She would just be so happy to know I was okay. I would swear her to secrecy, and she would agree. We have that kind of relationship.” I looked up, trying to use my best innocent eyes, then turned away from him and sighed. “I miss her so much.”

“I’m sorry.” He touched my shoulder. “I wish there was something I could do.”

“You do?” I glanced at him. “Like what?”

“Oh, well, maybe I could ask Marchello to—”

“No!”

He frowned.

“I’ve already asked Marchello. If he knows I came to you with this, he’ll think we betrayed him, and neither of us want that.”

“No, I don’t want to upset him.”

Ricardo took out his phone, and I clasped my hands behind my back. I didn’t want to appear too eager and reach for it, but time was of the essence.

“If you give me your mother’s number,” he said, “I could call her later and let her know you’re alright.”

“What?” I knew that was too easy. “It’s kind of you to offer, but I think she would feel better if she heard it from me. I want her to understand that I don’t need her going to my father. I want her to know I’m cool with the situation.”

I hated myself for doing this. Ricardo had been so good to me, and I was lying to his face. I needed that phone, but not to call my mother.

“If I could borrow your phone, I can call my mom later. When Marchello’s not around.”

“I’m sorry, Lissia, but I can’t give you my phone.” He shook his head. “Marchello is already pissed at me. If he found out I let you use my phone, he would kill me.”

“He won’t find out. I won’t tell him.”

I glanced at his phone.Please… I’m trying to save Marchello’s life. I’m trying to stop him from killing my father and vice versa.

Ricardo looked at me and then at his phone.

Come on.

He extended his hand, but as I reached for it, Marchello entered the kitchen. Ricardo dropped his phone but quickly retrieved it from under a chair.

“What are you two up to?” Marchello asked.

“Nothing,” Ricardo answered too fast.

“We’re making brownies.” I kissed Marchello’s cheek. “What are you doing?”

“Checking on you.” He backed me against the counter and placed his hands on either side. “Making sure you’re not getting into trouble.”

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