Page 65 of Promise Maker

“That’s none of your concern.”

He sniffs. “Solari is a sweet girl; sheltered herwhole life. She’llneverbe with you.” He adds the last part derisively.

It angers me so much that I grip his shirt collarand start punching him until my knuckles ache.

18

I’m relaxing in the piazza following dinner,playing cards withPaolettaand Mrs. Martelli, whileFrancesca enjoys a night swim.

“Gin!”Paolettablurtsexcitedly. It’s the third round that she’s won.

Mrs. Martelli and I groan in defeat and set ourunmatched cards down forPaolettato add her points.She scores over a hundred, making her the overall winner twice in a row.

“How are you winning when I just taught you how toplay?” I marvel.

Paolettashrugsinnocently and chuckles.

“One more game,” Mrs. Martelli says, seemingcompetitive. It’s nice to be hanging out with her.

I’m shuffling the deck when a guard hastens up tothe table.“Signorina Solari, come withme.SignorMartelli requests it.”

The women stare at me with confusion.

“What’s going on?” Francesca questions the guard,climbing out of the pool. She grabs the towel. “Where’s Father and Nico?Dimmi.”

He shakes his head. “I cannot share. I must bringSignorina Solari.”

I set the cards on the table and rise.

“I’m coming too,” Francesca declares.

The guard extends his hand, gesturing for her tostay put.“OnlySignorina Solari.”

“Francesca,” Mrs. Martelliscolds.“You know your father will be furious if youdisobey. It’s all right.”

Francesca diverts back to me, concern in her gaze.“Don’t be frightened, Solari. Nico and Father know what they’re doing.”

I’m not sure what she means, but I nod anyway andfollow the guard outside, leaving in the car with him.

I wring my hands on my lap, feeling anxious.

Does it have to do with my dad?

Did they find his killer and Mathew?

The guard drives for a while until reaching acreepy area chockful of trees. Unfortunately, it’s too dark to spot anything.

My nervousness soars when he veers down a grassypath between more trees.

“Where are you taking me?” I question.

“To Signor Martelli and Nico,” is all he says.

He continues driving a bit longer until theheadlights reveal a structure that no one could easily find from the main road,with all the trees hiding it.

I notice three SUVs parked by the bushes andguards standing at the small building.

When my driver comes to a stop and we exit, Idiscern more men nearby.

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