Page 1 of Promise Never

1

I’m finally putting a face to the man I’vecommunicated with over the last week.

Entering the café where he’d asked to meet, I spothim right away at a window table. Just as he’d said on the phone, his long darkhair is in a ponytail, and he’s wearing a blue shirt with a gray jacket andmatching pants.

I mosey over and sit across from him. “Zeno.”

He pulls his mouth into a partial smile as hebrazenly glides over my appearance. “Ms. King. Well, you are—”

“Do you have the info?” I get right to it.

“Sì.” He takes a notefrom his jacket and sets it on the table. “He should be at that club tomorrownight. I’ve learned that he goes there almost every Friday.”

“Thanks.” I stuff the paper into my shorts pocket.“For the gifts in the Inn, too.” I appreciate that he’d kept his word andensured I had a room, a disposable phone, and a loaded gun.

“Prego.” He lingers his earth-tone gaze on me ashe moistens his lips. “You know, you could let someone else handle it and takea trip with me. How about Ibiza?”

“Not interested.” I start to rise but pause as athought occurs. “Why did you help me? You never said.”

He shrugs nonchalantly and reaches for hisespresso. “Evil men should pay for their sins.”

“Hm.” I straighten from the chair. “Goodbye, ZenoCostantini.”

“Good luck, Tiana King. You’ll need it.” He givesme a smirk before staring out the window at the ocean.

I head from the café, tossing the disposable phoneinto the trash bin on the sidewalk. It’s pointless now that we’ve severed allcontact, and I have no one in my life to reach out to, which is the reason forthis trip to Sicily.

I’m beyond ready to put an end to my pursuit.After tomorrow night, my sister’s soul will finally be able to rest because I’msending her murderer to hell, and I’m willing to give my life to ensure thathappens.

I will not fail.

2

A long and busy day calls for a stop at the club.

I’m a bit tense and wouldn’t mind a beautifulwoman to help me unwind.

After ordering whiskey at the bar, I move throughthe dancing bodies to the VIP section.RuniandTiernan post on opposite sides of the low-lit area while I plop down on thevelvet chair, studying the crowd as I drink.

Two women send flirty glances in my direction andgiggle with each other. They’re model-like. Skimpy dresses. Attractive. If bothwant me, I’m more than happy to oblige. I’ll have my fill and send them ontheir way.

I arch my brow and lure them over with my eyes.

But they seem too hesitant to approach, veeringoff to a table instead.

Hm. Perhaps a man like me isn’t their type.

Women are either willing participants or repulsedwhen it comes to the organized crime world.

As I’m relaxing back in the chair, my eyes catch acurvy brown vixen making her way through the crowd.

Her short black dress not only shows off thickthighs, but it indeed emphasizes her flawless figure. It’s as if the attire wascustom-made for her body.

Her long, sexy legs are confident with each strut.

Back straight. Chin high.

There’s something about this woman that is pullingme. I don’t trust it.

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