Page 32 of Promise Never

Her dark eyes sparkle at that. “Oh, how kind ofher.”

“Madre,” I groan.

She huffs. “I meant nothing of it. Was Tianaharmed?”

I delay before the lie. “No, she’s all right.”

“Good.” She fixes my shirt and returns to thepantry. “I got her a few things. I’ll bring it over in a bit.”

“I’ll do it,” I blurt out, not wanting her to seethe bruises on Tiana’s neck. “Shetold me she wantedto rest. I’ll bring the items along with dinner later.”

Mother peeks at me, a sneaky expression on herface. “You could have sent one of the men, but you decided to go yourself.” Shechuckles. “Because you want to see her.”

Having no energy to deny what may be the truth, Idecide to escape her knowing gaze instead. “I’m going to the shed. There’ssomething I need to take care of.”

A frown contorts her aged features. “You know howI feel about torturing people at my house, Ales.”

“It’s not in the house, and I’m only gettinganswers so I can send Tiana back to the States safely.”

She wrinkles her brows. “But do you truly want herto go?”

“Ugh.” I chug my drink and peel out of thekitchen, heading across the massive backyard towards the old shed.

My mother’s question replays in my mind, and Irealize a part of me doesn’t want Tiana to leave.

Shit. I need to strengthen my restraints becausethere’s no way I’ll start fixating on the woman. I have no intention ofbecoming an emotional wreck, especially over someone who detests me.

That would be tragic.

The men step aside when I enter the shed, and our bleedingguest painfully lifts his head from the ground, punctuated gasps leaving him.

I crack my knuckles and threaten him. “I’llprolong your death for days if I have to.Soif youwant to end your suffering, I suggest you start talking.”

“Vaiafartifottere,” he grunts, thenspits blood on the ground. “MorteaFattore!”

“Hm. Well, then. It seems you’ll be the substituteof my punching bag today.”

14

I look at my bruised neck for the umpteenth time.

Alessandro’s doctor assured me there was no severedamage and provided medication. But my voice is a bit gruff, and it aches a tadwhen I swallow.

I’m still so pissed that bastard at the café gotthe chance to choke me. I should have been faster—more alert.

I should have...

What am I even doing? Trinity wanted so much morefor me.

I threw everything away when I found her on thecusp of death. And instead of taking time to grieve, I turned into a vengefulmaniac from an action movie. Now I’m in a world where my life is at risk.

Knocking pulls me from the dresser mirror, and Istride into the living room to answer the door.

Alessandro’s presence triggers a stutter in mychest. This is the reason why I’ve remained in the guesthouse for the rest ofthe day. I’m starting to like seeing him too damn much.

“Yes?” It takes strength to maintain a straightface when I’m a lusting mess inside because of him.

“How are you feeling?” he asks, staring at myneck. “The doctor said it wasn’t serious but—”

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