Page 38 of Promise Never

“Who was that man? What did he mean by oldfamily?”

“The top families of Agrigento and most of Sicilyin wealth and power,” Sofia explains. “Martelli, my cousins, are the highest.Pietro Cavalli is second. He’s very influential and often maintains order.”

“What aboutFattore?” Iask. “Where do you stand?”

She looks down and picks at her napkin.

“Our family used to be as powerful as Martelli,” Alessandromutters. “But my father screwed people over, and the other families turned onhim. Now, we have to rise from the pit, slowly regain respect. The kindMartelli has.”

I realize something. “Is that why it’s taking solong to locate Zeno? No one will help a low-ranked family?”

Shame curtains his face, and he looks away.

Regret instantly piles up in my body like heavybricks. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Alessandro snaps back to me, brows crumpled. “Youapologized. Like in the car after the café. When we’d first met, you hadnothing but hate for my family. Now, you’re apologizing for offending me?”

I twist my mouth and look down at the grass.

“Anyway,” I ignore it. “Fine. I’ll go with you.I’m restless here, so might as well.”

“You’ll need a lovely dress,” Sofia states. “Wouldyou like jewelry as well?”

“No. What I want is to finish this food.” I sitdown. “I’d hate to waste it after all your efforts.”

“Oh, never mind,” she says with a smile and looksat Alessandro. “Eat, Ales.”

He lingers on me for a moment and shakes his head.“I have things to do.” He strides from the patio.

I want to slap myself for the dip in my tummy.

Turning around, I find Sofia watching me with asly expression.

“He’s running from you. That must mean...” Shedoesn’t finish, going back to eating.

I don’t even want to ask. I need to remember whothey are and why I’m in this situation.

As soon as Alessandro finds Zeno, I’m leaving.

No hesitation.

None.

It’s still infuriating how that man overcame me soeasily. Wanting to refresh my training, I sneak into the gym for an afternoonworkout.

Considering Alessandro isn’t around, it’s the besttime to be in here and not have to struggle with lust.

“Ugh!” I throw the first jab, gritting my teeth asmy fist connects with the punching bag. I picture the asshole’s face as I hitit repeatedly, kneeing the bag a few times.

My hands and shoulders start to burn after severalminutes, but I keep going.

“It happens to the best of us.”

I swivel at Alessandro’s voice. He’s leaning inthe doorway with his arms crossed, watching me.

“What are you talking about?” I rest my hands onmy hips while catching my breath.

He walks over, stopping in front of me. “You’repissed about that man. But sometimes, shit happens. No matter how much trainingwe have, things can go wrong in a second.”

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