Page 38 of Cruel Existence

“And how do you know?”

“Ciro briefed me,” I admitted.

He nodded. “Then you do know. They aren’t a good enemy to have. That’s true. But Gio and I have been through worse.”

I slumped into the chair across from my father. My hands touched the armrests. I could still smell remnants of Luka’s cologne, mixed with mint. My belly flipped. I knew he had sat here only moments ago before he flew off in a rage because of something my father said. Something they were both keeping from me.

“Papa, Uncle Gio is back in Philly. It’s not the same here. We don’t have the entire family. It’s like we’re running a satellite office or something.”

I didn’t expect my father to laugh at my comment.

“Satellite office? That’s funny.”

“I’m serious. Without Gio, you’re on your own here. And the Russians know it. We could go back to Philly.”

He swiveled away from me, focusing on the rose pruning once more. I didn’t know what that would mean for Luka and me if I left the city, but I couldn’t be sure there was a Luka and me. It felt like there was. Those kisses. His hands. The way his mouth explored my thighs and between my legs. I could melt right there remembering his growl vibrating through my center. I wanted him. I didn’t want things to be over if I moved back home. We were only getting started. But this madness my father had latched on to about the Vieux Carre was driving everyone to make dangerous decisions and plays. Maybe the best thing was for me to convince my father to abandon his life here and go back to where he was the king of the city.

“Papa?” I ventured.

He waved a hand behind his head. The signal that I had been dismissed and there would be no more discussions about Uncle Gio, New Orleans, or Philadelphia.

I walked out of the office, not feeling reassured. I dialed Luka’s number, praying he would answer. It went to voicemail. I had sent him there no less than twenty times this week. I deserved a trip to his voicemail box.

“Damn it,” I muttered. I searched the house until I found Ciro and Joey in the kitchen. They were pouring cups of coffee. Two guns rested on the kitchen island.

“I need to go out,” I announced.

“There’s nothing on the schedule,” Joey mumbled.

“I’m putting it on the schedule,” I snapped. “Who wants to drive? We’re leaving now.”

Joey looked at Ciro. “I’ll go,” he volunteered, but Ciro intervened.

“No. I’ll go. She is my responsibility.”

I cocked an eyebrow at him. Since when I had become his solely to guard and surveil? I didn’t want to argue about it.

“I don’t care who drives me.” I sighed. “But let’s go. Now.” I stormed past them, through the tiled mudroom, and into the garage. I climbed into the back of the closest SUV and waited for them to follow. I needed to find Luka before things got any worse.

Sixteen

AMARA

Iconvinced Ciro to take me to Luka’s apartment. I’d only been once and didn’t make it any further than where he parked his car before Ciro ambushed us in the dark. I was beginning to learn that if I included Joey and Ciro in my plans, they helped me. I wouldn’t go so far as to call them co-conspirators, but they were at least willing to follow my orders.

I recognized the tall building when we pulled into the alleyway. Luka’s sports car was parked diagonally in front. I hadn’t been able to take in the features of the alleyway or the design of the row houses the first night. I barely had time now, but it was in a charming part of the city.

“Wait here,” I instructed Ciro. “And before you say anything, you know I’m not in any danger. I have my phone.” I held it up so he could see it. “He has security. I’m perfectly safe.” I saw the look on Ciro’s face. “Do not walk into that apartment, do you understand?” I had to make it clear. “This is a personal visit. Do you get what I’m saying?”

“Yes.” His face tightened at what I implied I was about to do.

I exited the car and jogged up the stone steps. I knocked and was startled when a man with white hair opened the door.

“Hello.”

“Hi.” I smiled. “I’m here to see Luka. I’m a friend of his.”

“I’m afraid he’s not here.”

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