Page 63 of Revenge & Ruin

For a moment, we both stare at the vial of clear liquid that lies there.

“You are the only one who can get close enough to him not to arouse suspicion,bambina.”

She picks up the vial and places it in my hand, curling my fingers over the top to keep it secure.

“What will it do?”

“Buy you enough time to bring him into our care,” she replies simply.

Despite her words and the reassurance of her tone, nothing seems to soothe the uneasiness that builds within me. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”

Ida slams the empty book onto the floor. The table shakes as much as I do.

“You asked me for my help, and this is the solution.”

“I—”

“Donotdisappoint me, Isabella. Don’t be useless like your brother.”

17

TEO

“Idon’t want to do this.”

I sigh. “I know.”

“What happens if I don’t sign?”

“It will be up to the Guild,” I explain again. “I’ll do my best to back you. Your father will too, but I doubt it will do much to sway the others.”

Mia runs her hands through her hair. “What if I just ran away?”

“The only thing worse than a liability is a liability on the loose. This isn’t a bad deal, Mia. I’ll keep you out of it all as much as I can. Need to know only.”

She stares down at the contract before us. I’ve already signed my half. All that’s left is for Mia to add her signature to the bottom.

I can practically see the gears turning in her head, so I give her a moment. I look toward the window that overlooks the main floor of the Candelabra.

It’s a busy evening, as it usually is when Danny is singing. The blonde bombshell dazzles her audience with a sparklingbodysuit, much to the delight of the party of men sitting at the VIP table below the stage.

How many nights had I sat in that same spot with Rocco, watching him fall in love with a different singer? It’s almost funny to think back now that Cassandra is his wife.

“How much time do I have?” Mia calls me away from my reminiscing.

I look back at her. “A week, maybe.”

She nods. “Then I’ll think about it.”

“I don’t know how long I can delay it,” I warn her.

“I’ll get back to you in a week. You have my word.”

For a moment, we simply stare at each other.Look at us now. We’re not kids anymore, are we?

But then she stands up and brushes herself down, and that cocky smile is back on her face. “Well, I better get back to work. This place doesn’t run itself.”

She picks up the contract and folds it into her jacket before taking off toward the door.

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