Page 80 of Hot for Hostage

Antonio’s bushy mustache twitched. “The boss texted me to help you finish your baking.”

Ten minutes ago, fluttering would’ve filled my stomach at how thoughtful that was of Davian.

Now, it soured instead.

“Speaking of ‘the boss,’” I said carefully, brushing off the front of my skirt. Antonio would know more about what Mr. Reed had said, but my stomach twisted into knots just thinking about how to ask him. Putting on a brave face, I lifted my chin and ripped the Band-Aid off. “Is Davian getting married?”

That wiped the grimness from his face, locking a blank stare into its place. Antonio looked away, and the pause before he answered spoke volumes. “That’s none of my business.”

My heart sank. Well, that did nothing to ease my fears.

“You warned me to leave earlier,” I reminded him. “But then you changed your mind and told me to stay. Why would you do that if he’s engaged?”

He lifted a shoulder, then let it drop. “I think you’re good for the boss. I’ve never seen him like he is with you. He’s… happy.”

“Happy with his mistress?” I whispered, blinking back the tears that welled. This sort of information wasn’t something you kept from someone. It was just cruel.

Antonio grunted. “I told you. I don’t concern myself with those rumors.” He pulled a towel off the waistband of his apron and wiped his hands. “This is a discussion to have with the boss. Not me.”

He was right. Talking to Davian was exactly what I needed to do, but confronting him while his creepy father was here sounded about as pleasant as cleaning up dog vomit at the shelter.

I’d rather not.

Especially if what his father said was true. Then I wasn’t sure if I wanted to throw a stand mixer at Davian’s head or burst into tears.

So far, the tears were winning, and the last thing I needed was to cry in front of Antonio.

I had a feeling he didn’t handle weepy girls very well.

I blurted out the first excuse I could think of. “I should go check on Bear.” Brushing past Antonio, I headed for the door. “He’s been outside a long time.”

I made it across the room before remembering the state of the kitchen, and I backtracked with a wince. “Sorry about the mess. I’ll clean this up first.”

He waved me off, already wiping down the counter with his towel. “Don’t worry about it. I can take care of this. You just check on your dog, then go talk to the boss.”

Bitterness filled my mouth even thinking about it. “Thanks again, Antonio.”

I slipped into the hallway and was halfway to the back door before I realized checking on Bear wasn’t just some made-up excuse to get away from Antonio’s scrutiny.

I really needed to see a friendly furry face right now.

the shed

. . .

Sadie

Sadie’s Guide toHostage-TakingBeing Taken HostageForming a Partnership with Your HostageEmbracing the Hostage LifestyleNot Freaking Out, Tip #22: When the guy you’re falling for is in the mafia, be prepared to see some scary stuff.

Walking across the sprawling grounds of a mafia compound surrounded by twelve-foot walls was surprisingly introspective.

Tranquil, even.

The lawn was lush and green and smelled freshly mowed. Birds sang from the trees. A light breeze teased my hair, whipping pink strands into my face, which I absently brushed away. I could see myself spending afternoons out here exploring the grounds with Bear.

When I wasn’t on the verge of a mental breakdown, at least.

Instead of looking for Bear, I should be marching up to Davian’s office and demanding answers from the man himself.

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