Page 33 of Vicious Vows

“I have a long list.” I picked up the flute of champagne Cherri set in front of me.

“I’m sure you do.” Marchello took out the burner phone he kept with him at all times. “I have to take this.”

“Do what you have to do,” Lorenzo said. “I’ll stay with Lissia.”

Marchello hesitated, but the anxious look in his eyes said he needed to answer that call.

“I’ll be fine.” I touched his hand. “Go.”

“We’ll meet you upstairs on the terrace,” Lorenzo said. “I won’t let her out of my sight.”

“I’ll see you soon.” Marchello kissed my cheek. “Don’t find any trouble.”

“I’ll try not to.” I pushed him toward the exit. “Go, before you miss that call.”

He hurried out of the bar area, putting the phone against his ear.

“Business calls.” Lorenzo rested his arm on the bar. “He’s a very determined man.”

“He takes his work seriously.” I raised my crystal flute and sipped the bubbly liquid. “Probably as serious as you do.”

“And as serious as your father. And his father.”

“We come from a strange place, don’t we?”

“Only if we don’t learn to embrace it.”

“Have you learned to embrace all that comes with this violent world?” I asked. “You seem to have settled in rather well.”

“My father’s business was always meant to be mine. I’ve just found more creative ways to make it lucrative.”

“Is Marchello one of those ways?”

“Do you think he’d appreciate you asking me such questions?” Lorenzo pushed his glass to the end of the bar.

“Not at all.”

“Yet it doesn’t stop you.” He patted my hand. “That’s what I love about you. You’re willing to go to battle for him even if he doesn’t want you to.”

“I just wish the enemy was anyone other than my father.”

“That is a tough one,” Lorenzo said.

“I’m not saying my dad is completely innocent but…”

“He is your dad.”

“I tried to get him to listen. All he was interested in was the alliance with Danny.” I let out a frustrated breath. “It’s so aggravating.”

This whole situation was messed up. I may have gotten myself stuck in the middle, but my father had done nothing to try and make peace. And while Marchello wanted more than anything to be reunited with his dad, there were too many distractions for him even to focus on getting him back.

“Can you help Marchello?” I asked.

“Lissia?” Lorenzo shook his finger at me. “I’m not here to help Marchello. He owes me. I’m giving him an opportunity to make right what he cost me.”

“I thought we were friends.” I batted my lashes. “Old friends.”

“Don’t do that.”

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