Page 28 of Sweet Retribution

When we reach the waiting limo, I overaggerate my gratitude and give him a kiss on the cheek. “You’re a good guy, Lucca.” I know he’s been riddled with guilt from my kidnapping. He was on the clock but it wasn’t his fault. I don’t ever want him to think I blame him. I’m sure Stone has punished him enough already.

“What the hell are you doing?” Stone bites at me once we’re alone in the back of the limo.

“Excuse me?”

“What kind of show are you trying to put on?”

“Again, excuse me?”

“What was that?” He jabs his thumb over his shoulder toward the window.

“That was me thanking a gentleman for helping me down the stairs.” I stretch my bare leg out and rotate my ankle. “I’m not too stable walking in these heels.”

I don’t miss the darkening of his baby blues as they work their way from my freshly painted toes, up my calf and to where the bottom of my dress meets my thigh. I get comfortable in the seat and move so my dress hikes up a little more.

Stone flicks his head the other way and stares out the window into the dark evening. He says nothing until the city lights begin to shine through the back of the limo.

“You don’t need to say anything tonight. You’re to be seen on my arm. Healthy, happy, alive. That’s all.”

“I’ve got the healthy and alive part down, but I’m gonna need some help with the other.”

“This isn’t a game, Gia. I’m trying to keep you alive.”

“Awesome. Thanks, pal. I appreciate it. Mind clueing me on what to expect tonight? And FYI, if you want me to pretend I’m happy with my husband, my husband is going to need to stop being a dickhead.”

He pinches the back of his neck. I smile on the inside knowing I’ve gotten to him.

“The artist’s name is Sandra Beckam.” He turns to me and waits for me to respond.

I’m learning to have the patience of Job with this man. I’ve also learned a few tricks from him. Silence and showing no reaction really pisses the other person off. Stone isn’t too thrilled being on the receiving end of his own tactics.

I feign boredom but I’m burning inside to know what’s going on inside his head. Why he’s bringing me to this gala.

“Does her name sound familiar?”

“Another one of your lovers, I suppose.”

Oh, the vein makes its appearance. I’m quite pleased with my ability to break his stoic facade.

“One of Antonio Rossi’s.”

This has my inward giddiness coming to a complete halt.

“They’ve been seeing each other quietly for over a decade. It’s not a romantic relationship.”

“Something you’re quite familiar with.” I end my stab with a smile so he doesn’t think I’m jealous. I can’t afford to be. At least, my heart can’t afford it.

He ignores my comment and continues. “I highly doubt Rossi will come out for the event, but there’s a good chance she knows about you and will contact him. We have a tracker on her phone.”

“How did you manage that?”

His blue eyes are unwavering. Got it. I’m not privy to his secrets, not that I expect to be.

I take a moment to absorb this information. He wants to use me as bait, which I’m okay with within reason. I’m pretty sure I’ll be safe tonight as long as Stone doesn’t leave my side. I trust Marco, Tio, and Lucca, who are all on duty tonight, as I’m sure are many other men who will be sprinkled throughout the gala.

Antonio wants me alive. I have that going for me.

“So, we make our appearance known, get Sandra’s attention, then leave?”

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