Page 82 of His Dark Vendetta

“I don’t know that.”

“You don’t get it, do you? I’m sitting here because of who I am. The secret’s out. I’m a Shaughnessy. It’s only a matter of time before someone takes advantage of that and I’m thrust into another situation like the one at Vesuvio or last night or”—I craned my neck and gave him an accusatory look—“at the Tobin Bridge.”

He winced.

“I can’t handle the stress. My stomach can’t handle the stress. I don’t want to live my life constantly looking over my shoulder. It nearly killed me before I moved to Ireland. I can’t live like that again. I won’t.”

“The only people who know are Marco and Vinnie. Well, and Vito. And probably Gio too, but they’re consiglieri. It’s their job to keep their mouths shut. And me. Your secret is safe. Omertà isn’t just a word. It’s an oath. It has teeth.”

“And Anna. And Gina.” I shook my head. “Look, I’m not saying any of those people are trying to cause trouble on purpose, but this is how it starts. It’s already spread too far. Not to mention, you don’t have to be involved to be hurt by this life. I didn’t get shot when I was sixteen because I was involved. I got shot because I wasthere. I don’t ever want to bethereagain.”

He wiped his mouth and tossed his napkin onto his empty plate. “I don’t know.” He stared into his wine, swirling it, then drained the glass and leaned back. “Seems to me you’ve been forced to accommodate everyone else—where you live, what you eat, where you work. Dio, even your accent.” His words were soft and distant. “Doesn’t seem fair.”

Didn’t I know it.

I stacked the empty plates and utensils and walked them over to the sink. “You of all people should know—life is nothing if not unfair. We’ve both had our share of shitty circumstances, Luca. You can’t stew in the past. I mean, you can, but that’s no way to live. All you can do is move forward and make choices to give yourself the best possible chance at happiness.”

“That’s not good enough. Not for me. And it shouldn’t be for you either.”

I shrugged. “It is what it is. I accepted my lot in life a long time ago.”

He got up, stretched his arms overhead, and yawned.

I surveyed the mess and Luca’s sleepy eyes. “Let me clean up, okay? You cooked, I’ll clean. That’s fair.”

He quirked a wry grin. “Using my words against me?”

“Damn straight. Seriously though, you had a long day. I, on the other hand, sat on the couch watching TV and readingPeople. I got this.”

His eyes darted around the kitchen. “Okay…” He licked his lips, and his face twisted with worry. “There’s paper towel under the sink. And disinfectant. And rags. Don’t be stingy with the disinfectant.” His breath quickened. “All the dirty rags need to go on top of the washing machine in the laundry room when you’re done. And make sure you get all the food chunks off the plates before you put them in the dishwasher. There’s no disposal unit in there, you know? The detergent is under the sink. Don’t forget to run it.”

He grabbed the back of his neck and surveyed the counters.

“Hey.” I took his hand and gave it a squeeze. “I know how to clean a kitchen, okay?”

“Sorry.” He closed his eyes through a deep breath. “I’m… particular when it comes to cleaning.”

I widened my eyes. “You don’t say!”

He let out a nervous chuckle.

I squeezed his hand again. “I got this. Trust me.”

He smiled, still wary but less so, and made for the stairs.

I got to work.

Three nights ago, Luca Moretti held me perched on the ledge of the Tobin Bridge, ready to sacrifice my life to exact his revenge. Now I was cleaning his kitchen. After he cooked dinner for me. After fucking me senseless. Talk about whiplash.

The entire fucked-up chain of events was par for the course with me and Luca. Our relationship had never been anything but incendiary. The only question was how long before it blew up in our faces.

ChapterTwenty-Five

Siobhán

The pale blue teddy was in a rumpled ball behind the gym bag Luca brought back from The Dollhouse. I threw it there when I unpacked the bag, disgusted by his presumption. It didn’t disgust me now.

I shook it out and held it in front of me. He picked it out, because he wanted me to wear it for him. Even then.

---