Page 28 of Depths of Obsession
I blink. So maybe it’s not a long story. I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Did I get that correct?” Luca asks, his deep green eyes pinning me to the chair, his gaze unwavering.
“Um… y-yes. That’s what happened that time, but?—”
“That time. He hit you before?” Luca’s voice had gone so low it sends shivers across my skin.
I bit my lip. “Yes but?—'
Fury snaps in his eyes. “There’s no buts. No man should ever hit a woman in anger. Period.”
His anger washes over me in waves, raw and powerful. I’m speechless. No one but Mia and Luna have ever been mad at my father on my behalf. The fact that Luca is so upset touches me in a way I didn’t expect, a warmth spreading through my chest. It’s both comforting and terrifying.
“I agree, but there’s a lot going on and?—”
“Your father is a gambling addict, and he is bringing down your entire family. That’s what’s going on. You and your mother need to stay away from him.”
“That’s easy for you to say. It’s not your family,” I argue back, my voice rising. I don’t know why I’m defending either one of my parents, but Luca’s tone and attitude has me on the defensive.
He stares at me, his expression hardening, and then cocks his head as if he’s listening to something. “I have to go get dressed.” He disappears down the hallway without another word, leaving me feeling unsettled.
I look at Luna, and she seems as shocked as I am. “Okay, that was weird.” I sigh. Can my life get any more fucked up? “My life has turned tomerdaovernight.”
Luna offers me a tight smile, her eyes filled with understanding. “He’s right, you know. There’s no excuse for your father’s behavior, and if we’re being honest, your life turned to shit a while ago. This is just the lowest point.” I open my mouth to protest, but she cuts me off. “I’m not criticizing. Mine is shit as well. It’s like once we hit our mid-twenties, life decided to throw us a curve ball…or five. Seriously, you and I and Mia have always wanted out. Mia is happily married now, so she wants to stay. I admit, I did not see that coming.” She shakes her head and then drops her voice. “But you and I, we still want out. I think we should go. Take the leap and make a run for it.”
I stare at her, my heart pounding. I’ve been thinking along that same line, but hearing her say it out loud makes it real. “You’re right. I’ve been thinking the same thing. It is time to go.”
Luna grins, her eyes lighting up with excitement. “Thelma and Louise.”
“Yeah, they died, so no. I want to live. But yeah. Let’s get working on a plan.” My mind starts to race, the adrenaline kicking in. “I have?—”
The sound of voices and the freight elevator rumbling startles me. We both turn to see who is in the elevator as it rises, but I hear a voice say, “I have a right to know,” and I know instantly who is coming.
My heart drops, and I look at Luna, and she’s gone pale as well. My father is not a man you want to face when he’s angry, and right now, he’s pissed as hell. “How the hell did he find me?”
“I have no idea,” Luna says, her voice shaky, as the freight elevator comes into view. My father’s face is twisted with rage and he practically vibrates where he stands next to Nico.
“Oh shit,” I say, my voice barely a whisper, as Luna squeezes my hand. My heart pounds in my chest, fear clawing at me, as I brace myself for whatever is coming.
CHAPTER 9
“Iwant to see my daughter!” Danillo Dominici’s voice echoes through the apartment as soon as he steps off the freight elevator. His face is flushed, anger radiates off him hotter than the sun.
“You need to change your tone,” Luca says, as he steps in front of my father, his voice cold and dangerously calm. He stands firm, his muscles coiled, ready to act.
Nico glances over at me, one eyebrow raised in question as if to say,what gives?
I give him a tight shrug, as tension vibrates through me. Nico turns to Luca, and then his expression changes, almost like Luca sent him a silent message. Nico’s face goes blank, but his rising anger is immediate, palpable. I can sense it. My anxiety ratchets up, my pulse escalating so fast I swear it misses several beats. Luna’s small hand slips into mine, her fingers trembling slightly, her grip tight. She’s scared too.
I glance at Luca as I slide off the stool. My breath catches as I swear I see… are those fangs? Was he baring his teeth at my father? A surge of unease mixes with the fear already churning inside me. I clear my throat and say, “Papa, I’m right here. How did you find me?”
“The app on Luna’s phone. Her father keeps track of her, the way I should be keeping track of you,” he says, jabbing a finger at me as he steps forward, his tone dripping with accusation.
Luna blanches, her face going pale. “My father is tracking my phone? For fuck’s sake.”
“Watch your mouth,” my father snarls, his eyes narrowing at her.
Luca steps directly in front of him, his posture protective, intimidating. “Good advice. You should take it.” Menace drips off his tone.
