Page 48 of And Twice as Twisted
“Lucky said you want to leave.” My father claimed the seat beside me.
“It’s for the best.” I smiled, patting his leg and refusing to elaborate. “I have several things to handle first, then I will makemyown plan.”
“And who is included in that plan?” Romano stood in the foyer.
There he was, the man I thought could save me from myself—from my family. Only now did I realize that he was the same type of man I was trying to avoid, just from a different city. I wanted out, away from all these mafia games. His dark eyes turned almost black, as if he could read my thoughts.
“Get dressed. I want to take you out.” Romano left little room for argument, but even as I stared at him in suspense, my fight dwindled. “Your father gave hisblessing.”
What a curious word. And even more curious… was the fact that I was too tired to fight, so I agreed.
My father was unusually quiet, his eyes flicking between us. The man I adored, the man that slayed the monsters under my bed, was long gone. His two daughters had been destroyed—one leaving, the other still missing. The realization settled heavily on my shoulders as I noticed just how much he’d aged.
My hair was mostly dry as I ran a brush through it and piled the locks into a high ponytail, adding a slight curl to the ends. I kept my makeup natural with a light blush and winged liner. I added several thousands in diamonds to my ears and neck before stepping into myOscar de la Renta Magnolia Guipurelace dress. I then added my bright-redLouboutinpumps to add a pop of color. One last glance in the mirror, and I hated the reflection silently judging me.
“Mirror, mirror on the wall… tell me I’m the perfect queen.” I ran a palm across the image staring back at me before heading out.
“I win that bet, Romeo.” Romano stepped closer to the bottom of the stairs, his hand out to help me into the foyer. “He said I’d picked the wrong venue because this time of night you’d be anything less than stellar.”
I smiled as he whisked me out of the house, Romeo holding my door open for me. The sound of Frank Sinatracrooning in the background was the only noise the entire ride. We drove just outside the city to an opulent restaurant I’d never been to before.
We stepped inside and the dining room was filled with people, all stopping to stare. They watched in silence, too frightened to speak as we were ushered into a private section. The room was a wide-open space with a single table, two chairs, and long-stem roses placed in the center. It was only illuminated by candles, the light from the outside diminished as Romeo closed us inside. The chatter and slight music from the other room was muted, a calming silence settling between us. Afraid of having nothing to say, I was saved by two waiters who quickly filled our wine glasses.
The conversation was light and friendly, normal and enjoyable. We laughed about the most asinine things. Once again, I was taken aback by how easy it was between us. Heseemed interested in continuously getting to know me and for a brief second, I allowed myself to enjoy the moment.
Until he ruined it.
“You seem particularly close to your father.”
I nodded, my hackles rising. I knew what was coming next.
“What secrets does the illusive Mario Agostino keep from his favorite daughter?”
It wasn’t necessarily the question that irked me; it was the tone and serious expression that accompanied it. I remained quiet, while the anticipation of which way this would go seemed to clog my throat. I was officially skeptical of the man in front of me.
A man with many faces.
“The skeletons in his closet are breaking free, Sienna. Who else will pay for his sins?” Romano’s finger lightly traced the rim of his glass.
I was no longer interested in where the night could lead us. I tossed my own wine glass back, swallowing the contents in one gulp before dropping my napkin on my plate. The scar on his chiseled face suddenly mocked me.
My father had trusted him enough to come and get me when I needed rescuing. Romano had seemed to be in agreement with whatever matter they were drawing up between them. Yet, here and now, this individual before me seemed ready for a fight with the head of New York.
“What’s the matter, Sienna? Daddy got your tongue?” He looked at his watch.
“I think it’s time you took me home.” I pulled back my chair the same moment Romeo stepped into the room, his kind face suddenly closed off.
“Have you ever wondered ifDaddywasn’t telling you everything?” Romano smiled as my attention snapped to him.“Mario has lost control of his city and is handing a flaming pile of shit to your brother. And then there is Octavia.”
“Do not. Talk about her,” I warned, my palms itching as I clenched them together.
“Does anyone in your family? To me, it seems she’s off-topic and no one is wondering why she doesn’t want to come home.” He slowly rose from the table, taking another sip of wine. “Funny how yourweakest linkwas able to escape. Don’t you think?
“I’ll get my own ride home.” I reached into my clutch for my phone, his calloused grip stopping me.
“Now, now. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He motioned towards the door. “I protectthingsin my care and promised your father I’d get you home in onepiece.”
I hid the shiver that took over my other senses.
