Page 11 of And Twice as Twisted
I glanced over my shoulder and froze. Alongside one of Romano’s men was Apollo. The rest of the world faded away as we stared at each other. The stitches were gone while the twisted strings left a barely visible scar on his tattooed neck, with the bruises and cuts now a distant memory. Silence stretched between us and the city disappeared. We were lost in each other’s gaze, far removed from our current predicament. Apollo ignored Romano’s team. Then, slowly, he turned to look each man in the face. Memorizing them. He knew who they worked for. Knew where I would be going with them.
My heart raced as a moment of guilt spread through me. The skin across my chest blossomed red and my face heated. Therewas no reason for me to feel this way, but beneath the weight of his gaze, I felt it all.
Suddenly Rocco was at his side, whispering in his ear, and a second later, Apollo disappeared into the crowd. “I’ll handle it,” Rocco said into his earpiece, waiting for me to enter the vehicle.
“Ma’am.”
I turned towards the guard and slid inside, where the men reported to the remaining transports, and we took off into the city traffic. I closed my eyes and tried to breathe through the panic and guilt that had settled on my chest.
I had nothing to feel guilty about. His choices forced me to make my own.
“Traffic is light, ma’am. We should arrive in less than two hours.” The same guard spoke to me from the front passenger seat and introduced himself as Romeo—Romano’s right hand.
Staring out the window, my eyes burned with unshed tears. Why now? Why would he show the moment I decided to take my life back?
It didn’t matter. It was over and there was no going back. Too many years. Too many tears.
As we approached an accident scene, my heart lodged in my throat. Everything around me turned to white noise as my ears pulsed, sweat broke out across my skin, and my stomach turned violently.
Romeo twisted in his seat. Grabbing my wrist, he pressed his thumb against my pulse point. “Deep, slow breaths.”His command allowed me to focus on his voice as he gave me random facts about Philly. After a few minutes, and seemingly satisfied with the rhythm, he released my hand.
“How long have you been with Romano?”
Romeo was an attractive man, roughly in his early-thirties, with thick dark-brown hair and jade-green eyes. He had a playful disposition and a smile that melted your heart with twoproud dimples on display. He’d been with Romano for several years, following him from the streets and becoming his right hand when he took over. He claimed Romano was earnest yet demanding—he treated those he cared about like royalty. I didn’t bother to ask about his enemies because I’d already heard the stories. Romano’s rise created a power struggle, one he’d climbed over countless dead bodies to win.
“Wow,” I muttered, staring at the city skyline now looming on the horizon.
“It’s not New York, but sometimes change is just what the doctor should’ve ordered.” Romeo pulled his phone from his pocket. “Romano wants you to head directly to dinner if you’re not too tired, ma’am.”
“Whatever the boss wants.” A heaviness lifted from my chest as things fell so easily into place.
We stopped outside a nondescript brick building. The armed cars in the front and rear of us cleared the sidewalk before I stepped out. There was nothing fancy or appealing about the place, just a glass door next to a simple sign.
Romeo opened the door for me and offered a hand. “Welcome toFetta di Paradiso, home to Center City’s most sought-after desserts.” He placed my arm in his and escorted me into the building.
The moment the doors opened and I smelled the scent of fresh cakes, pies, and other baked goods, I understood why it was calledslice of heaven. The outside was boring, but the interior was opulent with white marble floors, gold display cases, and large chandeliers with diamonds.
“Pick whatever you like. The boss will be here shortly.” Romeo disappeared as the additional security details spread throughout the room.
“Parli Italiano, bella?” An older, round woman appeared from behind the case, smiling at me as I nodded. “Cosa posso portarti?”
She wanted me to pick something from one of the displays, but each shelf was better than the last. Cannoli, tiramisu, panna cotta, tartufo,sfogliatella, panettone and so much more were spread through the cases. I was practically drooling, my hands and nose pressed against the glass like a kid in her first candy shop. When I couldn’t choose, she told me she’d make me a sampler and I clapped my hands, hopping up and down on my stilettos.
“Sweets are what gives me the most beautiful smile?” Romano’s raspy voice sent chills down my spine as he stepped alongside me. “Sampler, Maria!”
“Hush!”Mariashouted from behind the case, making us both laugh as he steered me towards a table.
Ever the gentleman, Romano pulled out my chair before unbuttoning his jacket and sitting across from me. As if memorizing my features, he took in every detail until I squirmed. The scar near his chin danced as he fought a smile.
“How was the ride?” he asked, leaning back in his seat.
The question was so simple and so… normal… that I couldn’t help but laugh. All the tension and stress of these last—God, it felt like years—lifted for a brief moment and I laughed. Hard. So hard I hiccupped as I wiped away tears and tried to rein in my emotions.
“I’m sorry. This is all just so…” I paused, unsure how to finish.
“Romantic? Thoughtful?” His smirk was approachable, boyish almost.
“Normal.” I laughed, and he frowned.
