Page 75 of Ruthless Vengeance
Something like pain flickers in Marco’s eyes as he looks at me. “I have some urgent business to take care of.”
“How long will you be gone?”
The high from our one-on-one time is starting to fade.
“I’ll be back later tonight. I promise.”
As I climb out of the car, Andre crosses the drive toward me, wearing an almost identical expression to Marco, which makes me feel uneasy.
Whatever it is they’re about to go and do, I have a feeling it’s not good.
“Lila is in the kitchen with the girls,” Andre says as he approaches me. “Zoe missed you.”
I smile at him before hurrying inside, desperate to see Zoe. Even one night away from her feels like a lifetime, and I want nothing more than to hold her.
As promised, I find Lila in the kitchen giving the girls some early lunch.
Zoe is so excited to see me that she throws her food on the floor and starts waving her arms at me.
“I feel special.” I laugh as I pull Zoe out of her chair and plant a big kiss on her cheek.
“I’m not surprised, after spending the night at the Plaza.” Lila gives me a knowing look. “Tell meeverything.”
The rest of the day passes by in a blur as I hang out with Lila, Zoe, and Holly.
Talking to Lila helps to distract me from ruminating over the look on Marco’s face when he dropped me off. I know he likes to keep a lot of his work to himself in order to protect me, but sometimes I wish he would let me in a little more.
We’re a team, and I want to feel like one in all aspects of our lives.
After I put Zoe down for the night, I’m about to head into my sewing room to start working on some more dresses for her when I get a call from Sam.
I can’t even remember the last time I called her, which makes me feel incredibly guilty. I’ve not been a great friend recently, but I know Sam will be understanding.
I shut the door to Zoe’s room behind me and head next door to Marco’s bedroom. “Hey,”
“Why are you whispering?”
“I just put Zoe down for the night.” I perch on the edge of the bed.
“Perfect timing. I was hoping you’d be free for a drink. And you’re not allowed to say no.”
“Umm…” It’s not that I don’t want to go, but Marco isn’t home.
I know I don’tneedhis permission to go out, but after everything that’s happened, I respect that he worries about my safety and will want to know where I am.
“Come on,please, Clara. You owe me.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“I have allowed you to be all radio silent, and I haven’t complained once. But time’s up, Clara. I need a girls’ night, pronto.”
“Okay, give me one sec.” I put my phone on speaker and open up my text thread with Marco.
Me
Sam wants to meet for a drink. Is it okay if we go to Nox?
His answer is almost immediate.
