Page 93 of Broken Pieces
As I step into my apartment’s main lobby, I spot Alex sitting in the waiting area. I haven’t spoken to him since everything went down at the auction, and honestly? Good fucking riddance. I was finally able to realize Alex is not who he says he is. I’m not certain he was ever being truthful. Our friendship was based on a lie. It’s as simple as that.
Alex strides toward me. “We need to talk.”
His left eye is swollen, and a laugh almost escapes me as I say, “Nice shiner. Looking for another one? I can call Damian again if you want your eyes to match.”
He gets closer. “I fucking mean it. We need to talk.”
I give myself some space from him, shaking my head. “We certainly don’t. Go home, Alex.”
He tightly grips my arm, and questions, “You’re seriously going to throw away our friendship over Damian fucking Romano of all people?”
I laugh with a hint of disbelief as I pull my arm out of his grasp. “You don’t get it, do you?” A heavy sigh escapes me as I contemplate how to phrase my next words. “You’re not a good person. Or a good friend for that matter. It took you a total of five seconds to discredit my work, say that I owe it all to you, and—”
He interjects, “Well, it’s true.”
Oh, this is unbelievable.
Every time I think he's hit rock bottom, he finds a way to dig even deeper and create an entirely new level of disbelief.
Making my way to the elevator, I jab the fob on the elevator screen and select my floor, tapping my foot impatiently as the elevator doors toy with my patience.
Turning sharply, I snap, “Leave us alone. I mean it. Go about your life, because I’m done with you.”
He shoots me a knowing look and warns, “You're in for regrets, Aria. Remember this moment well.” He strides out, leaving me seething.
But his warning catches me off guard. This is a side of him I'm unfamiliar with. I can't predict what he might do, but it can’t lead to anything good.
“Where’s your phone, Romano? I’ve been fucking calling you for days,” Matteo quips, strolling into my office.
I recline in my chair, casually gesturing. “Why, yes, Carter, come on in. Sit down. Can I get you something to drink while you interrupt me?” I say with a sarcastic tone.
With a dismissive gesture, he unbuttons his suit and takes a seat in one of the guest chairs in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooks Lake Michigan and drops a manila folder onto the coffee table.
“Well, if you would have answered your phone, I wouldn’t have to come all the way here. You're a pain in the ass, did you know that?”
I shrug. “I lost it a couple of days ago; haven’t had the chance to go pick up a new one.”
And truth be told, not having a phone for the last couple of days has been peaceful, and the idea of going to the store to pick up a new one isn’t exactly appealing. I’ve been able to focus on the gallery since the gala is happening tomorrow, and spending every waking moment with Aria. Haven’t even slept at my place for God knows how long. If anyone needs me, they can email. If it’s an emergency, they know where I work.
“I thought you might be interested in this.” He taps the manila folder twice.
I furrow my brow as I rise, heading toward the folder.
Before I can grab it, Carter intercepts. “I don't want you bulldozing when you see this. I've got everything in check, but it's my job to fill you in on this.”
My gaze narrows at him as I reach out with a grabbing motion, and he sighs, handing over the folder.
My eyes bulge in surprise as I go through the contents of the folder. There are pictures of me and Aria at the coffee shop during the time I was trying to convince her to work for me. Us, in New York, skating and at the museum, capturing every moment. But what gets my attention are all the pictures of Aria by herself. Walking around the city, arriving at her apartment. There arehundredsof pictures.
“What thefuckis this, Carter?”
“You've had a shadow tailing you for months now. To be frank, I've been aware of it for some time, but we opted to keep you out of the loop while we collected more intel.”
I shake my head. “I don’t care about me. Why are they following Aria?”
My heart pounds and my hands shake just thinking about her being in any potential danger. This has gone too far. One thing is to fuck with me, I can take it. But her?Off fucking limits.
He shrugs, casually. “I don't know much, yet. But I've got someone watching her back to keep her safe. We caught the two guys tailing both of you, but they're tight-lipped. Found another foreign account with one transaction. Same as last time.”
