Page 88 of Highball and Chain

Nope. Not going to work, sweetheart. “You weren’t in this house ten seconds before you insulted Shanna.”

“She insulted me first!”

I didn’t believe her. “Should I call Hildie back and ask her?”

“No.” Nico deflated. Her head down, shoulders curled in, arms wrapped around her waist, she leaned forward. “I’ll apologize to her. Please let me stay. I’m in trouble, Enzo. If my family finds out I’m here…”

“What? They’ll disown you?” Days of frustration poured out of me. “I’m not buying it. Since you showed up at the engagement party, it’s been nonstop chaos.”

“I know, and I’m sorry. Between my father and your mother, I couldn’t take it anymore. I acted like a complete psycho so you’d throw me out. I thought if Evelyn saw how awful we were together—”

“You’re telling me you staged everything?” While in a twisted way it made sense, her explanation fell short. “Did it ever occur to you to tell me the truth?”

“I couldn’t risk you confronting your mother.” She lowered her voice. “She’s been conspiring with my father for months.”

My mother working with Pietro Lazio didn’t surprise me. She’d always wanted me to marry Nico. However, I highly doubted Evelyn would order someone to shoot at me or commit arson. “What did you hope to gain by setting Shanna’s apartment on fire? How about my restaurant? Did you think if it was gone, I’d marry you?”

“What are you talking about?” Nico took a step back. “What’s happened?”

“Leave, Nico.” I pushed past her and opened the door.

Shanna returned to the foyer. “Enzo, let her stay.”

I had no idea how much of the conversation she’d overheard, or what would make her soften toward Nico. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I asked you to. We need answers, and she clearly needs our help.”

Nico stared at Shanna as if she were the Madonna.

“One night.” I turned to retrieve the half-dozen suitcases Nicolina usually brought along.

The porch was empty.

Confused, I checked the drive for a cab, but found none. “Where are your things?”

Nico shook her head without meeting my gaze.

The reality of the situation sucker punched me. I might not have liked the woman she’d turned into, but I’d grown up with the girl she used to be. Nico was in trouble, and I’d almost put her out on the street. “We’re about to sit down for dinner. Are you hungry?”

“Famished.” She wiped her eyes and stood straighter. “I’m filthy. Would you mind if I cleaned up first?”

“You can sleep in Gabe’s old room.” I suggested his room for two reasons. It had a private bath, and it was the farthest from mine.

Shanna glanced between us and sighed. “I have some clothes here, if you’d like to borrow something.”

“Thank you,” Nico whispered.

Shanna guided her toward the stairs.

I stared until they reached the top, shook my head, and went to find Marco. He had some explaining to do.

Thankfully, Hildie had taken control of dinner otherwise we’d be eating sandwiches. She frowned at me and placed tomato slices on top of mozzarella cheese medallions. “Your steaks are in the oven under the warmer.”

“Thanks.” I took a step toward the patio.

“You have a mess on your hands.” She spoke without looking up from the bunch of basil she was murdering.

“I’m aware.”

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