Page 78 of Toxic

The vision of Sean tied to a car, screaming for those men to let me go, pops into my mind. I squeeze my eyes, grasp the edge of the desk, and fight the clawing in my gut. Garlic, stale alcohol, and lavender flare in my nostrils. I hold my stomach as it spins.

My phone rings, but I can't answer. I sit in the chair and do what I've done for the last five years. I put my head between my knees, fight the pain in my heart, and focus on getting fresh oxygen in my lungs.

From time to time, my phone rings again. When I can finally manage, I answer. "What's so urgent, Dante?"

His deep voice hits my ear. The tingles that always erupt whenever I hear it ignite. I wonder how I can go from one state to another so fast. "I'm calling to make sure you're okay."

Okay? Does he know?

No, he can't.

But does he somehow have this sixth sense about what just happened?

"Bridge?"

"Why wouldn't I be okay?"

"I assume you're stressing about seeing the O'Malleys again."

"Well, that and my daughter thinks she can break the rules and have boys in her room."

"What boy?" Dante growls.

For some reason, his protective nature over Fiona strikes me as funny. A small laugh escapes me. "Calm down. I took care of it."

"So, who's this guy?"

"Her boyfriend, Jeremy. He's a senior and captain of the football team."

Dante groans. "That's bad."

"Why is it bad? He's a nice, polite kid. He gets good grades and is super respectful."

"And you just found him in your daughter's room. Trust me. No high school kid is going to be good news where Fiona is concerned."

"Ugh. Point taken," I admit.

A moment of silence fills the line. Then Dante asks, "Be honest, Bridge. How are you handling things?"

I contemplate his question and how honest to be. I finally respond, "I'm nervous, don't want to go, and am unsure how to get out of it."

"All understandable."

I sit back in the chair and confess, "I'm not sure how to face them."

"Just hold your head high and be you, dolcezza. And I'll be next to you."

My heart stammers. I quietly question, "Why are you still on my side when you know what I've done?"

"I'll tell you again what I've said before. I don't know your reasons. I want you to tell me, but even in the dark, I know you and your heart. Something led you to make that decision, or you wouldn't have."

I don't speak, fighting with myself to tell him. But Niall and Shamus's threats ring in my ears.

"Dolcezza, can I see you tonight?"

Another fight erupts within me. All I've done when I'm not with Dante is want his arms around me. The more I crave him, the more I tell myself I need to stay away. Falling for him isn't an option. I clear my throat. "No. Not tonight."

"Why not?"

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