Page 112 of Toxic

Time drags over the next two days. My stomach is a never-ending cycle of knots. When evening rolls around, I take my time getting ready, but the hours seem to continue to slowly grind by. I choose a black cocktail dress and slip it on. My anxiety only grows when I get into the car. By the time I arrive at the club, I have to give myself a pep talk.

I've only been here twice, and Cara was with me both times. The flashbacks of Rossi and Bailey hands on me, along with Michelotto pinning me on the couch, almost paralyze me.

Don't do this now.

Brenna needs you.

Closing my eyes, I take deep breaths and push the visions and smells away. I open the back door. My driver usually does it for me, but I instructed him to stay in the vehicle like previous times. The freezing air and snow slap me in the face. I hurry into the club as quickly as possible, getting through security and avoiding any eye contact as I move through the bottom level.

I take the elevator to the top floor where Brenna should be. My heart almost stops when I see her sitting on Giulio Abruzzo's lap. We catch each other's eyes through the window, but she breaks our gaze and turns toward him.

I go down the hall, trying to figure out which suite will be safe to enter when I run into Rubio.

His smile fills his face. He leans in and kisses my cheek. "Hey, Bridget. Who are you here with?"

I square my shoulders and stick out my chin, trying to fake confidence while hoping to hide my nervousness. "No one. Is this your suite?" I point through the glass.

"Yeah. Do you want to come inside? Cara is in there."

"Oh?" I raise my eyebrows, surprised she's here again.

"Yep." He motions for me to go through the doorway.

I step inside, spot Cara with some other women, and go over to her. I tap her shoulder.

She spins, her eyes widening, and hugs me. "Hey! What are you doing here?"

I shrug.

"Thought you didn't like this place?"

"Needed to get out of the house," I lie, trying to keep an eye on the glass so I can see Brenna when she goes to the restroom.

Concern fills Cara's expression. "Are you okay? Are the kids still giving you a hard time?"

I shake my head. "No. Things are a lot better between us. Just need to blow off some steam, you know?"

She nods. "Yep. Well, I'm glad you're here."

"Thanks. It's good to—"

My mouth turns dry. Finn walks into the suite and locks eyes with me, scowling as if he wants to kill me. Goose bumps break out all over my arms and legs. I turn away from him and spot Dante and the rest of the Marinos, along with Killian. I cross my arms, cursing myself.

Why are they all here?

Surely, they don't know Brenna messaged me?

Dante isn't going to forgive me for being here.

My mind races but not for long. I feel and smell him before he puts his arm around my waist and murmurs in my ear, "Bridget. We need to talk."

I turn and face the music.

Dante's dark eyes are so cold, I shiver. He quickly escorts me to the corner of the room. My back is against the wall, and he steps so close to me, I can feel his body heat through his suit.

My insides quiver.

He lowers his mouth to my ear. "How long have you known about Brenna?"

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