Page 74 of Toxic

"Let's go," I repeat.

"No. You stay here, Dante," Papà demands.

My stomach dives. The last thing I want to do is extend this conversation. Gianni gives me a final glance and stomps out of the room.

When the door shuts, my father states, "Tully paid me a visit yesterday."

A new sense of dread fills me. I straighten my shoulders. "And this is my business because...?"

Papà crosses his arms. "He informed me that you seem to be spending a lot of time with Bridget."

I shrug. "So? We've always been friends. What's your point?"

He shakes his head. "No. Since she returned to New York several years ago, you haven't. Based on how you acted in the club, and now this information, I'm intelligent enough to put two and two together."

Anger spirals quickly at the thought of what could have happened to Bridget and the memory of that thug on top of her. "And we're back to the night of the club. Interesting how you and Tully seem to glaze over the fact Bridget was in the middle of being assaulted."

My father lowers his voice. "Of course we aren't."

"Yeah? Then why do you keep holding it over Gianni's and my head that we took out that thug?"

"You're missing the point."

I huff. "There are only two points from where I'm standing. There's one less Abruzzo on this earth to worry about, and Bridget is okay. Other than that, you shouldn't be reprimanding Gianni or me, yet you are."

"Because there are consequences. We only have this problem at the port because of your knee-jerk reaction."

I shift on my feet as more rage ignites. I've been holding it at bay during this entire conversation, but adding Bridget to the scenario only makes me lose my patience. "No. You don't know for sure why the Abruzzos went into the gray zone. It's all speculation. And you know what I don't get?"

"What?"

"Why are you so hell-bent on not even considering our plan? Is Gianni right and it's because you didn't think about it?"

"Watch your mouth."

I snort. "Is there something you want to ask me? This conversation is getting stale. I have shit to do."

Papà shifts on his feet. His voice softens. "What's going on with you and Bridget?"

While I'd love to shout to the world Bridget is mine, I know she doesn't want that. So until she does, I'm not risking anything where she's concerned. "We're friends. Always have been. You and Tully can think whatever you want, but it isn't your business. We're adults, so stick your noses into something else."

My father briefly shuts his eyes and then opens them. The hardness has evaporated, but I much prefer it to the current scenario. "Getting romantically involved with Bridget isn't a good idea."

"Thanks for the pep talk. Is there anything else you need, or am I free to go?"

"Don't lie to me about this. She's been staying out all night with you."

"Are you keeping tabs on me?" I hurl at him.

"Tully said you pick her up and she doesn't return home until before the kids wake up for school."

I take several deep breaths to attempt to calm myself. Leaning closer to my father, I proclaim, "Like I said, my business with Bridget is my business. Stay out of it."

"Dante, she's not one of your girls."

"Jesus! Keep your assumptions to yourself." I turn and leave the room, slamming the door on the way out. I head straight to the gym. When I get there, my brothers are already working out. Massimo is spotting Tristano on the bench press. Gianni is punching the free bag.

I grab some gloves, step in front of the other bag, and begin punching in sync with Gianni.

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