Page 77 of Crazed

My lungs close up. I'm unable to take any more oxygen in them. Leo's brother is ten times worse than him. I've witnessed how he punishes women. At times, I've had nightmares from the visuals I can't escape. "N-no! Don't take me to him."

"Why shouldn't I? You're wasting everyone's time," Tommy glowers.

There's no time to think. There's only the fear spiraling all around me in a hurricane. I divulge, "He introduced me to his jeweler."

Tense silence fills the air. My skin crawls, and remorse for betraying Massimo immediately assaults me.

Tommy's ice-cold glare studies me. He demands, "Who is it?"

I pause, tearing my eyes off his.

He grasps my neck and forces my head up. Pain shoots through my skull. "Stop stalling."

"His name is Ettore," I state, hating myself further but desperate for him to release me.

More moments of excruciating silence ensue. Tommy finally inquires, "What else have you found out?"

My anxiety grows deeper, squeezing my heart until sharp pains are coursing through it. A tear drops down my cheek. I admit, "That's it."

Tommy purses his lips in disapproval.

I quickly add, "But he trusts me now. I-I'm close to finding everything out. Even his papà likes me now."

Tommy assesses me again then releases me, stepping back. He points in my face. "When I return, you better have more information."

"I need to talk to Leo," I restate.

"You go through me for Leo."

In an attempt to protect myself, I cross my arms over my chest. As firm as I can, I insist, "No. I need to speak to Leo."

"Are you—"

"Katiya, is everything okay?" Alicia asks, her eyes darting between Tommy and me.

Tommy slowly turns his head toward her. He declares, "This isn't your business."

"You're pushing the boundaries," she claims without hesitation.

"Oh? Should we discuss boundaries?" Tommy questions, but it's a threat.

"Alicia, I'm fine," I state, trying to diffuse the situation.

Tommy steps in front of her.

She stays planted, which surprises me. Tommy's a big guy. One look, and it's clear he's dangerous.

He lowers his voice, asserting, "Doing your job requires minding your own business."

She fires back, "Not when you're about to call attention to yourself. What good is that going to do?"

"You think you're so smart, don't you?" Tommy rants.

Arrogance floods Alicia's face. She scoffs. "I guess that's why I'm in my role, and you're in yours."

Goose bumps pop out on my limbs. I open my mouth to warn her she can't talk to him like that then freeze. Everything hits me and becomes clear.

They aren't strangers. She's not butting into this conversation to help me out. She's involved with the Abruzzos, too.

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