A wave of dizziness crashes into me. I grab the shelf so I don't fall.
This entire time, she's been watching me.
Why did I never assume she was involved with them?
"I liked it better when you took care of yourself," Tommy states, dragging his eyes over her body and pausing on her protruding stomach.
She points to the stairs. "Out. Now. Or I'll call him myself."
Tommy shakes his head, muttering, "I don't understand why he keeps you."
"I can say the same for you. Now, out," she repeats.
He assesses her one more time then nods toward me. "She gets the info, or I'm taking her to Jacopo."
Alicia squares her shoulders and pulls out her phone. "Then let the girl do her job. Now, go, or I'm calling Leo and telling him how you're about to ruin his operation."
My heart pounds so hard against my chest cavity, I think it might burst through it. The silent minutes that pass by only make it worse.
Tommy turns toward me. "You better have more to give me the next time I'm here." He steps toward Alicia and leans into her ear, adding, "You should consider stomach surgery. You've really let yourself go since we were together."
More shivers roll down my body.She used to be with Tommy?
She pins her eyes on him, and it's the first time I've ever seen hatred in them. In a disgusted tone, she replies, "I also used to have horrible taste in men."
He snorts then shakes his head. He looks back at me and warns, "Don't underestimate me, Katiya." He moves toward the stairs, and I watch him until he disappears.
Alicia glances over the railing, I assume watching him until he's gone. She turns to me and points to the cart. "Make sure you put those back correctly." She steps toward the stairs.
I gape at her then rush over and grab the back of her arm. "Alicia!"
She spins. "Do your job, Katiya. Every aspect of it."
"You-you work for them?" I cry out.
"Forget about this conversation. Just get him what he wants," she orders.
"I-I'm trying," I claim.
Her eyes turn to slits. "Try harder."
I stare at her, trying to process this entire situation.
She moves down the stairs, and I snap out of it, following her.
On the landing, I reach for her again. "Alicia!"
"What?" she snarls. "Do you have any issues doing your job, Katiya? Do I need to replace you? Because it's not just your ass on the line. Got it?"
A storm of emotions rages through me. I demand, "Please call him. I need to speak with him."
She shakes her head. "No. He doesn't answer to you. If you need to get a message to him, then tell Tommy or me. One of us will make sure he gets it."
Blood bashes against my brain. I contemplate my options, unsure if I can trust her.
"Tommy or me," she repeats.
I decide to hedge my bets with her instead of him. I choke out, "Massimo moved me in with him. I couldn't get out of it. And he wants to take a vacation. He's relentless about it, and if I don't go, I'm not going to continue to earn his trust."