Page 143 of Crazed

I return the hug as he states, "Welcome to the family. Once you get to know everyone, I'm sure you'll fit right in."

Hope swirls with doubt. I want to be part of the Marinos. Besides Massimo, I don't know them well. Yet, I would love to feel like I'm part of their family. Family is something I've craved since my father passed.

Angelo kisses me on the cheek, pulls back, and asks, "Have you had any breakfast?"

I shake my head. "No, but umm...do you know where Massimo is? I don't think he came back to the room last night. His side of the bed was perfectly made."

Angelo's face darkens. The energy around him turns serious. He answers, "He had some business to take care of at the club. I'm expecting him shortly."

Panic fills me. "He's okay?"

Angelo puts his arm around my shoulder. "Yes. He's perfectly safe. Now, let me show you to the dining room. The ladies were still there when I left. They were discussing some final details for Bridget and Dante's wedding."

"Oh. I wouldn't want to interrupt," I claim.

"Nonsense," Angelo replies, then stops outside a doorway. The women's voices fill the air, and he motions for me to go inside. "I have some work to take care of, but help yourself to anything. If you don't see something on the table, the chef can make it for you."

I hesitate.

He orders, "Don't be shy. Go eat."

"Okay. Thank you," I say, then step into the room.

Cara says, "When do you want—" She catches me out of the corner of her eye then turns her head.

Bridget and Arianna spin in their seats.

My heart pounds so hard, I think it's going to burst. I don't move, wishing I'd stayed up in Massimo's room.

"Katiya. Did you sleep well?" Bridget asks.

I nod, unable to speak. Arianna's glare looks meaner than Massimo's. I can't tear my eyes off them as I try to stop my quivering insides.

"I'll take that as a no. Come sit," Bridget says, then rises and pulls out the chair next to her.

I force my feet to move, obeying her orders. When I'm safely in the chair, my stomach growls.

Cara lifts a few silver platters, asking, "Eggs? Bacon? Waffles? The chef can make you an omelet if you want."

"Coffee?" Arianna pours a mug and slides it toward me, still glaring.

I swallow the lump in my throat, managing to get out, "Thanks."

She crosses her arms and sits back in the chair. She tilts her head and asserts, "You should eat while it's still hot."

My stomach growls again, but I'm cautious, suddenly wondering if Arianna poisoned anything. I tell myself it's ridiculous, but now I can't get the thought out of my head.

"Yeah, have some food," Bridget gently adds, picking up my plate and dumping a spoonful of scrambled eggs on it. She adds strawberries and toast then sets it in front of me.

I clear my throat. "Thanks." Silence fills the air. The women are staring at me, waiting for me to eat. Poison becomes harder to get out of my mind.

"Go on. Eat," Cara demands.

This is silly. She didn't poison it.

I don't know that.

I pick up my fork then pause.

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