Page 48 of Crazed

"Tell me what?" Cara asks.

Gianni grinds his molars, taking his time to answer.

Cara waits, tapping her foot. A red flush deepens on her cheeks. She fumes, "We've never discussed this. Am I wrong? Did you pay more for me than what I went for on the stage?"

More guilt eats at me for hurting Cara. Yet I'm enjoying every minute of watching Gianni be in the hot seat.

He glares harder, steps forward, then puts his arm around her. He states, "Let's go talk in private."

"Just tell me whatever it is you conveniently forgot. And don't you dare lie to me," she warns.

His voice turns firmer. He asserts, "Let's go talk."

"So you've lied to me?" she accuses.

He reaches for her face, and she steps back.

"Don't you dare touch me!"

"Tesoro—"

"No! Don't you even try to sugarcoat this," she cries out, pushing his chest.

Tense silence fills the air. Neither one takes their eyes off the other. Gianni finally restates, "We need to speak privately." He steps forward, slides his arm around her waist, and steers her down the hall.

Shit!I reprimand myself.Why did I do that?

I didn't know she was standing there.

It wasn't my secret to tell.

Now I've hurt her.

"Massimo. Is everything okay?" Katiya asks, placing her hand on my bicep and pulling me out of my thoughts.

I spin and force a smile. "I'm not in the mood for this event. Let's get out of here."

10

Katiya

"What?No! You can't leave. It'syourclub!" I cry out.

"Who cares. I sure as hell don't anymore," he states, then circles his arm around my waist. Before I can respond, he guides me down the hall.

As soon as we turn the corner, an older man steps in front of us. Deep wrinkles cover his face. He has the same dark hair and features as Massimo and his brothers. His cold eyes pin Massimo's. In an authoritative voice, he states, "This is impressive, son."

Massimo's body stiffens. He grips my waist tighter. "Thank you. This is Katiya. Katiya, meet my papà, Angelo Marino."

The hairs on my neck rise. I try to smile, but I'm so nervous, I can barely curve my lips. Everything about Angelo Marino exudes intelligence and intimidation. He's either the guy you want on your side or the one you should stay far away from. I manage to get out, "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Marino."

Tension fills the air so thick, I want to run and hide. He keeps his gaze on me, studying me until I'm sure he hates me. But then he surprises me. He leans in and kisses my cheek. "Katiya. I've heard a lot about you."

His cautious tone isn't overly friendly, but I'll take whatever I can get. Part of fulfilling my promise to Leo requires me to get close to the family.

I can't do it. Massimo deserves better.

I have to. There's no way out.

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