Page 75 of Crazed

How do I know? After all, I'm working for Leo, trying to find out Massimo's contacts so Leo can take him and his family down.

Ugh. I hate my life.

"Did you take your lunch yet?" Alicia asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

I tear my gaze off the computer screen and assess her.

No. There's no way she's his type.

What if something is going on though?

What am I saying?

Goddamn you, Horatio.

Alicia tilts her head, peering at me. "Katiya? Is something wrong?"

A few moments of silence pass as too many crazy thoughts buzz through my mind.

"Katiya?" she asks, putting her hand on my forearm.

I yank it back. "Everything is fine. I'll go now." I beeline to the front door, not even considering eating the lunch Massimo had the club chef package for me.

The moment I step outside, a gust of air blows, slapping my face. It's neither warm nor cold, reminding me that spring is just around the corner. The thought of sunshine and salty ocean water pops into my head.

Maybe he can take Alicia.

What the heck am I saying?

Why am I letting Horatio's stupid comments bother me?

For my half hour, I stroll through the city. I'd normally study the mannequins in the boutique windows or sit on a bench and people-watch. Nothing catches my attention today. I reprimand myself over and over again for letting Horatio get to me.

By the time my break is over, I've regained my sense of peace. There's no way anything is going on between Massimo and Alicia. I'm determined not to think about it anymore and ignore Horatio the rest of the day.

Feeling more confident, I raise my chin and return to work, bypassing Horatio without giving him any attention. I go to my cubicle, pull the employee handbook out of my desk drawer, and find the section on vacation days.

Just as Massimo stated, it's not very long. Based on the time I've worked at the library, I should get two weeks of paid vacation.

I read the section several times then open my handbag. I take out my phone and pull up a photo of Massimo. The flutters I always get when I look at him expand in my belly. Guilt swirls throughout me, and I ask myself for the millionth time how I can ever betray him.

"Katiya, there are three carts in the history section. Alicia wanted me to ask you to shelve them," Carrie states.

I glance up and nod. "Okay." She leaves, and I shove the employee handbook back in my drawer. I leave my office, climb the stairs, and find the overflowing carts. Unlike the last batch I put away, these aren't in any order. Some of the books aren't even history, and I groan. There's no doubt Horatio loaded these carts. He's the only one I work with who wouldn't be bothered to follow protocol.

Deciding it's better to reorganize instead of running each book one at a time to the appropriate place, I toss all the books on the floor and then reorganize them on the cart. I have one half filled when a large hand is placed over my mouth. Heavy musk flares in my nostrils. Heat from his body penetrates my back. Panic paralyzes me, and I freeze.

He asserts, "You've made some wrong moves, little girl."

I close my eyes, recognizing the voice and scent. Leo's head thug, Tommy, shifts closer. He moves his nose above my ear and inhales.

I shudder, reprimanding myself for showing him he intimidates me. He doesn't miss it and grunts in satisfaction.

"What do you want?" I choke out in a whisper, trying to find my voice and further pissed I sound so weak.

He drags his index finger down the side of my throat. I cringe as he threatens, "Cunts like you who disobey receive consequences."

My insides quiver harder. I ball my hands into fists and find my voice, sounding stronger than I am. "I've done no such thing. But since you're here, I want to talk to Leo."

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