Page 83 of Crazed

He grinds his molars a moment then squares his shoulders. "Before I met your mamma, there was another woman. Let's just say that I learned a very hard lesson."

I cross my arms, hating how I can feel my heart pounding against my bicep. Even though I don't know what the situation is, I maintain the same position. "Katiya isn't one of them. You'll see." As soon as I say it, my heart twists.

"Massimo, don't be a fool," Papà warns.

"You're wrong," I state again, then spin and open the door, stepping into the garage.

"Massimo!" Papà calls out.

I ignore him, grab the keys for my Land Rover, and rev the engine. I peel out and honk before I get to the gate so the guard opens it sooner. It's barely open as I surge through it, an inch away from avoiding the metal bars scraping my doors.

It takes me half the time it normally does to get to the library. I pull into the fire lane and take a few breaths. If I'm going to find out the truth, I have to play my cards right.

I get out of the SUV, race up the steps, then enter the library. Instead of looking for Katiya, I glance around to find Alicia. I spot her in the childrens' section and approach her. "Hey, Alicia."

She spins and glances at her watch. "Massimo. You're here a bit early. Katiya has two hours left in her shift, and we've been busy all day."

"I can wait. I actually came to speak with you," I confess.

Surprise fills her expression. "Oh?"

My chest tightens, and my pulse pounds hard against my neck. "Did Katiya ask to take a vacation week?"

Alicia sets a paperback on the shelf then shakes her head. "No, but I haven't chatted with her today. As I said, we've been busy."

I put on my most charming smile, saying a prayer Alicia helps me. "Understandable. Since I have your ear, can I take a few more minutes of your time?"

"Sure. What's going on?" Her forehead wrinkles, and she shifts on her feet.

"I wanted to take Katiya on vacation. She's never really gone anywhere. Any chance you could do without her the next week? I'd like to surprise her," I state.

"Oh. That's...well..." Alicia puts her hand on her hip.

I interject, "I know there's no notice, but if there's any chance, I'd appreciate your help. And I promise to bring you back a really nice thank-you present." I flash her another smile.

She curls her fingers. "Follow me."

I obey, and we go into her office.

She picks up her calendar and studies it for a moment. Time seems to stand still. If I'm going to find out the truth from Katiya, I need to get out of New York. The farther we are from my family and the Abruzzos, the better.

Alicia smiles, pinning her brown eyes on me. "Go ahead and surprise her."

Relief consumes me. "Really?"

"Yep. Don't forget my awesome gift though," she teases and winks.

I chuckle. "I won't. Thank you."

"When are you leaving?" she questions.

"Tonight," I claim, hoping it's not too late to get a flight plan together. The laws have gotten stricter, and even private jets have had some issues.

"Where are you going?" Alicia asks.

I gaze behind my shoulder then turn back to her, lowering my voice. "Can you keep a secret?"

She pretends to zip her lips.

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