Page 161 of Carnal

"Which is why we need to reconnect," he declares.

My heart races so fast that I think it might explode. I soften my voice. "Please. I want it to be special."

He sniffs hard and glances at the ceiling.

I stroke his cheek. "Please."

His dark leer meets mine. "I'll make you a deal."

"What's that?"

"I'll let you have your way."

Hope fills me. "You will?"

Arrogance floods his expression. "Sure. But only until after the engagement party tomorrow night. When we get home, there will be no more excuses."

I blink hard so I don't shed tears, focusing on the vein across his chest.

He lifts my chin. "Did I misunderstand you? Did you say you want to take a shower with me?"

I square my shoulders and feign a smile. "Tomorrow, Biagio. It'll be more special tomorrow night."

The sinister expression reminds me of his father's. I shudder as he fists my hair and shoves his tongue in my mouth.

27

Tristano

"I'll goin with the team and extract her. You're staying in the car," Luca states.

"No way! I'm going in," I argue.

Luca shifts on his feet and glances at Papà. "Listen, Tristano, they know who you are. If anyone sees you, Pina's in grave danger. You need to stay in the car. I'll bring her to you."

"No," I insist. I'm not leaving Pina's rescue to anyone but me. I'm getting my girl and bringing her home.

He gives me an exasperated look.

"You get Biagio. I'll get Pina. And I want him alive," I add.

"It's better for us to shoot him on the spot. You know this," Luca claims.

I cross my arms. "Tough shit. I want him brought back here. It's nonnegotiable. Understand?"

Luca scowls.

Papà interjects, "Luca, Tristano can go inside. But let me be clear, Tristano. Luca is in charge of this operation. I need your head in the game, so keep your emotions out of it."

Keep my emotions out of it.

Like that's possible.

Papà arches his eyebrows at me. "If you can't—"

"Fine. Luca's in charge."

There's a knock on the door. I spin and groan inside. Tully saunters toward us, lights up a cigar, and takes a deep puff.

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