Page 116 of Carnal

"We need to talk," I announce.

Pina sucks on her straw then finally pins her gaze on mine. She seethes, "You aren't forcing me to do something by using sex to get me to agree."

"Forcing you with sex? Do you even know what that sounds like?" I hurl.

"You know what I mean," she states.

"Choose better words. You make it sound like I did something nonconsensual with you," I accuse.

"That's not what I meant, and you know it," she insists.

I grunt. "Don't backtrack. It's unbecoming."

She scoffs. "Don't you dare try to get me to agree to do something I'm uncomfortable with via sex!"

"You could have told me to stop," I assert.

"Ugh! You're missing the point!"

"No, you're trying to keep us hidden forever. What's the real reason, Pina? Are you embarrassed by me?" I ask.

She jerks her head back. "Is that a serious question?"

Hurt, I answer, "What do you think?"

She smirks. "Of course I'm not embarrassed by you. But I do think you're acting like a manipulative jerk."

I cross my arms and scowl. The golf cart stops in front of an overwater bungalow. I state, "Sorry, I forgot to mention we're meeting my brother. Can you take us to Massimo Marino's place?"

The driver nods. "Sure." He picks up a walkie-talkie, finds out which one it is, and then takes off.

Pina stares at the water.

It only makes my insecurities grow. I lean into her and state, "I'm not going to stay your little secret forever. We either move forward, or everything between us ends."

She snaps her face toward me. Hurt, surprise, and anger fill her expression. "So now you're giving me an ultimatum?"

Guilt eats at me. I didn't want to force her to come clean. I wanted her to do it on her terms. I reply, "I can't keep hiding. I love you, and my family will be fine."

"You don't know that," she claims.

"Yes, I do," I firmly declare as the golf cart stops.

The driver points. "That's it."

Pina shakes her head and jumps out. We both mutter, "Thanks," and make our way down the dock.

I pull out my phone and dial Massimo. He sends me to voicemail, so I call again.

He barks, "Make it fast, Tristano."

"Pina and I are on your dock," I announce.

Silence fills the line. He peeks around the bungalow and freezes. He bellows, "What the fuck are you two doing here?" He trots toward us with Katiya in tow.

My gut flips seeing her. I pretended to like and accept her, but she's an Abruzzo. The fact my brother insists she's not and continues seeing her breaks my heart.

Please don't be a traitor,I silently pray.

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