Page 100 of Carnal

He chuckles. "Guess I am. Bye." He waves as the elevator doors shut.

I stare at the silver doors, trying to get my thoughts in order. Dante's sent me on trips before, but there's always a clear assignment. And it's never been with any of his brothers.

Does he know?

I race to my office and call Tristano. It goes to his voicemail again. "Ugh!"

I text him.

Me:Dante just told me we're going on a trip. What's this about?

Tristano:I'll tell you in the car. Pick you up in an hour.

Me:An hour?

Tristano:Yep.

Me:I need to pack.

Tristano:No, you don't. Trust me.

Me:Does he know?

Tristano:No. Chill out.

Me:I'm so confused.

Tristano:As I said, chill out. Everything is fine, baby girl.

Me:You'll tell me as soon as I get in the car what's going on?

Tristano:Promise.

I release an anxious breath then try to clean up any remaining work issues. It doesn't help my nerves. I pace my office and then decide I need fresh air.

I go to the lobby, step out of the building, and run right into a hard chest. "Sorry! I—" My mouth turns dry.

Biagio's lips curl. "Pina. Long time no see."

"What are you doing here?" I hurl.

He steps closer and moves me to the side of pedestrian traffic.

"Don't touch me!"

"Calm down," he orders, then closes the space between us.

I retreat until I'm against the wall. "Get away from me!"

He grabs my chin so tight it hurts.

"Stop!" I cry out.

"You're trouble, aren't you?" he asks.

"Back off!" I shout, trying to push him away, but he's a thousand-pound stone that's unmovable.

He seethes, "You cost me money."

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