Page 74 of Flawed

I tell Phil, "Yeah. All closed. I think we're done here now, right? No more sessions?"

He chuckles. "Ready to get back to normalcy?"

"Yeah," I state, but I'm not sure what that is anymore. The only thing I know is I need to keep busy. All this downtime has me wondering what Chanel is doing and if she's okay.

Phil informs me, "I'm releasing you from PT. I'll let Jacopo know you're good to go."

"Good," I say and tug on my sweatshirt. "Thanks for everything."

He pats me on the back, and I leave the physical therapy section of the gym. I make my way outside and get in my car, revving the engine and pulling out into traffic.

For hours, I race around the city with no particular place to go. I stay on the expressway, making several loops and forcing myself not to veer off at Chanel's exit.

The last few months have been tough. I've not been able to do much. For a few weeks, I could barely walk. Jacopo insisted I sit the bench until I recovered. I'm finally to the point where I'm barely limping any more.

Fucking Brody. He could have made me a cripple in my thirties.

Since that night, I've not had any contact with the Marinos except for one text to Angelo. A few days after I was shot, I texted I was okay. Then I told him I was lying low and deleted his response.

I should check on Chanel.

No, I promised.

I make a spur-of-the-moment decision and take the exit for Angelo's. The last thing I want to do is anything Abruzzo related. And I know my break is about to end. When Jacopo knows Phil gave me the green light, he'll have me doing his dirty work again.

I pick up my phone and call.

Angelo answers almost immediately. " Luca."

"Is it clear for me to come over right now?" I question.

He replies, "Yes. Perfect timing."

"Great. I'm down the street." I hang up and continue on through his gate. I park behind a black SUV.

Who's here?

Must be one of Angelo's vehicles.

I shake off my hesitation to enter and get past the security guards. I go through the house and knock on the office door.

Angelo opens it and embraces me. "Luca, it's good to see you. Are you fully recovered?"

"Yeah," I reply as he opens the door wider. I step inside and then freeze.

Tully and Brody are in the office. A cloud of cigar smoke hangs thick in the air. Tully puffs on the offending item and has a glass of whiskey in his hand. Brody's drinking a bottle of water. He looks like he just came from the gym.

Maybe he was working out with the Marinos.

Irritation gives me an itchy feeling under my skin. For once, I'd like to work out with my cousins instead of having to go to the Abruzzo gym, but that's not my reality.

Why are they here?

Angelo motions for me to sit.

I hesitate another moment before stepping closer and clenching my fists at my sides.

Even though I know Brody probably did the right thing, I'm not going to show him I'm okay with him shooting me.

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