Page 13 of Lies like Rubies, Part One

He raised an eyebrow at my scrutiny.

“Just because I trust you to run my American operations doesn’t mean you should get mouthy.”

José shrugged. “Fire me.”

I laughed at his audacity, then raised my glass in a toast. “Touché.”

“What kind of protection do you want on her?”

“None.”

“Boss?”

“Just the kid.”

“Boss…” José trailed off, looking at me over his glasses.

I knocked back my whiskey. “Man on the apartment when they’re in there. Man on the kid at daycare. Eyes on them when they’re out and about together, but not visible.”

“And when she’s out on her own?”

“Man on the kid. The deal wasn’t for her.”

José looked at me with eyes that saw too fucking much. “Got it, boss.”

I slid out my phone and pulled up my latest chat with Sergio, silent for four days now.Fucker.Amusement curled my lips into a grim smile. He’d regret stealing from me, regret not keeping his word to my sister, and most importantly, regret running instead of facing the consequences of his actions.

The photo of Sofia from earlier made me hard again. My blood heated at the sight of her make-up dripping, her midnight eyes luminous even through the screen, and my cum smeared all over her lips. Fucking gorgeous.

I sent it, a pang rushing through my chest at the thought of sharing Sofia with anyone, much less a low-life scumbag like Accardi.

She was mine.

7

SOFIA

My body ached,heavy with exhaustion, as if I’d pulled an all-nighter. I scrubbed my face over the kitchen sink, trying to wash away the evidence of the last hour as my electric kettle heated water.

The moment my family learned Sergio was back, they’d marry me off to him. My father’s hope that Sergio would see the error of his ways and return to me was the only thing allowing me to stay single and finish my degree. If I confessed how badly he’d abused me during our brief relationship, that Lizzie and I were in danger, my father would lock me back up in his gargantuan compound. Then he’d turn his efforts to finding a man to take on slutty Sofia and another man’s kid in exchange for access to the Russos.

No, I needed to keep my daughter safe without asking Luca or Papà for help, and Dante Oscuro was the answer to my prayers. He could abuse me, convince Sergio I was damaged goods, and then get the hell out of Dodge. I’d graduate in eight weeks, then I could take Lizzie and leave. Dante would settle his business with Sergio long before then—his pride would drive him to move quickly.

My phone dinged as I poured my mint tea, startling me from my morose thoughts.

Unknown number

Sofia, this is Nick. Just checking in. How are you?

I stared at the screen. My heart pounded, and I cupped my mug to warm the chills that shot through me. The only way he could have gotten my number was from Lizzie’s files. I squashed my annoyance at his presumption. Men had done worse to get close to me, and I’d done worse myself to close a deal for my father.

Maybe I shouldn’t answer. Maybe I should let this one slip out of my fingers.

No.

Nick was the one bright light in what had been a horrific day, and I wanted to see him again.

Sofia

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