Page 24 of His Broken Queen

“What is it?” Romero asked.

“You won’t betray us, right?” I hated to ask, but how could Romero trust him? “Look what my family made me do to Romero.”

“You’re a smart girl for asking, but you know I would never do that to you.” He glanced at Romero. “Your husband came to me and asked if I would protect you.”

“After you let us go that night the Torrios had Luciana, I knew your loyalties were with my wife.”

“I’m glad it worked out,” Sam said. “There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be.”

“How did it work out?” I didn’t see my uncle letting a trusted guard quit so he could come work for a rival. “Why would they let you do this?”

“I haven’t been working with the Torrios since that night Romero came for you.” He shook his head. “I never appreciated the way they treated you, but I stood by and let it happen. That night I let the two of you go, I decided I had enough. I resigned and Mr. Torrio didn’t give me any problems.”

“That’s surprising,” I said. “He gives everyone a problem.”

“After you married Mr. Bilotti they didn’t have a whole lot of use for me. I mainly sat around monitoring visitors.”

“You can call me Romero.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m trusting you with the most precious person in my life.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked. “The last person who came to work with us didn’t have a happy ending.”

“Luciana, I was sorry to hear about your friend,” Sam said. “But, my position is different. I know the risks. My purpose is to keep you safe.”

“Can you take me to see Stella’s family?” I asked. “I want to pay my respects.” I looked at Romero. “I’ll be safe with Sam.”

“No.” Romero pressed his lips together, tightening his jaw. “I already told you no.”

“Why?” I didn’t understand. “We owe them a visit. She was killed in our home.”

“That’s why we can’t go.” He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Her husband made it very clear that he doesn’t want me anywhere near his family. I have to respect his wishes. I may not like them, but it is what it is.”

“Oh.” I saw the hurt in his expression. Things like this didn’t bother Romero. He was strong and didn’t care what people thought about him. This bothered him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t…I wasn’t thinking about how her husband felt about the situation.”

“It’s okay.” He kissed my cheek. “I have to meet Gio. We have some things to take care of today.”

“Can’t you take care of them here?” I wasn’t ready for him to leave. “We don’t know who murdered Stella. What if it isn’t safe for you to leave?”

“I’ll be fine.” He smiled at me. “Promise me you’ll eat something.”

I nodded.

“Order from any restaurant in the city. Whatever you want can be delivered here. If they don’t deliver, I’ll make them.” He winked. “Anything for you.”

“I’ll think about it.” The thought of eating right now made my stomach churn.

“Sam, one of your duties is to make sure my wife eats something.” Romero pointed at him. “I’ll be home later.”

“Wait.” I chased after him. “Be careful.”

“Always.” He tilted my chin up and gently kissed me. “Don’t worry.”

That was easier said than done.

* * *

I triedto focus on the laptop screen, but there was so much going on in my head. I thought getting back to my school work would help, but I was too sad to concentrate. All I could think about was Stella. When I thought about her, I tried to remember the happy times we had together. Every time I did, the image of her lying on the kitchen floor in a pool of blood in her purple Converse sneakers flooded my mind.

I leaned my head against the back of the sofa and closed my eyes, trying to think of a more positive memory. In the short time I had known her, I grew to love her.

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