Page 37 of His Broken Queen

“Fuck,” Gio mumbled under his breath.

“Well, I’mtellingyou that you can’t go.” Romero stared me down. “We are not welcome there, and we’re going to respect the family’s wishes. We’ve caused them enough heartache.”

“You’re not welcome there.” I didn’t want to point that out, but I had to go to Stella’s funeral. Surely, the family didn’t blame me for what had happened.

“They don’t want anyone from this family there,” he shouted. “Can you blame them?”

“Romero, please.” My eyes filled with tears, but I tried to hold them back. “I can’t live the rest of my life without this closure. I owe it to Stella to be there.”

“Lu.” He took my hand, trying to soften his demeanor. “I understand. I do, but this isn’t about you. It’s about Stella’s family and what they want right now.”

“I won’t upset them.” The tears streamed down my cheeks. “I asked Sam to take me, but he said he can’t unless you tell him he can. Please tell him he can.”

“Don’t cry.” He wiped my face with his fingers. “It’s not safe. I can’t go with you. I can’t let you go alone.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“No.” He let go of my hand. “That’s the end of this discussion. I have work to do.”

“I’m going to that funeral, so if you won’t give Sam permission to take me, I’ll call a ride share.”

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” When he yelled, I backed away, bumping into Rocco. “Do you want to get shot next?”

“Lu.” Gio tried to guide me out of the study. “This really isn’t a good time.”

“If I wait for a good time, I’ll miss the funeral.” I moved closer to Romero. “You know I have to do this.”

“And you know I have to keep you safe.” He tucked my hair behind my ear. “I’m sorry.”

“What if I went with her?” Rocco offered. “I have two guys downstairs and Sam could go with us. I wouldn’t leave her side.”

“Please.” I begged Romero.

“Where’s the funeral?” Rocco asked.

“Rappaselli’s,” Gio said.

“I know the funeral director.” Rocco took out his phone. “I’ll call him and tell him Lu has to come through the back. There’s less of a chance of anyone seeing her on the street.”

“It could work,” Gio said. “If she’s in and out, and heavily guarded, she’ll be safe.”

“Please, Romero.” I took his hand. “I won’t stay long. I just want to pay my respects. I have to go for Stella.”

“I can make the call,” Rocco said. “It’s not a problem.”

Romero stared at me for a moment before nodding to Rocco.

“Thank you!” When I hugged him, he held me tight, lingering for a while. “I’m going to be okay.”

“I’ll make sure her security is ready to go.” Gio left the study.

“I’ll call the funeral home,” Rocco said. “Lu, I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

“Thanks.” I wiped my face as they left the room.

“Rocco is right.” Romero released me. “You do look lovely.”

“I wish I was going anywhere but there.”

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