Page 52 of Dangerous Attraction

I glanced at Antonio, who shrugged.

He knew I was feeling conflicted about my relationship with Massimo, but said nothing. “Thank you, Gio.”

I sat between Antonio and one of the twins, who I learned was Celestina. I watched as several servants filled our plates with various kinds of food. My mind said I wasn’t hungry, but my belly grumbled its argument.

“See,” Antonio laughed. “I told you that you were hungry.”

Stabbing the meat with my fork, I pushed it between my lips. My eyes closed involuntarily as the flavors accosted my senses. He was right. I had been hungry, and aside from Vincenzo’s food, this was the next best meal I’d ever eaten. No one spoke as we filled our stomachs with the delicious morsels. Once I was done, Antonio pushed against the table to stand.

“I think we should let Madison rest before we start the inquisition. I’ll show her to her room and be back to chat.”

“You’re right. Madison, if there is anything you need, let us know. You are here as family, not a guest. Giacomo and I will help you through this any way we can. Tomorrow, Massimo’s grandmother will want to meet you. Best you get some rest now. I’ve also hung some clothing in your closet. Massimo explained you came with nothing because of the quick departure. Check out the dresser for other things you may need. Antonio,”—his mother smiled—“be sure to show her how to operate the bathroom. She deserves a nice hot bath.”

“Yes, Mother. Madison.” He extended his hand, helping me to stand.

“Thank you for your kindness. Celestina, Carmela, I enjoyed meeting you.”

“Maybe after you’ve rested, we can show you around the area. We’re home for a bit from school, so we have some free time.”

Antonio kept my hand in his as he led me through the hallways of the house. The place was gigantic, with more rooms than a hotel. He pushed open the door to a room almost as large as Massimo’s apartment.

“Here’s your room. I’m just across the hall.” He pointed to a closed door. “Let’s get you settled, okay?”

“Yes. Thank you for being so kind, Antonio. You shouldn’t have to babysit me, so I appreciate it.”

“Madison.” He walked toward another door in the room. “If babysitting you means I get to hang out with a gorgeous woman with no expectations, I’ll take it. It’s refreshing to have a woman in my company who doesn’t expect more.”

“Oh, um, yeah.” I blushed. “You don’t need to worry about that with me.”

Antonio looked so much like Massimo—the same black hair and gorgeous brown eyes—but he was clean-shaven and had the cutest cleft chin. His body was like both of his brothers, tall and muscular, but Antonio carried himself differently. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but he almost seemed sad. Maybe it was because of his grandfather, but my gut told me it was more.

“I don’t have many friends, and since we will be spending time together, I’d like to think we can become more than protector and victim.”

“You are no victim.” He stepped close and brushed my hair from my face. “You’re resilient. If you weren’t, my brother wouldn’t have given you the time of day. Massimo needs someone who will push him. Someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to him. You’re like that… I can tell. So, never doubt your worth, Madison. I think we’ll become more than friends. We’ll become family once this is sorted out. Now,” he said, flicking on the lights in the bathroom, “let me show you how to pamper yourself for a bit.”

thirty-four

MASSIMO

I grippedthe handle of the gun in my palm and pressed the barrel against his temple.

“Where is Juan Carlos?”

“I know nothing of a Juan Carlos,” the vile creature rasped out in a thick Hispanic accent.

He could deny it all he wanted, but the tattooed thirteen beneath his eye told a different tale—the classic mark of the Mexican mafia, the Sureños—not to mention the blue bandanna wrapped around his head.

“Do. Not. Fuck. With. Me.” I pressed the metal harder into his skull. “I have no problem splattering your brains across the cement.”

“Come on, Cholo.” Donny pressed his hand into the scum’s shoulder as he dug a knife into his side. “You’re going to die, anyway.”

“I know no man named Juan.”

“How about your family?” I clenched my jaw and ground out my next words. “Does your wife or daughter know Juan?”

He spat at my feet. “Leave my family alone.”

“If I can’t get what I want from you, I’ll get it from them. I will stop at nothing to find Juan Carlos.”

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