Page 227 of The Consequences of Love and Vengeance

What’s changed? He’s not acting like himself.

“Surprise guest,” he bites out, and my cell phone is forgotten about.

His father no doubt.

It was inevitable. I was bound to meet the man eventually. Although, I would have rather been prepared, or at least not feeling like I’m about to be thrown into the lion’s den.

“Stay at your place tonight.” Drago cups my face. “I’ll call when he leaves,” he assures me, dropping his hands.

“Gabriel is in there.” I nod toward the closed door behind D. “I’m not leaving.”

“Caprice has him. He’s fine.”

I arch an eyebrow.

“I’ll be the judge of that when I lay eyes on him and he’s in my arms.” Like hell, I’m leaving here without him.

“Babe, please,” Drago pleads.

“Brianna.” My father’s voice is a warning, one of which he is telling me I need to leave.

“Move, Acerbi,” I say, ignoring my dad and daring Drago to stop me with a heated look.

We stare at each other for a long beat, then finally, after blowing out a breath of frustration, he steps aside.

“You’re letting her go in there?” My dad says from behind me.

Drago’s eyes leave mine.

“Do you have balls enough to stop her?” There’s only silence. “I didn’t think so.” D sighs, his wine laced breath fanning my face.

“Be smart, Brianna,” my dad tells me.

Placing his hand around my wrist to get my attention, I look over my shoulder.

“I’m going in that house. Don’t even think about trying to stop me.”

I don’t give him the chance either. Slipping out of his grasp, I pass Drago and open the door.

Once inside, I’m hit with a waft of heaven. It’s the same greeting I’ve gotten all week. Mona is a damn good cook, and I’m quickly becoming spoiled. She doesn’t just cook Italian food, although, if my nose is correct, tonight that is what’s on the menu.

The only difference in tonight from what I’ve experienced every other evening is the noise. It’s silent, and even though I’ve only been around Mona a short time, I’ve come to expect the “yelling with love” as she calls it. She’s a loud person, and I’m always witnessing her reprimanding Luca or CC, and even Drago at times.

The dead air is throwing me off.

Going from the mudroom, and then into the kitchen, I stop when I see her standing over the stove. It’s not unordinary, but when her eyes glance up, connecting with mine, it’s like the person in front of me isn’t her. There’s no happiness staring back at me; only fear, and that shocks me.

Sure, I know the man’s reputation, but if he did something I’d expect Drago to stand up to his father in his own house.

“Smells good,” I say.

Mona just nods and then lowers her gaze back to the stove without speaking.

A tap on my hip gets me to move along. I place my purse on the kitchen counter before stepping into the living room. CC is on the couch, in her usual spot, her head bent down and with Gabriel, his back laid against her elevated thighs. Scanning the room, I look out of the window to the patio, seeing Luca and someone else—Vincent Acerbi.

He’s a little different, older than any photograph I’ve seen of him. My gut has me hesitating when my head wants me to go pick up Gabe.

Drago’s father turns his head, his eyes connecting with mine through the opening in the blinds. It’s only for a second before he turns, opens the door, and walks inside.

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