Page 63 of Labria

I twisted my lipstick down into the tube. I grabbed the black cap and placed it on the top of the tube. I dropped the tube into the open drawer and closed it.

I was leaving this bathroom, and I was leaving this man. I needed to get away from him so I could think. He was manipulative, charming, and cunning. He knew how to play with my heart and confuse me. I needed there to be space between us so I could snap out of the spell he had over me.

I needed time to think. If he had just left me alone, this would be easy. It would hurt, but he could just pick this other woman and make her a wife. It would make everyone happy if he married an Italian woman. With her long dark hair, I’d bet she was Italian. Maybe Lord was breaking up with me first and I missed the signs. Did I beat him to the breakup? He was actually going out on public dates with women or a woman. Who knew?

There was evidence in his cell that he had some correspondence with Lolita. I’m sure he kissed her. He probably already fucked her.

I’m going to get my ass to a hotel that isn’t owned by the Bregoli’s. I could check into something off the strip or some chain place like the Hilton or Holiday Inn or maybe a Country Inn and Suites. Anywhere that isn’t near him and his kinfolks. I wondered if there were any good hotels on Fremont Street.

I looked around the room and picked up the most important things. My wallet and my car keys were the last things needed for a smooth getaway. Distance will give me clarity.

I was going to take a bath and relax when I got to the hotel. I was going to stream Mary J. Blige on my phone. I planned to make a playlist starting withI’m Not Gon’ Cry.

I grabbed at a few more items and tossed them into my bag and suitcase.

I drove down the Vegas strip thinking about the songs that would make it to my playlist. Girls Need Love – Summer Walker, Love In The Dark –Adele, No Happy Holiday – Mary J., Love Shoulda Brought You Home – Toni Braxton, Just Be A Man About It – Toni Braxton. I could even throw Bonnie Raitt’s – I Can’t Make You Love me in the mix.

Chapter Twenty-One

LABRIA

Ineeded to go somewhere, a place where Lord couldn’t find me. I had to go somewhere he’d never think of. Going back to Chicago was out of the question. I had a life and a job here now. I would never leave my job without a plan.

I shouldn’t have made the call, but there was something about him that I trusted. I drove and took in the night air. I wasn’t going to cry anymore.

I pulled my car into the driveway next to his motorcycle at a huge townhouse. I didn’t bother to remove my suitcase and overnight bag from the trunk. I wasn’t having second thoughts about leaving. I was having second thoughts about what the hell I was doing here. I sat in my Benz, trying to gather my thoughts. This was my life.

The door to the townhouse opened and Maurizio was standing there with the light of the interior of his house shining behind him. “Labria, come on.”

I could hear him because my passenger window was rolled down. I hit the button to roll up my windows and removed my seatbelt. I exhaled and opened my car door. I was going to do this. I was stepping out of my car as a single woman.

I walked up the driveway and up the stairs where he was waiting for me. Zio took a step back. My feet took me inside the doorway and into the hall. “Hi.” My voice was unsteady, so I cleared my throat.

Maurizio closed the door behind us. “Come in, have a seat.”

I followed him into his spacious living room. I placed my purse on the coffee table and sat on the couch. He sat next to me.

“Labria, first, are you okay?” He sincerely asked.

“I will be.” I shrugged.

“Of course you will. You can stay as long as you like. I have four bedrooms. You can pick whichever one you want.”

“Thanks, I won’t be here long. I just need a day or two to figure things out.”

“Nonsense. You don’t have to rush to do anything. Take your time. Think things through. You’re safe here.”

“Thanks, I appreciate this. I really do.”

“Of course, whatever you need. I’m here for you. What happened?”

“I’m not sure I want to talk about it. I mean, he’s your cousin.”

Maurizio chuckled. “Yes, that’s true, but I know you better than I know him, if that means anything. You can trust that whatever you tell me will never leave this room.”

“Do you know Lolita LaGrassa?”

“I do. She’s Primo LaGrassa’s daughter. I think I mentioned the LaGrassa’s to you before.”

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