Page 101 of Craving Danger

“Fucker,” Angelo mutters before turning his attention to me. “I hear you’re finally taken.” A mischievous smile curves his mouth. “Mystery man.”

My eyes flick to Renzo, and I slap him upside the head. “You fucking told them?”

He holds up his hand in the universal sign for peace. “Of course. I wasn’t going to keep that shit to myself.”

Even Damiano chuckles, which is rare. “Mystery man. Now I’ve heard it all.”

Just as Big Ricky brings Renzo’s food, I climb to my feet and mutter. “Fuck the whole lot of you.”

They all laugh at my expense, but I don’t mind. We need a bit of light-heartedness in the storm we’re facing.

“Are you going to Samantha?” Renzo asks.

I shake my head. “I have a meeting with Paulie. He’s been tracking Samantha’s ex.”

“Is the woman in trouble?” Damiano asks.

“No. I just want to kill the fucker for what he did to her in the past.”

“Let us know if you need help,” Angelo mentions.

“Thanks.” I give the men a chin lift, and leaving the office, I head out of the club to where Marcello and Milo are waiting for me.

Samantha

After work, I joined Jenny for a couple of drinks, and on my way home, I picked up an order of Chinese takeout for dinner.

Jenny is on cloud nine, planning the perfect wedding.

God, I can’t imagine having three hundred guests. She’s inviting people she’s never even spoken to just because they’re somehow related to her.

It’s insane.

My phone beeps, and I dig it out of my bag as I walk into my apartment building. Seeing a text from Mom, I smile.

Mom: Matt and Wendy had a baby boy. I was right.

Mom: He’s so beautiful!!!

I look at the photo of her holding her first grandchild and love how happy she looks.

I type out a reply and press send.

Sammie: He’s so adorable. Congratulations, Grandma. Tell Matt I’ll call him.

Placing my phone in my handbag, I dig my keys out. When I reach my apartment door, I unlock it, and as I push it open, I’m hit with the smell of flowers.

Thank God Franco stopped leaving the flowers at my window.

I place the takeout bag on the side table, and when I turn around to shut the door, I startle so badly a shriek escapes me.

A man is standing in my doorway, and it takes me a moment to recognize him.

Todd.

Where he used to have dark blonde hair, it’s now white. There’s a scar across his nose, and it looks like he’s aged ten years.

I dart forward, and grabbing hold of the door, I try to close it on him, but he uses a cane to stop me.

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