Page 112 of My Mafia Queen

CARMINA

It’s latewhen I get back.

It took me forever to get out of LA, and then I stopped at a couple of gas stations.

I bought some gas at the first one and used the bathroom and got some snacks at the second one.

I’m still munching on peanut butter crackers when I arrive at the hotel, park my car in the usual spot, and climb out.

Soon, this won’t be my home anymore, I muse, entering the place through the back door.

Within minutes, I exit the elevator and head to Damaso’s suite. I quickly notice there are no bodyguards on the floor.

I look twice.

Nope.

Not a soul.

Quietly, I pull to a stop in front of the door, unlock it, and push it open. I don’t expect to find anyone here, and I’m spooked that the floor has no security, so I quickly close the door and lock it.

I don’t spend much time thinking about it as I pull my gun out of my bag and walk into my room.

Things are quiet.

My bed is made.

I’m kind of glad to see my space.

I drop my gun and bag on the bed, remove my clothes, and stroll into the bathroom.

The warm water removes some of the tension from my muscles.

It’s nice to be here, I figure, enjoying my time alone.

Damaso comes to mind, and I’m convinced he’s still in New York, so I step out of the shower, pat myself dry with a towel, toss on a robe, and exit the room before setting my bag in the closet and sliding my gun into the nightstand drawer.

I ponder what to do.

I don’t feel like sleeping, so I pivot and go to the living room. Then I change my mind, take my gun with me, and stride to the other room.

The place is silent as I walk barefoot down the hallway.

A dim light glows in the living room. The people who had cleaned the place must’ve left it on.

I slow down, thinking about going there, and then I keep walking, heading to his bedroom.

It’s the closest thing to him that I can have right now. His bed. His pillows. The view peeking through his windows.

The door is cracked open, and I push it to the side with the barrel of my gun.

What do I expect to find here?

His bed is made, and a soft light glows around the room.

The door screeches as I push it open a little more. My hair stands on end, and goosebumps spread across my skin.

Spooked, I step forward and look at the window when a whoosh of air rolls over my skin, and a strong arm snakes around my waist, my gun instantly getting yanked out of my hand.

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