Page 56 of Wicked Tricks
“I could’ve handled it, you sh-”
“Rome,” he scolded, “stop.”
I didn’t need to be protected, but was frustrated with myself.
Why couldn’t I just manage a thank you, like anyone else?
Why couldn’t I control my mouth?
“I’m sorry,” I said.
“Me too,” Grace choked, still trembling, “I never should’ve involved either of you.”
He shook his head as Angel helped him up off the ground.
“It’s not that big of a deal,” he said flatly, “how did he get in?” he asked Angel in a husky tone, he was obviously trying to hide the pain he was in. But he wasn’t fooling any of us.
“I… I didn’t know,” Angel said softly, “I just thought he was here to see you. I’m sorry, Boss.”
Antoni shook his head, “it’s not your fault.”
He reached into his pocket, retrieving his car keys.
“You’ve still got your documents?” Antoni asked Grace, looking at the floor.
“Y-yes,” Grace nodded.
He reached into his pocket again with a grimace, retrieving a wad of cash from his wallet, and handing it to Grace. She refused at first, shaking her head.
“Please,” he said, pushing the cash toward her.
She took it, looking down, “thank you.”
He took a deep breath, grabbing his arm.
“Antoni,” I said unconsciously, touching him lightly on the arm, wanting to fix his pain.
“Boss,” Angel said, “let’s go.”
He nodded, his face still hard and twisted with pain.
“Take her wherever she needs to go,” he said, placing the keys to his car in my hand.
He still wouldn’t look at me, and I wanted to scream.
I nodded once.
“Where are you going?” I whispered, reaching my hand out to touch him, but deciding against it.
He looked at my hand, not meeting my eyes.
He walked out without answering me, and Angel gave me a sympathetic smile before following him. My heart dropped into my stomach and my throat burned with the threat of tears, but I swallowed them.
I cleared my throat, turning to Grace, “let’s go.”
14
Chapter 14
