TWO MONTHS LATER
I didn’t think it would take so long to get our revenge on the Giuliani family. I also didn’t account for my brother falling madly in love. But now I realize just how unpredictable life can be. Because I promised to not disappear while all this shit was happening, it’s been two months since I’ve seen Mindy in person.
I had a plan to casually bump into Mindy a few days after we’d met. I wanted to reestablish our connection and let her getto know me better. I wanted to make sure she saw me as a safe place to land.
But with all the shit happening with my family, I had to keep tabs on her by having one of my men follow her every step. I wanted to make sure that if her husband decided to pop back up, she would be protected. I was too busy to do it myself, but I made sure to get updates daily. But it wasn’t the same. It’s been too long, and my obsession hasn’t lessened one bit. I needed to see her to know for myself that she’s doing well.
I sit casually in the little coffee shop across the street from the clothing boutique where Mindy recently started working. She’s been staying with her cousin Karlie, and she hasn’t had any contact with Ross.
I know that Ross has been looking for her, and I know he’s found her because of her new job, which is why I need to make my presence known. Ross showed up here after Mindy’s shift yesterday. He still doesn’t know where she’s staying, so I would bet his life that he will be back.
And I’ll be waiting on that motherfucker.
Mindy walks out of the boutique with a little wallet in her hand. She’s wearing a fitted black t-shirt with a pair of black slacks and matching black heels. It’s a simple outfit, but she looks like she could walk on a runway somewhere. Her skin is glowing, the bruises from that night long faded. However, I still see the tension in her body.
I plan to rectify that.
Mindy rushes into the door and places an order for her coffee and a bagel. I shake my head because I know the woman hardly ever eats. It looks like she’s lost some weight as well. I frown because the thought of her losing her curves pisses me off.
Mindy is a short little thing, probably five-two at the most. Even in her heels, she’s still almost a foot shorter than me, but her small stature isn’t what makes me so protective. Mindy is asurvivor, and she deserves the happiness that I’m going to give her.
I patiently wait for her to make her way to the table she sits at every day for lunch. I purposely sat where she would have to pass me. There’s no way she won’t recognize me, and if she doesn’t, I’ll have to remind her of who I am.
“Luca? Is that you? I mean, how are you?” Mindy’s dark brown eyes are wide.
I look up at her and smile. “My day just got a lot brighter. I’m glad to see you thriving.”
Mindy dips her head and looks away. Her brown skin reddens a bit in a blush, and I can’t help but find it adorable.
It never occurred to me that making a woman blush would bring a smile to my face. I normally don’t notice those types of interactions with women. My hyper-focus activities are a lot more wicked.
“Umm, thanks. I can’t believe you’re here.” She shakes her head in what I think is disbelief.
It almost makes me feel bad that she’s so innocent and unaware of who I really am. Although I would never hurt her, I have my demons. I will nevernotbe a killer. I will nevernotbe dangerous. But I will never treat her like Ross did.
“Why don’t you sit with me? We can catch up,” I say, standing to pull out the chair at the table.
Mindy takes a deep breath before nodding and sitting down. She places her items on the table, and I watch as her shoulders slightly relax. However, she continues to watch her surroundings like a skittish rabbit. I can only imagine she’s waiting for Ross to catch up with her.
“I never really got to properly thank you for that night. I wanted to call, but…” Mindy shakes her head again as her words trail off. “Anyway. Thank you. You saved my life.”
I reach across the small table and take her hand in mine, “I already told you that thanks aren’t needed. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
As a matter of fact, I know a heartbeat won’t be needed. I suspect Ross will be making his appearance at any moment because my phone just chimed. My men are in viewing distance, and they have been instructed to alert me if Ross comes within fifty feet of Mindy.
“You are such a sweetheart, Luca.”
I can’t help the smirk that creeps onto my lips. I’ve been called many things, but only my Mama calls me sweet.
I lift Mindy’s hand from the table and up to my lips. I hold eye contact with her while I press them softly to her knuckles. “Thank you. Not many people get the sweet side of me. You are most definitely special.” I wink at her and she blushes again.
As soon as I let her hand go, I see movement out of the corner of my eye. I know I shouldn’t feel glee at the fact that I’m about to have a confrontation. Especially when it’s with a man who traumatized the woman I’m infatuated with. This situation may cause her to run if I don’t play my cards right, but I can’t help the pulse of excitement that zips through me knowing I’m about to embarrass this asshole.
The door of the coffee shop is violently flung open, and Ross stomps inside. His face is glowing with malice, and the hatred in his eyes can be seen from a mile away. I’m certain that I’m the catalyst for the intrusion, but Ross isn’t looking at me. His gaze is trained on Mindy. Which is his second mistake. His first was abusing her where I could see.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” The question was growled low, so only we could hear.
Mindy looks up, and again that scared rabbit appears. She instantly shrinks into herself and shakes her head. It’smaddening as fuck to see such a vibrant woman dull her shine because of some miscreant.
