“You have to go now?”
“Yeah. But I’ll call you again from my burner,” I assured her. “Now that Max is on our side, I think it’s safer to talk.”
“Okay. I miss you.”
“I miss you, too,” I choked out. Then Cas mouthedRossi. “Oh, before I forget, do you know Enzo Rossi?”
She started coughing like she’d choked on her drink. “Enzo?” she spluttered. “What about him?”
My eyes went wide. “You do know him!”
Beside me, Cas grinned.
“I’ve met him a few times,” she said carefully. “Why?”
I gaped. “You never told me!”
“I don’t know! He was at a few parties I was at. That’s all.”
“Chiara!”
“Fine! He’s cute, okay? Now why the hell are you bringing up Enzo Rossi?”
I smirked. “He asked me to pass a message to you.”
“A message?” she squeaked. “What message?”
“He has aproposalfor you, if you can get free of Max’s engagement.”
She went silent. “That’s what he said?”
“Mmhmm. At first, he wanted me to bring you to him.”
“Oh, my God,” she muttered. I could almost see her hand covering her face. “He did not say that.”
“He did. These mafia douches think they own us, but I’m telling you, Chiara, I’m not letting it happen anymore. New York will be different when I’m done with it. We won’t be treated like objects.”
I could hear her smiling through the phone. “I believe you, Lee.”
“So?” I prompted after a moment. “What’s that about? Why does Enzo Rossi want you in his care?”
“I’ll tell you later,” she muttered. “Message received. I’m fine where I am, thank you very much.”
I laughed. “Youwilltell me more later.”
“There’s not even anything to tell!”
“Chiara.” I didn’t even know why she resisted. She told me everything eventually.
“Fine,” she whined. “Now, go. We’ll talk again soon. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
We said quick goodbyes, and I turned to find Cas watching me with his arms crossed over his chest. “How is she?”
“Good,” I said with a small smile. Her story was crazy, but at least I wouldn’t have to worry about her. At least she knew I was okay, too. “Safe.”
“Max said she was fine.”
