"And can I trust that?" I ask, scolding myself for this silly question as soon as it leaves my mouth. As if he'd tell me otherwise.
He turns his body fully toward me and regards me for long seconds.
"I am many things, but I'm not a liar. You have my word. You give me what I need, and I will leave you, your fiancé, and friends unharmed."
Strangely, I believe him.
Why, I can't explain. Niccolo Romero does not inspire confidence in me. Yet, he seems sincere.
My mind is made up.
I want Niccolo Romero and his men gone. And for that to happen, I must prevent Ade and Lex from playing the hero.
Easy, right?
Chapter Sixteen
Aiden
That asshole Romero is keeping Ella and me separated so we can't talk. I can still see her, which is just enough to stop me from going berserk.
My entire body is coiled tight, and it's becoming increasingly hard to stay level-headed.
My usual composure abandoned me when Ella appeared by my side after I tucked her in behind me.
I'm furious with her!
She should have taken the cue and let me handle it.
It's taken a lot of mindful breathing on the drive back to the house to regain some degree of sanity.
But I need to stay focused. Ella's life and those of Rhia and Lex depend on it.
I've been racking my brain on how to warn Lex of the imminent danger. The Romeros are a notorious crime family known throughout America. They're old-school mafia based in Chicago. I heard rumors one of their sons had returned to Sicilyto muscle in on their old turf, but I never expected to come face to face with him.
I know nothing about Niccolo, but like the rest of them, he seems unpredictable.
He's been talking with Ella, trying to gain information on where he can find what he came here for. While I couldn't hear them at the heliport when they mounted the quad bike, Ella going ghostly white had my every protective instinct alight. Only the gun pointed at my head stopped me from charging over to her.
Their conversation here, though? I could understand every word between them.
Ella's expression suggested she believed him when he told her, he'd leave once he has the papers, but I'm not convinced. Men like him don't leave witnesses alive. And whatever is in those papers is clearly important enough for him to chase personally. He wouldn't want anybody else knowing about them.
I watch Ella as she climbs up the stairs to the house, Romero keeping a firm grip on her elbow. I hate that he's touching her.
My Sunshine turns her head over her shoulder, seeking me out. The fear and trepidation that were so obvious in her earlier are replaced with determination.
I'm pleased she's connecting with the tremendous inner strength she possesses. However, that look… she's planning something. And I'd bet my brewery that I won't like it.
Don't do anything reckless,my eyes implore her.
She shakes her head almost imperceptibly, before staring back at the house, her shoulders drawn back and her head held high.
My blood is boiling; I'm overheating, and sweat is beading on my skin.
Stay the fuck calm, I remind myself for the umpteenth time.
I have to bide my time, wait patiently for an opportunity. It will come… eventually.Most people are too impulsive and botch things up.
