Chapter 12
CHAPTER
TWELVE
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
MINDY
“Earth to Mindy!” My coworker snaps her fingers in front of my face.
“Oh, sorry, Grace. Did you say something?” I ask, hoping my face isn’t flushed from the lustful memories that have had me in a chokehold all day.
“I was just saying that you can take your break if you need to,” Grace responds with a worried look on her face.
I frown, looking at my watch. “I don’t go on break for another hour.”
“Yeah, but you have a visitor.” Grace widens her eyes and subtly points behind me.
The hairs on the back of my neck stand up before I slowly glance behind me. A furious looking Ross stands there. I sigh as I turn around to face Grace again. She doesn’t have any idea about my issues, but the look on Ross’s face says it all.
“Yeah, I’ll take my break now. Thanks, Grace.”
“Will you be okay?” Grace asks, concern covering her face.
I nod, although I can’t be sure with how unpredictable Ross is.
I haven’t seen him since Luca’s guys escorted him out of the coffee shop.
After that little episode, I was granted a temporary restraining order.
I thought for sure he got the message and wouldn’t show up again.
I guess women are right, a piece of paper doesn’t mean shit to a stalker.
Grace nods and goes back to the register. I take a deep breath before turning to face my soon to be ex-husband. I straighten my posture and place a neutral expression on my face.
“Ross, you know you are not supposed to be within fifty feet of me.”
“Bitch, do you think I don’t know that? You had the police in our business. My mother was mortified. I can’t believe you put me through this. And to think you’re the one hanging with mobsters and I’m the one getting arrested!”
I’m confused on why he cares so much about Luca when he should be concerned about the police. If Ross thinks Luca is in the mob, why would he still show up here after Luca warned him? I mean, if a mobster threatened me, I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side.
“I’m not going to be too many more of your bitches. I don’t give a damn about you or your mammy. I have a restraining order, and I want a divorce.”
“Fuck that restraining order. It was only given to you temporarily because I couldn’t show up for court. And I promise you I will never give you a fucking divorce!” Ross shouts, balling his hands into fists.
In the past, I would have flinched at his shouting. But after two and a half months of self-reflection, praying, and oh yeah… that ass whooping I took, I won’t be flinching and hiding anymore. I didn’t fight back last time, but he’ll have to kill me before I take another punch.
“You beat my ass for the last time. Once I file the paperwork, you won’t have a choice but to give me a divorce.”
I’m not surprised that instead of shame covering Ross’s face, defiance and anger slather across his features like a demon. Even though it’s expected, the look still sends a shiver down my spine. Ross is a bigger monster than I could’ve ever imagined.
“Well, if you stopped being such a whore, then I wouldn’t have to put you in your place.” Ross steps closer to me, getting in my face.
“Her place is out of your life, motherfucker.”
I didn’t know I would need a bodyguard, but I’m glad to have one. However, the shock is laced in my tone when I question, “Jules? What are you doing here?”
“Hey, sweetheart. I was just in the area and thought I’d drop in and say hello.”
I raise an eyebrow at Jules. In our conversation at the club, I learned that he was Luca’s cousin.
Even if he hadn’t said as much, those gray eyes and sharp jawline told me they were related.
And the fact that he happens to show up out of the blue when Ross decides to make a visit tells me all I need to know about Luca and his cousin.
“Uh huh,” I respond unconvinced.
“This is none of your business.”Ross points his finger at Jules, but like the coward he is, he doesn’t move from behind me.
“I beg to differ. Mindy is Dalonzo business. And you’re not supposed to be in her vicinity at all.” Jules takes a step towards Ross.
As much as it pains me to stay between them, I do.
I haven’t had this job for long, but if I want to file for this expensive ass divorce, then I’m going to need to keep it.
That’s one of the reasons I didn’t tell Grace to call the police immediately.
An employee with this much drama gets fired real quick.
So, I hold my hand up to stop Jules from advancing.
“This is my job. One that I need,” I whisper to Jules, imploring him to stop.
I look to see that Grace is nowhere in sight, and now we’re alone in the front of the store. There aren’t any customers, and all my coworkers have conveniently disappeared. I don’t know whether to be relieved or terrified that there aren’t any witnesses around.
Jules doesn’t acknowledge my words at first. He just stands there with narrowed eyes aimed at Ross. I hold my breath until Jules looks at me and nods. I can tell by the rigid set of his jaw that Jules is not happy, but he still takes a reluctant step back.
Hell, I would rather Jules kick Ross’s ass, too. But now is not the time or the place for that. However, Ross obviously doesn’t care about consequences, so I know it won’t be the last time he shows up here to threaten me.
Maybe I can take out a loan for this divorce.
“Mindy is my wife, MINE! She’s nobody’s business but MINE!”
The way Ross keeps stressing the word mine makes him sound like a toddler with sharing issues. I stand here completely flabbergasted. This man has done everything in his power to make me feel unwanted, and now that he has an out, he wants to claim me as his.
Ross Stewart is the textbook definition of a narcissistic psychopath. His ego won’t let me walk away even though it’s clear he doesn’t want me. He can’t let anyone else have me because I might actually enjoy life.
“I’d watch my tone if I were you, asshole.
The only reason I haven’t fucked you up is because your ex-wife asked me not to.
Don’t push your luck cause you gotta leave this building.
” Jules moves his neck from side to side, cracking it in the process.
I can see him restraining himself. And once again, I hold my breath, waiting for the violence to explode.
But it doesn’t. Jules looks at me and winks.
“It’s broad daylight. You can’t do shit to me.” Ross’s bravado is back in full force.
“You’d be surprised what can happen in the light.” Jules’s stare doesn’t waver.
The coldness in his eyes makes goosebumps appear on my arms. I don’t know much about the men of the Dalonzo family, but their menacing words always feel like promises and not threats. Ross must finally get a clue because he looks away from Jules before turning to me.
“We’re gonna talk about this divorce shit. There will be no divorce. I’ll see you later,” Ross hisses before heading towards the door.
But before he could leave, Jules shouts at his back, “I’ll be seeing you, soon.”
Ross freezes mid-step, but he doesn’t turn around. His shoulders tense before he storms out of the door. I know that Ross won’t let this slide, he’ll definitely be back. I have to report him to the police. Hopefully, they will arrest him.
“Luca will pick you up, sweetheart. And don’t worry about Stewart, he won’t get that close to you again, that was my fault.” Jules frowns a little, then shakes his head.
“What do you mean, your fault?” I narrow my eyes at Jules, but he simply smiles.
“Like I said, don’t worry, sweetheart.”
With those parting words, Jules saunters out of the store.
“I’m surprised Luca let you out of his sight long enough to hang out tonight,” Karlie says with a smirk.
I can feel the warmth cover my body at the thought of Luca.
I love spending time with him, but I guess I’ve been neglecting my cousin for the past few weeks.
It’s been a whirlwind, and I’ve been caught up in the Luca Dalonzo bubble.
But this impromptu girls’ night is to make up to her for my lack of quality time.
“He actually encouraged me to come and apologized for being so stingy. As a matter of fact, he said tonight was on him.” I smile as I pull out the platinum card Luca gave me for tonight.
I told him it was too much, but he kissed me on my neck and sent me on my way.
I’m not crazy enough to turn down a free night of dinner at a fancy restaurant with dancing and drinks at one of his lounges afterward, so I said thanks and that was that.
Luca’s generosity isn’t surprising because I know how much money he’s worth…
because of Karlie. I just hope he’s not love bombing me like Ross did.
“That’s what I’m talkin’ about, cuz. I love a man who pays even when he’s not here.” Karlie holds her glass up, and I clink mine against it.
We giggle at each other, and I relax back into the booth. This is the most at ease I have felt in a really long time. Ross hasn’t shown up at the store again, and I almost have enough money for a retainer for a divorce lawyer. Things are looking up.
“Well, well. If it isn’t my son’s wayward wife.”
I could never mistake the high-pitch disdain. That voice used to haunt my nightmares. The woman I can’t stand as much as her idiot son.
“Well, if it isn’t the monster maker,” I say, narrowing my eyes at Sonya Stewart.
“Excuse you? How dare you talk about my son when you’re running around town drinking like some whore,”Sonya snaps in a low tone.
That’s one way that mother and son differ; Sonya never wants to make a public scene. She pretends to be a member of high society, and heaven forbid one of the stuck-up socialites hear anything negative about the Stewart family.
“You’re the one who raised a whore, Sonya. So, let’s keep the name calling to a minimum, shall we…” I smirk before taking a sip of my drink.
“I don’t know what my son sees in you. My Ross has always been too good for you.” Sonya squints her cloudy blue eyes at me.
I roll my eyes at the woman. These aren’t words I haven’t heard a million times before coming from my so-called mother-in-law. She’s told me how little value I have from the moment I said I do.
However, this is the first time that I’ve stood up for myself. I usually would just quietly take all the bullshit she spewed at me without making a peep. It was much easier to not piss off mommy dearest so her psycho son wouldn’t punish me for upsetting her.
“Yes, Sonya. A woman beating, cheating, narcissist is the top of the top. I couldn’t possibly do any better. You raised a real winner,” I say loud enough to garner attention.
Sonya’s eyes widen as she looks around, noticing that people are starting to eavesdrop on our conversation. When she looks at me again, her face is red with embarrassment and anger.
I have to admit it gives me a sense of smug satisfaction to see the evil witch so flustered. I finally found my voice again, and I won’t be going back into my shell. I’ve lived in fear for too long. And today is part of my liberation.
“Why you little bitch,”Sonya whispers through clenched teeth.
I hold up my hand, cutting her off. “Go away, Sonya. I don’t care what you have to say or what names you call me. Save it. The only thing you can do for me is talk your good-for-nothing son into signing the divorce papers when I send them.”
“If anybody is good-for-nothing, it’s you. You nig…”
“If you want to keep breathing, I suggest not finishing that sentence.”
Sonya whirls around with large eyes as she takes in the sight of Luca Dalonzo. And what a sight he is. His imposing height and scowling face make him look like an avenging angel.
My avenging angel.
“I beg your pardon,” Sonya gasps.
“You heard me, bitch. Move around before I move you.”
Sonya looks at me, then back at Luca, before she grumbles under her breath and saunters away.
I would’ve normally chastised Luca for being rude, but hell, I was way worse than he was.
Besides, if she had finished calling me what I know she was going to, even God himself wouldn’t have been able to pull me off of her.
“Luc, what are you doing here?” I smile up at him.
“Looks like saving you from yet another restaurant run-in.” Luca smirks.
I giggle, shaking my head, patting the seat beside me for him to sit down. Luca takes a seat and kisses my lips. I do my best not to swoon, but the man is as protective as he is gorgeous, so it’s difficult. But I manage when Karlie interrupts our canoodling.
“What do you mean by restaurant run-in? Oh, and I’m Karlie by the way. Nice to officially meet you,” Karlie says in the nonchalant way of hers.
Luca turns to her with a twinkle in his eyes and nods. “Nice to officially meet you as well. Your cousin seems to attract people from her former life who like to confront her in eating establishments.”
“Yeah, first Ross, now mommy dearest.” I shake my head.
“I forgot about Ross with his bitchass. What’s up with these people.” Karlie frowns. “Looks like you have a slew of stalkers.”
“I know, right?” A few months ago, I couldn’t pay Ross to pay attention to me, butnow I can’t get rid of him.
Even though I blocked Ross on all social media accounts, I know it’s him sending me messages from fake accounts.
Either that, or he’s gotten some of his shit for brain mistresses to do it.
Either way, I have had to adjust my settings on all my accounts to avoid messages from people I’m not friends with.
“ Coniglia , who is bothering you that you didn’t tell me about?” Luca questions with that crazy gleam in his eyes that I pretend not to see.
I know Luca is not like other men. I know he’s overprotective. I just hope it’s because he was there for the worst part of my life, and I’m not falling for another monster.
“I just keep getting random hateful messages. It’s not a big deal.” My response is meant to be flippant, but some of the fear seeps through.
“They’re just keyboard thugs. Nobody will try anything in real life ever again, and don’t you forget it, cuz.
You have us in your corner now.” Karlie looks at Luca, and he acknowledges her words with a nod.
“Now, since you interrupted our girls’ night, you might as well pull up a seat and drink with us.
” Karlie winks at Luca, waiving her hand in the air to flag down the waitress.
“I’ll be happy to buy whatever you ladies want. The night is on me, but I’ll be the designated driver, so I won’t be drinking.” Luca leans over and kisses my lips.
I smile up at him, and all thoughts of ex-husbands and crazy ex-mother-in-law’s fade away.