Chapter 12 #2
Jessica must have a sense for erections because she raises one brow and bites her bottom lip while pointedly looking at my middle. Her stride is confident and sexy as she comes closer, and once again I don’t feel a thing. Except impatience.
I’ve always known that Jessica is a toxic woman. Manipulative, possessive, and willing to stoop to any level to get what she wants, no matter who she has to trample or coerce along the way. She’s not the kind of woman you trust, and definitely not relationship material.
Still, none of those things bothered me when we first agreed to hook up for fun without strings attached—even though I knew full well what I was getting myself into. Because of course, soon enough, she wanted strings. All the strings.
And considering her history with Dante, I was fully aware that she was angling for an engagement ring and the Bellanti last name.
It didn’t matter to her which brother she ended up with.
But Dante’s married and off-limits now, so that leaves me and Armani—and I’m the only one easygoing enough to take her up on the offer of carefree sex.
She’s great for a little fun, but nothing beyond that.
Karina on the other hand. Damn. I’m not entirely sure what kind of future is possible with her, but I’d sure as hell like to find out.
Jessica’s hands land on my desk, and she leans forward in front of me, showing off the rise of her tits in the low neckline of her blouse.
Putting my hand out to stop her, I turn my head away when she comes in for a kiss.
“Don’t,” I say. “We need to talk.”
Clearly irritated, she pulls herself back and stands tall. “Oh, really?”
She snaps the words at me, probably smelling an impending breakup in the air. But is it really a breakup if you’re not officially dating? Either way, it’s time to put an end to this.
“Look, Jessica. It’s been real. But the ship is in another dock. We gotta be done.”
Crossing her arms, she shakes her head like I’m a disobedient child. “Seriously, Marco? When does your ship ever stay in one dock?”
“I’m sorry, but I mean it. You can let yourself out now.”
Yeah, I sound like a cold bastard, but Jessica isn’t one for subtlety. This has to be a clean break, with no room for misinterpretation. Besides, as much of a dick as I’m being right now, I know she’s capable of far worse. This is for the best.
She doesn’t budge. “Who is she, Marco?”
“It’s not your business.”
“Why not? I’d like to know who I’ve been traded in for.”
Why did I think this would go over without a fight? “Don’t make this something that it’s not. We had a fling, with a clear understanding from the get-go that that’s all it was.”
“We’ve been together a lot longer than a fling, Marco,” she says, pouting.
Jesus, here we go. “I’ve had racing tires last longer than what we had. This was never supposed to get serious. Besides, you agreed we could see other people. Well, I have been.”
“I only said that because I thought you needed to work it out of your system!”
“Seriously? What was your plan? Did you think you could just fuck your way through all the Bellantis until one of us eventually offered you the keys to the kingdom? Nah.”
Before this can go any further, I get up and motion her to the door. “I have a meeting now, so you’ll have to excuse me.”
Jessica opens and closes her mouth a few times and then wordlessly clips off in a huff, slamming the door behind her. So much for skipping Dante’s file sharing.
Frankie, my sister-in-law, is in Dante’s office when I return. She has a deep line between her eyes and the sides of her mouth are tight. She’s holding her round, pregnant belly with both hands. Armani is here too. Something’s up. There’s a crackle to the air that wasn’t here earlier.
I look between my brothers. “What’s wrong?”
Frankie sighs. “Livvie ran off with her bodyguard. She left a note, but we don’t know where they went. Hopefully she’ll call soon. Our mom is freaking out.”
Stunned, I can’t think of anything to say.
Frankie’s youngest sister has been in hiding out in Louisiana, safely tucked away from the clutches of the Brunos after Frankie and her older sister Charlie were kidnapped last year—albeit briefly.
Livvie’s bodyguard was vetted and hired to guard her with his life. Not fall for her.
“I mean, he’s hot,” Frankie says. “I guess I can’t blame her.”
I’m not sure if I should laugh or not so I defer to Dante who cracks a surprised smile.
“Really, wife?”
She slaps him playfully on the chest. “Oh stop. You know you’re hot, too.”
Rubbing her belly, he pulls her in for a one-armed hug. “Glad you think so.”
I roll my eyes and try to ignore the warm feeling in the center of my chest as Dante and Frankie embrace. She’s worried, but Dante knows how to comfort her. And Frankie always seems to know what to say to make my brother feel better, too.
There’s never been a woman in my life who has had my back like that before, but I can see the appeal. Shifting my weight, I look away from them. Something about it makes me uncomfortable as I think about what love like that could do. Uplift, yes, but also destroy.
“Livvie is in good hands,” I say. “She’s safely out of the Brunos’ way, and with someone who knows how to protect her.”
“Yeah,” Frankie agrees. “I just…I hope he really loves her.”
Nodding, I silently debate whether to tell my brothers about Karina. The words are there, and I almost say that I have an in with the Rossis, but in the end I keep my mouth shut.
I know I should tell my brothers about Karina. Our family has been through hell thanks to the Brunos, and she could be the key to making it stop. She could lead us to the information we need to avenge our father.
I should tell them.
But I don’t.