24. Lena
Lena
I open my eyes, and my first thought is, “This is the first day of the rest of my life.” I could’ve said that any other day. But today, I actually feel it. The rest of my life is going to be different.
Next to me, wrapped in the white sheet, Dominic is still asleep. His chin rests gently against my shoulder, one arm draped around my waist. A dumb smile stretches across my face.
There’s a lot to say about last night. The way we opened up to each other, the vulnerability, the no holding back kind of sex... it felt like something I’ve never experienced before. Like the real first time. The kind that only happens with someone you love and trust completely.
Carefully, I ease myself out of his embrace. I glance back. He’s peaceful, vulnerable and gorgeous. Dominic Monti. Mine. And I’m his.
I slip out of bed without making a sound. It’s still early, and knowing him, a total night owl, he’ll probably sleep another hour or two. But I’m restless. There’s so much to do. So many changes ahead. It’s like a weight’s been lifted off me. And I feel light as air. And starving.
I’m craving coffee. Something insanely sweet from the pastry chef.
Sure, I could order room service and enjoy myself until Dominic wakes up.
Hotel life has its perks. I pull on one of his T-shirts and step out into the living room.
It’s just 9 a.m. I didn’t sleep much, but I feel high on life.
There’s no way I’m going back to bed. And God, I need to talk. Like… really talk.
I wonder if Lexi’s up. I send her a quick text: “Hey, morning. You up? I need a gossip fix.”
To my surprise—and relief—she replies right away:
Lexi: “How are you? I’m so glad you wrote. I’ve been holding back from calling you for the past hour.”
Me: “Wow, look at you being all early bird. How’s your sex god? He was a total hero yesterday. I owe him big time.”
Lexi: “Gabriel went for a beach run with Duke.”
Me: “Ugh, I miss that rascal. You and your fluffy prince should come by the hotel. Let’s do coffee on the terrace or something.”
Lexi: “Now?”
Me: “As soon as you can. Dominic’s still asleep for at least two hours, and I’m bursting with news. We’re heading to see Damien later.”
Lexi: “Give me a hint at least.”
Me: “It’s all good. I told him. Everything. I feel like I can finally breathe. Also... I might be pregnant after last night. And later we’re turning in the file on Anton to the police.”
Lexi: “ Wait, what?! You can’t just drop that and expect me to stay calm. Screw waiting for Duke, he’ll come back soaked and covered in sand , anyway . I’m getting dressed and heading out now. Thirty minutes tops. Tell me where to find you in that hotel maze.”
Me: “Wherever there’s coffee and desserts. Hurry.”
Time for me to get moving, too. I freshen up quickly in what used to be my bathroom, then pull on jeans, a light shirt, and flats.
In the elevator, I press the button for the east terrace.
Morning light is perfect there, and it’s usually quieter.
I have to cross the lobby and catch another elevator, but it’s worth it.
As I walk through the main hall, I spot Mario by the entrance.
He’s got a bag slung over his shoulder and keeps glancing around, restless, like he’s trying to work up the nerve to ask for someone.
I walk up to him. He freezes for a half-second, clearly caught off guard, like he’d been thinking about me and I appeared out of thin air.
Then, almost too quickly, that familiar grin snaps back into place.
“Hey, kiddo. I was coming to find you. Talk about timing. I’m actually heading out this time. Are you okay? I heard about what happened yesterday. Damn... I told you it was dangerous.”
He pulls me into a hug, words tumbling out of his mouth. I manage to slip in a sentence: “I’m okay. How did you find out?”
“My journalist sources. Pretty much everyone who matters in this town knows what went down with Anton. Nasty stuff.”
I pull away. I don’t want Dominic showing up and going all jealous again. Mario studies my face, like he’s trying to read me.
“Yeah,” I say softly. “It was really bad. I don’t even want to think about it for a while.”
“You want to tell me what’s next? I’ve got about an hour before I hit the road. I rented a car, and I have to make it by tonight.”
Lexi won’t be here for a bit. And honestly, after the whole scene between him and Dominic, I kind of owe Mario a proper goodbye.
“We can grab coffee here in the lobby. I can order something.” I nod toward one of the couches.
He chuckles, like he had a flashback. “What? So your husband can walk in on us again? No thanks. Let’s go out. There’s a coffee shop nearby.”
He’s got a point. It might be better to avoid another scene. This felt public enough. It’s not like I planned to go somewhere with him. Just one coffee, then goodbye.
I glance toward the reception desk, instinctively thinking I should check in or leave a note. But I stop myself. W hat’s the point of leaving a trail if it leads Dominic straight to me and Mario?
Lexi will call when she gets here, and I’ll ask her to wait.
“Sure, let’s go. I’ve only got half an hour. And honestly, I’m more interested in your story today.”
Mario slips an arm around my shoulders in a friendly gesture, and we head out. The sun’s already bright. It’s a perfect morning in a city fully awake to summer. He motions to the right, steering us around the hotel. He’s quiet, scanning the street.
“Dominic’s not coming after us,” I say. “I left him sleeping. And I think we’re past all the drama. If he had more time to get to know you, he’d chill out.”
Mario nods, but there’s something off in his smile, tight, unnatural. A flicker of guilt? Fear? I can’t quite read it.
“Are you okay, Mario? You seem… off.”
He quickens his pace. Then, suddenly, his hand clamps around my elbow, steering me sharply around the corner.
Before I can react, he pulls me into a narrow side alley where a car is parked. What the hell?
Then I’m shoved hard against the door. Cold metal digs into my ribs, the barrel of a gun.
“Get in,” he says, his voice uneven. “Don’t make a scene. All I need is to talk. Be reasonable. Please.”
I freeze. My pulse jumps. “Mario, what is this?”
He shifts the gun, unsteady. Like it’s too heavy, and this isn’t who he is.
“I don’t want to hurt you. I swear. But you need to understand, I didn’t have a choice, okay? You’ll get it once I explain. The Rinaldis… they came for me too.”
His voice cracks a little. It’s not rage. It’s panic. Desperation. He’s trembling. His jaw clenches, but his eyes are pleading. And against all logic I believe him. He’s spiraling, he’s scared, maybe more than I am.
“Mario, listen. I’m sure we can figure this out. Talk to me. Dominic knows people. They can help you. We can fix it, but not like this—”
“Just get in the car,” he cuts in, softer now, almost begging. “Please, Lena. I didn’t mean to scare you. I panicked. You're right. We’ll talk. I need you in the car. That’s all.”
He opens the door for me. I hesitate. The gun still glints in his hand, but something in his face… I don’t know. He looks like someone pushed past the edge, not a killer. If this really goes back to the Rinaldis, I need to know how deep.
I get in. He shuts the door, locks it, then puts a finger to his lips, telling me to stay quiet. He gets behind the wheel, throws his bag in the back, and yanks the phone out of my hand. He throws it out the window and takes off like a maniac.
“What the hell? Are you serious, Mario?”
“I had to. Can’t risk you getting clever with that phone. It’s better this way, just us. We’ll talk. Like you said we would.”
He swerves onto the main road, and a few horns are blaring. The gun stays in his hand, pointed straight at me.
Is he high? I try to read his eyes. He flinches when he catches me staring. Then he flashes that grin, off-kilter and too wide.”
“Just the two of us now, kiddo. Let’s go for a drive. Figure some things out.”
“Where are you taking me? What do you mean, ‘figure out’?”
“I’m going to give you the best advice you’ve ever gotten. And you know I’ve always looked out for you.”
I don’t answer. I keep my eyes on the road, on the city behind us, trying to track where we’re headed.
Then he says it. “Drop the case against Anton. He’s going to walk, anyway. You’re only making it worse. You’ll put those women in more danger.”
“Mario, what does this have to do with you? Tell me. I can help. Is it the Rinaldis? Are they threatening you?”
My voice hardens. “Anton’s already in jail. He’s not getting out anytime soon. Even without my file, he’s still facing kidnapping charges. His crew’s either locked up or on the run. What are you so scared of?”
Mario lets out a short, bitter laugh. “Oh Lena, you’re still so damn na?ve. Anton’s the golden boy of that family. You didn’t only bring him down, you pissed off his father, his uncle, and a few key partners. They all want you silenced.”
“There’s nothing left to do. He’s been arrested. Even the mayor gave statements. It’s over.”
“No. You don’t get it. It’s never over with people like them. Their money will get him out. But with you still alive and ready to come back swinging, they won’t sleep. Not until you’re gone.”
“What do you mean by me still alive? What are you planning to do, Mario?”
We’re already out of the city. He’s driving like a maniac, but that doesn’t scare me anymore.
A car crash might actually save me. I could throw him off balance, maybe hit him if that gun weren’t still pointed at me and his hands weren’t shaking.
His whole body trembles. Spit flies from his mouth when he talks. He’s not just scared, he’s breaking.
Then he veers into a traffic island, one of those emergency pull-off zones. The city vanishes behind us. Cars rush past, too fast to notice anything. There’s no way to signal for help, no one to see I’m in trouble. But maybe I still have one shot if I can get through to him.