"Okay, so you and your brothers offered to help him and his family in return for—"
"Him giving us information on Freddie’s whereabouts."
"So, you came to look for this man's family and ended up being taken yourself?"
"We underestimated Freddie. Two of my brothers and I went into the house where Freddie was holding this guy’s family. We managed to get them out, but Freddie's men came after us. My brothers left with the family. I stayed behind to hold them back. I thought we had succeeded, too. Then, I was ambushed. The next thing I know, I'm being thrown into this cell with you."
"But why did he take me?" I bite the inside of my cheek. "I have nothing to do with the Mafia. I‘m an actress and a jazz dancer, and I’m only in Palermo to perform an interpretation ofBeauty and The Beast. I was on my way back from dance rehearsal when someone kidnapped me. I woke up in this room, two days ago… At least, I think it was two days."
"And you haven’t seen anyone?"
"No one but you."
"Hmm." He rubs his jaw. "It makes no sense."
"You’re telling me." I shuffle my feet. "Can we go back into the room now?"
He tilts his head, then nods. "Go on, I’m going to wash up quickly, and then I’ll be there." I head out of the bathroom, but instead of clambering onto the bed, I begin to pace the room. This entire situation is so bizarre. Why am I here? Why did they bring him here? Why have they locked us together? What do they want to do with us? And damn it, why am I so attracted to my fellow prisoner?
That’s when the door opens and a man walks in.
4
Jeanne
A scream spills from my lips. I scramble back until I hit the wall. "Who… who are you?" I gasp out at the stranger who stands inside the door.
"Freddie Nielsen, at your service." He tips an imaginary hat, then grins at me. His accent is British. He's of medium height, slightly overweight, but muscular, with a bald head and a round face. His thick neck and the shape of his biceps that stretch his jacket indicate he’s stronger than he seems. He’s wearing black pants and a button-down shirt. What is it with these men? It's like they don’t go anywhere unless they’re dressed formally.
The door behind me is wrenched open before Luca bursts into the room. "What the fuck, what happen—?" He spots Freddie and his features harden. He draws himself up to his full height—which means he towers over Freddie.
"Freddie—fucking—Nielsen." He rushes toward the stranger, who pulls out his gun and fires.
I scream. Luca halts mid-stride. My heart crashes into my chest and adrenaline laces my blood. I whip my head in Luca's direction to find he has his hands raised. He's still standing; he's not hurt. Clearly, the bullet missed him. The breath whooshes out of me. His features harden as he glares at the other guy.
"Next time, the bullet will be in your chest." Freddie smirks.
"Next time, I'll get to you first," Luca snaps.
Hands still raised, he sidles over to stand between us, so he cuts off Freddie from my line of sight. Huh? Is he protecting me? That full-of-himself jerkface is trying to shield me?
"The fuck do you want with us?" Luca lowers his chin to his chest.
"Ah, there’s already an 'us' here, is there?" Freddie’s grin widens. "I knew the two of you would hit it off."
"The fuck you talking about,stronzo?" Luca’s shoulders flex, tension pours off of his body. I peek around and spot Freddie’s face. His attention is focused on Luca.
"How predictable you Sovranos are, eh? A pretty face crosses your path, and you’re instantly captivated. Not only that, but you become all protective toward them. Nothing like your father. Guess your Nonna did a good job bringing you guys up, eh?"
Every muscle in Luca’s body seems to coil. "Don’t talk about my Nonna, youfetente."
"What a tragic way to go." Freddie shakes his head. "I’m sorry for your loss, by the way."
"You... You were behind the shooting at her place that took her out?" Luca’s shoulders seem to grow even bigger. The biceps that stretch his T-shirt sleeves bulge further.
Freddie laughs. "You have to admit, it was a smart move to shift the blame to Fabio."Who’s Fabio? Who’s Freddie referring to? And is he responsible for the death of Luca’s grandmother?
"Youpezzo di merda! I’m going to kill you," Luca growls.