He shook his head, an evil look plastered on his face, sending a chill down my spine. “Definitely not.”
* * *
Ihad one hour to shower and look immaculate for a surprise dinner at Salvatore Luciano’s penthouse. Stefan chose a beautiful Valentino red silk dress and a pair of black Christian Louboutin pumps. He had an impeccable taste in fashion.
In seconds, I went from one of the most incredible highs of my life to one of the lowest. Stefan refused to tell me why his father was summoning us. Angelo was equally cryptic.
After curling the ends of my long black hair and applying neutral color makeup, Stefan and Angelo escorted me to their father’s penthouse. They greeted the guards with a nod. No one spoke as we headed into the lion’s den.
The penthouse was twice the size of ours, and top to bottom oozed wealth. We entered the large dining room off the living room and kitchen, where at least thirty people sat, waiting for our arrival.
My dad was among them.
Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Chunks rose from the back of my throat, choking me as I inched into the room. Dad wore a suit and a terrified expression that he tried to hide by sipping scotch. He buried his nose in the glass, his eyes on me.
My gaze swept around the dining area to all the men wearing expensive suits and women in cocktail dresses. Dante sat on their father’s right at the head of the table. Nico was beside him with a beautiful blonde woman tapping her long nails on his arm.
Nico’s mom, Cara.
She didn’t look old enough to have a twenty-nine-year-old son. With long, blonde hair that fell over her shoulders in waves and big blue eyes that popped off her face, she was gorgeous. I could see why Salvatore cheated on his wife with her. Cara had a dancer’s body and big boobs barely contained in the tight black dress that hugged her curves.
When our eyes met, she smiled, and I returned the gesture.
A part of me hoped Nico told his mom about me and that he meant every word. He said I was his—theirs—and I wanted that so badly.
My heart didn’t seem to get the memo about the Luciano brothers. I knew it was stupid to feel anything for them, to lower my guard with them. But for the first time in my life, I had a family—people who looked out for me and cared for me.
I liked how they watched me.
Made me feel important.
Special.
Wanted.
Among the Don’s courtiers was Paulie Amato, hisconsigliere. One day, Nico would take his place. He’d been working as one of his father’s advisors for years.
I recognized a few men I’d met at family functions and holidays. Made men. Even Bella was here with her parents, which shocked the hell out of me.
Was she summoned last minute, too?
Forcing a smile, I waved to her. She waved back with the same weary expression on her face. With one look from my best friend, I knew I had every right to be worried. This wasn’t a social call or a regular gathering.
Bella mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
For what?
My eyebrows rose in question.
Lips pursed, she shook her head.
As we approached Salvatore, he tipped his head at the table. “You’re late. Sit. We’re about to serve the antipasto.”
My stomach twisted into knots, my heart beating so fast I could hardly catch my breath. So they would let us have our last meal before putting a bullet in our heads. And to think, I was so sure we would get away with everything. I had the perfect plan to replace the money my dad stole before they could uncover the paper trail.
Angelo took his place beside Nico. Then Stefan pulled out the chair next to my dad and pushed me into the table before sitting on my right.