Dario places the food on the counter and my mouth starts to water. I tear into the wings first. I think I’m hungrier than I thought.
“You want some of this rice?” Dario asks, holding the box in my direction.
“No, thank you.”
My stomach turns and I jump up to rush to the nearby powder room. Dario is right on my heels. He pulls my hair from my face and holds it back as I empty my stomach.
“Motherfucker. If you have food poisoning from that place, they’re never opening their doors again.”
I grunt and keep heaving. If only he knew.
“Marone. Baby, I’m so sorry.”
I groan and fall back onto my butt. He pushes my hair from my face and kisses my forehead.
“I’m going next door to get Dr. Brown. You good for about five minutes?”
“You don’t need to disturb that man. I’m fine.”
He twists his lips at me and stands. “I’ve catered enough shit for him over the years. Every time he smells food coming from this place, he’s at my door. He can get his ass up and see to you for me.”
I groan and roll my eyes. This is why I can’t tell him. I’d be locked in this apartment with a babysitter until he returns from Italy. Nope.
Dario
I just put Carleen in the bed and came out here to clear this food away. I pick up one of the cartons and sniff at it. It doesn’t smell off, but Carleen was fine before eating this shit.
I’m pissed at myself. It wouldn’t have taken me long to make her something to eat. I should have followed my first mind. I trash it all and wipe the island down. I’ll have an inspector in that place by morning.
Grumbling to myself, I pour a drink of whiskey. This has been one long fucking day. I snort as I think of Carleen with that pause bullshit. I may need time to figure things out, but I am going to figure them out.
My caution doesn’t mean I’m claiming defeat. When this is all over, I’m claiming my woman for good. All thoughts of distance are bullshit. I know I can’t walk away now, and I’ve only been lying to myself when I think about trying.
My phone rings, pulling me from my rambling thoughts. This thing hasn’t stopped ringing all day. I expect it to be Apollo with an update on Talon, but it’s Dante’s number. I furrow my brows and pick up the call.
“What’s up?”
“Bethany’s gone.”
“She took off? Why am I not surprised?”
“No, Dario. She’s dead. Someone killed her.”
“What?”
“I’m leaving the precinct now, they’re still collecting evidence and figuring out the details. I heard her screaming…Bella heard me tell her to go somewhere and die. What the fuck is wrong with me?”
I haven’t heard my brother sound like this in so long. His voice is so detached. Talk about bad timing.
I freeze and think of Gio. I would never outright ask him, but I have to wonder if he’s involved. I need more information before I can confirm the fact, but after Bethany’s performance earlier, I wouldn’t put it past him.
“Don’t do this to yourself. We all know she’s pushed you to do worse. You’ve shown more restraint than I thought you were capable of.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. I’m so fucking numb right now.”
I look down at my watch. “Listen, get some sleep. Take a day or two to process and pull yourself together. Call me whenever you need. I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Dario.”
Hanging up, I groan. Dragging my tired body into the bedroom, I strip and head into the shower. My thoughts are riding me hard as I move through a quick shower.
I climb out and crawl into bed with Carleen. I spoon her and wrap her in my arms. She snuggles into me. Exhausted, I kiss the top of her head.
My need to keep her safe and protected rears up. What if that wasn’t Gio who had Bethany killed? Could Carleen be in danger? I make a mental note to change Apollo’s instructions for while I’m gone.
“No one will ever take you from me,” I murmur into her hair.
Everything is changing. I think of my niece. She’s probably better off without her mother. Bethany only cared about herself. However, Bella will now know what it’s like to lose a mother.
But did you really lose yours? There are answers, Dario, you just need to find them. Italy has them all.
I close my eyes and allow my mind to settle. Things will fall into place. They always do.
Chapter 19
I Run This Board
Dario
The weight of the world is on my shoulders as I stand in my twin’s home gym, feeling the bitter sting of the lie I spoke only moments ago.
I didn’t say we’re together. I leave for Italy after the New Year. Nothing has changed.